1998 Porsche 993 'Twin Turbo' Coupe

Description

The last traditional air-cooled 911, codenamed the 993, was unveiled by Porsche at the 1993 Frankfurt International Motor Show, becoming the most radical update of the iconic model since its launch almost 30 years earlier. The 993’s shape saw a cohesive and nicely resolved softening and updating of the 911’s lines, with new ellipsoidal headlamps mounted in flatter, wider front wings, new tail light treatment, while the ‘Whale Tail’ gave way to an electrically operated spoiler that integrated with the rear body when not in use. Initially sold in coupe form only, the 993 range expanded to include both cabriolet and targa variants. Under the skin, the latest 911 featured an completely reworked version of the venerable flat six, still displacing 3.6-litres but with a stiffer crankshaft, lighter connecting rods and pistons, bigger valves and rocker arms, eliminating vibration problems found in its predecessor, the 964. A new six-speed manual transmission and Tiptronic four-speed auto, revised front and multi-link rear suspension, Bosch’s latest ABS and the option of an active brake differential (ABD) were other key new technologies employed. The interior also came in for some revision, with new seats, door trims and switchgear. In 1995 Porsche unveiled its latest flagship at the Geneva Salon, adding twin turbochargers to the Turbo for the first time. The Turbo’s bodywork was suitably beefed up, covering 18-inch rims with 285/30 ZR18 rubber (and 225/40 ZR18 at the front), with a unique fixed rear spoiler finished in body colour. Porsche used two small KKK superchargers and dual-charge air intercoolers to overcome any lag issues, with a maximum of 408 horsepower developed at 5750 rpm and 540 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. Controlled by the latest Bosch Motoronic M5.2 engine management system, the Turbo also boasted the world’s cleanest exhaust emissions thanks to the On Board Diagnosis II system. The Turbo used the sophisticated all-wheel drive system from the Carrera 4, with the suspension suitably re-tuned and modified brakes to cope with the additional power. The 993 Turbo also boasted a long list of additional features over the standard Carrera, including full leather upholstery, electric seats, a premium sound system and Litronic xenon headlamps. With 0-100 km/h coming up in 4.5 seconds and a top speed exceeding 290 km/h, Porsche’s latest Turbo was amongst the fastest cars on the road in the 1990s but none of its rivals could offer such accessible performance. Contemporary reports favourably compared the 993 Turbo with the ultra-exclusive 959, commenting that 10 years after its launch, Porsche’s Group B supercar had finally met its match. With only 5,978 built, the 993 Turbo is fast becoming one of the most collectible modern cars to emerge from Stuttgart, with prices climbing steadily in recent years. 

History

• Last of the Australian delivery 993 Twin Turbo
• Carefully maintained by Porsche specialists
• Offered with books and history

This lovely Porsche 993 Twin Turbo dates from the final year of production and is a genuine Australian delivered example of this hugely desirable supercar, one of 11 or 12 MY98 plated example to reach this country when new. Finished in Midnight Blue with matching full leather upholstery, the car remains as delivered, with only 105,000 kms on the clock at the time of cataloguing, the condition commensurate with the recorded mileage. Understood to have had just two previous keepers, the current owner (a long-standing Porsche enthusiast and collector), who lives in rural South Australia, bought the car in 2007 and drove it two or three times a year on trips to Adelaide or Melbourne, never in winter. Always maintained by recognised marque specialists, the car is now reluctantly offered for sale as the owner has too many toys. Currently registered in South Australia however it will be offered for sale unregistered. The ultimate version of the final air-cooled model from Stuttgart, comes with original delivery books and some service history. 

Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.