1996 Porsche 911 Type 993 Carrera 4 Cabriolet

• The last air-cooled Porsche 911 model
• Fitted with desirable manual gearbox
• Attractive colour combination
• Only three owners since 1999


"Six years after the end of its production life the 993-model 911 Carrera has become one of the most sought-after Porsches of all time. In just four years in production the last of the air-cooled 911s established an unrivalled reputation for faultless performance, reliability and not least build quality." – 911 & Porsche World, January 2004.

An historic landmark in the Porsche 911's continuing development arrived in 1994 with the introduction of the Type 993 version, destined to be the last to use the air-cooled engine, designed by the celebrated Porsche engineer, Hans Mezger, which had been a distinguishing feature of the 911 since its introduction 30 years previously. Today the Type 993 is regarded by many as the most beautiful 911 of all. Over the years the 911 had received numerous aerodynamic and safety-inspired add-ons, diluting the purity of the original form; the Type 993's arrival marked a return to basic principles, being recognisably a 911 but one in which all functions had been harmoniously integrated in a truly outstanding example of modern automotive styling. Along with the sleeker bodywork came new multi-link rear suspension that improved both ride quality and roadholding, reducing the 911's characteristic lift-off oversteer.

The range on offer remained pretty much as before, comprising two- and four-wheel drive Carrera 2/4 models, the legendary Turbo, and the Cabriolet convertible, all powered by the latest 3.6-litre version of Porsche's perennial flat-six engine. The latter had undergone significant internal upgrading to make it both smoother and quieter, while the adoption of hydraulic tappets eliminated a service item. The '3.6' not only produced more power than before but made it available over a wider rev range thanks to 'Variocam' variable valve timing and variable-length air intakes. The Type 993 was also the first 911 to feature a six-speed version of the G50 gearbox, while the Tiptronic automatic transmission was improved. The optional four-wheel drive transmission was redesigned, switching from a centre differential to a viscous coupling unit which, combined with the new suspension arrangements, made for improved roadholding in difficult road conditions

Introduced alongside the coupé in April 1994 for the 1995 model year, the Cabriolet featured an electrically powered soft-top incorporating reinforcing metal sheets and an automatic wind blocker, while a small spoiler with integral brake light was mounted at the rear.

Most attractively finished in black with matching hood and contrasting tan interior, this Type 993 was delivered new to Switzerland before being imported into Italy in 1999. While in Italy it has had only three owners: the first from 1999 until 2003, the second from 2003 to 2009, and our vendor from 2009 to the present day. Shortly after purchasing the car the vendor commissioned none other than the well-known official workshop of Redolfi Orlando for a thorough repair and service, which included new brake discs, various suspension arms, various other small repairs and a gearbox oil change. The total cost of these works was €5,610. The odometer reading at the time of the service was 118,946 kilometres and at time of cataloguing was only 119,344 kilometres, indicating that the car has only seen very limited use since 2010. It is offered with Italian registration documents, an ASI Certificato di Identità, the owner's manual, and duplicate service book.