The final air-cooled 911 is now highly-prized amongst Porsche fans, but does it deserve the hype? We sample a lovely 993 to find out

The final incarnation of an iconic vehicle often carries extra sway among aficionados, and that’s certainly the case with 993-generation Porsche 911. While not the end of the 911’s lineage, the 993 was the final air-cooled variant, with its 996 replacement not only water-cooled, but also much more modern overall.

The 993 therefore stands out as a high-point, delivering old-school charm, the distinctive sound of an air-cooled flat six and a distinct focus on the sports car driver, with fewer concessions to user friendliness compared to the later cars. Some say the 993 can be hard work or even uncomfortable, so when the chance to experience a 993 for ourselves came about at Paragon Porsche in East Sussex, it was an opportunity that had to be taken.

A late car dating from 1997, it’s a Carrera 2 Cabriolet – ideal for really enjoying the 3.6 litre flat-six ‘VarioRam’ engine’s soundtrack. It’s a desirable six-speed manual car, presented in Arctic Silver with black leather trim and black fully electric roof. On the odometer there are 74,180 miles showing – very low for a 29-year-old car, but in any case there’s precious little evidence that they have been covered without anything less than great care and sympathy.

Exterior wise, the paintwork is excellent, with no stone chips evident and a consistent colour match. The five-spoke ‘Cup’ 17-inch wheels are unmarked and have neat, crested centres, as well as wearing Pirelli tyres all round. Elsewhere, the electric hood and tonneau cover look to be in great shape too. It’s a very pretty car – many feel the 993 was a more accomplished styling exercise compared to the afterthought styling of the 964.

The interior benefits from black leather hard-backed electric sports seats – the backs remain immaculate and the leather looks as good as new. The dash and steering wheel are also really well-presented, with the former playing host to a desirable and very appropriate Blaupunkt Bremen head unit with Bluetooth and DAB radio. The car also boasts air conditioning and twin airbags, plus power steering and electric windows and mirrors. The hood also works perfectly.

Popping open the engine cover, the small access aperture makes the 3.6-litre flat six look a little shoehorned in, but this is normal for 911s of this era. Everything looks to be in good order, and appears entirely standard.

While not quite as capacious as later iterations of the 911, the front storage compartment is in good order too and the carpeting is intact. The spare wheel and toolkit are present and correct, as is the original Porsche first aid kit and jack.

Being a post-1996 car, this example’s 3.6-litre engine has the VarioRam system that improved low-end torque and top-end power, boosting it from 268 to 281bhp. Twisting the key sees it fires up almost instantly. It idles easily, and it’s a smooth runner with no stutters, misfires, or strange noises to note. There’s lovely deep throaty engine noise, only enhanced by having the roof down.

Getting up to the national speed limit is swift and easy, but the most notable takeaway is just how easy this Porsche is to drive. In something of a contrast with its reputation, it’s not scary nor intimidating. The 993 was a largely clean sheet design compared to its 964 predecessor, with multi-link rear suspension mated to a light alloy subframe to reduce snappy oversteer, and the suspension feels more compliant than expected. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, maintaining a smooth ride through mid-corner surface changes. The ride is also enhanced by the seats, which are comfortable and supportive.

Adding to the experience is the steering, which is well weighted and direct, while the brakes are superb. A common complaint with the right-hand drive 993 is the offset position of the pedals, but while this can be a bit of a pain, it’s not overly so. The six-speed gear change is weighty but precise, adding to the car’s quality feel.

You can certainly appreciate the appeal. This feels like a very well-engineered car, and the Teutonic, slightly dated dash only adds to the impression. It’s all so distinctly Porsche, and in my view, better than the 996 that replaced it.

Our verdict

The 993 is a wonderful package with more cohesive styling than the 964 than it replaced, and feels more authentic than the 996 successor. In many ways it’s the perfect bridging point between an old world, last century Porsche, and the new water-cooled world that very much represented Porsche’s 21st century future.
This one is a cracker too, as a later car, it boasts several refinements compared to the earlier examples, and comes with plenty of creature comforts. Yet it still feels characterful – a true analogue experience with a wonderful soundtrack. Being a Cabriolet, it’s also perfect for the summer.

With thanks to

Paragon
Five Ashes
East Sussex
TN20 6HY

01825 830 424
paragongb.com