AIR AND WATER
Feeling flush? Let’s assume your budget runs to fifty grand. This will enable you to access the last of the air-cooled 911s (code designation 993) and any number of water-cooled variants, including superb top-end 996 and 997 models, such as Turbos. Of course, if you’re not hellbent on driving a classic Porsche, and owning one with forced induction isn’t a deal breaker, you don’t need to spend anywhere near that sum to get behind the wheel of your very own 911, which is why we’ve paired fantastic examples of the 993 and lesser-priced 996 for your delectation. And, for the benefit of those of you new to this game, we’re going to outline some of the pros and cons of each Porsche. In truth, there aren’t many cons.
Let’s start (and fall deeply in love) with this gorgeous Arena Red 993. No amount of modern Porsche, such as the gorgeous grey 996 Carrera 4S in attendance, can shake that, surely? Here’s the history bit. In 1993, the year of the 911’s thirtieth anniversary, the flagship Porsche received its second major external makeover, resulting in the 993. The model’s codename doesn’t appear on bodywork or even in official literature, but is cast on the crankcase, defining the factory’s type number and prefix for spares. It’s the final incarnation of the air-cooled 911 and, as such, the last of the old-school Carreras.
The 993 has all the plus-points of its predecessor’s running gear and, stylistically, its sleekly rounded curves grow on you. Although the 964’s traditional front wings — with their stand-up headlights — have been suppressed and the prominent bumper panels kneaded to nothing front and rear, the 993 still manages to perpetuate the classic 911 body shape. Back in the mid-1990s, traditionalists either lamented the design upgrades or grudgingly admitted that, at last, the 911 shape had achieved a homogeneity of form lacking in the successive concertina-impact-bumper models. Now firmly ensconced in classic territory, the 993 is the antithesis of its water-cooled successors.
The 993’s 3.6-litre flat-six developed 272bhp, rising to 285bhp in its final VarioRam form, and was offered with six-speed manual or Tiptronic gearbox, in two-or four-wheel drive format.) pushing out 300bhp. From August 1995, all 3.6-litre 993 engines were equipped with VarioRam induction, together with larger intake and exhaust valves. A month later, the innovative Targa debuted, complete with its innovative sliding glass roof (a long-lasting re-imagining of the original Targa concept), together with the wide-bodied Carrera 4S. A further year on, the similar-looking, wide-body, rear-drive Carrera S pitched up.
