The 993-generation 911 was the last air-cooled Porsche built
It's also the last to feature curves, tactility and that signature rear-engine chassis feel
Everyone loves the end of an era.
In other words, a swan song. Car brands usually make a new product, sell it to people; then recall it, further update it, and attempt to make better versions of it until the show is over.
Basically, it takes years to deeply distill a product and make it taste extra sweet. When the 993-generation 911 came out, people chastised its air-cooled antics as stone-age and archaic. Literally every-other car brand was using water-cooling at this point.
Yet despite having grey hair, the air-cooled Porsche powertrain was reliable, fast, proven, and renown for its signature engine note. As time went on, faster didn’t turn out better, and the innate characteristics of an air-cooled Porsche were never replicated again.
It’s this fidelity and tactility that cements the 993-generation Porsche 911 as an appreciating classic, and one to put on your shopping list.
Aside from its evocative and nuanced powertrain, other elements like a wide rear end with an obvious front-to-rear track difference, pull-to-push door handles and pared back interior make it feel period. It’s obviously from a different era.
It goes down a road exceptionally well too – somewhat supple and easily drivable – and will communicate movement from the rear axle at the soonest instance. It’s confident and easy to drive hard, and with the roof down sounds extravagant, too.
The best way to hear a flat-six is with no roof!
The car pictured – 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
This Porsche is a 993-generation 911 Carrera Cabriolet that was made in 1997 and delivered new to Australia.
It was factory ordered in the unusual shade of Ocean Blue metallic. Often confused with Lapis Blue, Ocean Blue is a rarer colour with deeper green highlights. The exterior colour is complimented inside by an extended navy blue leather seat and dashboard trim.
Under the automatic rear spoiler lies a 3.6-litre flat-six ‘M64’ engine with 210Kw/340Nm torque. Power is extrapolated by a ‘tiptronic’ automatic transmission and sent exclusively to the rear wheels.
Although the car has travelled 197,000km, it has undergone a complete engine rebuild by leading marque specialist Autohaus Hamilton to the tune of $40,000+. It also comes with stacks of receipts and paperwork to prove it’s been maintained by few and good hands from new.
The powertrain feels fresh and potent under the foot. Aside from minor paint repairs aimed at improving its cosmetics, it wears mostly-original paint and presents in well-above average condition for its use. The roof looks new and has had its rear-window replaced, and the electric soft-top’s actuation works swiftly and flawlessly every time.
This example is a great driver that has been refreshed with considerable amounts of time, love and funds.
It’s a car you can get in and pedal for many years to come without fuss.
What makes this one special
- 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
- Last of the air-cooled 911
- Australian-delivered new
- Rare Ocean Blue paintwork
- Navy blue leather trim
- 3.6-litre flat-six engine
- Tiptronic automatic transmission
- Recent engine overhaul by Autohaus Hamilton
- Extensive history from new
- Remote keyless entry
- Electric seats with electric lumbar support
- 2+2 (has rear sears for kids!)
- Cruise control
- Climate control, power steering, power windows, CD player
The last of the air-cooled 911s have become incredibly expensive, but there is a reason for that.Road & Track magazine, April 13, 2017.
