Like all Turbo S’s, at the heart is a flat six-cylinder engine fitted with a pair of K-24 turbochargers that output 430 horsepower in U.S. specification. Power is driven through a six-speed manual transaxle and an all-wheel-drive system that was developed for the earlier Type 964 Carrera 4. The Bosch Motronic engine-management system is upgraded to produce more power and an additional oil cooler was added to handle the increased heat load. Large 12.68-inch power-assisted ventilated and cross-drilled multi-piston disc brakes with yellow calipers deliver impressive stopping power from any speed.
Unlike some other special edition models, Porsche did not sacrifice creature comforts and usability for track performance with the Turbo S. Inside is a luxurious full black leather interior with generous amounts of carbon fiber trim on the lower portion of the dashboard, around the gauges, along the doorsills, on the center console, door panels, and door pulls. The window sticker notes the optional addition of black floor mats, carbon fiber and leather-wrapped steering wheel, racing-style hardback seats, and a digital sound package. Rounding out the optional extras is an infra-red security system.
According to the Carfax report, this Porsche has had five owners, originally delivered by Burt Smith Porsche in Saint Petersburg, Florida then shipped to Fort Lauderdale with 11 miles on March 28, 1997. Accrued by the second owner May 30, 2001, with 3,000 miles in Illinois. Sold to the third owner on March 23, 2007, with 7,449, and shipped to Southern California and only driven 563 miles until July of 2012 when it was sold to the fourth owner in the Denver, Colorado area. Finally, it was sold to the current owner in Los Angeles in August of 2017 with 8,213 miles and has been enjoyed for the last 3,500 miles.
Options include Catalytic Converter (C02), Carbon steering wheel, leather-covered airbag module (X77), Red hardback racing-style sports seat, left, height electrically adjustable (373), Red hardback racing-style sports seat, right, height electrically adjustable (374), Automatic speed control (454), Interior monitoring (520), Sun-moon-roof (650), Nokia DSP (Digital Sound Processing) audio system (680), and 6-disc CD changer Becker Porsche CDC-3 (692). The original Porsche head unit and 6-disc player have been removed. Complete with tools, jack, air pump, books, records, and Certificate of Authenticity.
The Turbo S delivered a stunning performance in a package as luxurious and exclusive as Porsche’s discerning customers had come to expect. It really was the ultimate supercar that could comfortably be driven as a daily commuter. Collectors today value the Turbo S for its rarity, performance, timeless styling, and being of course the last iteration of the air-cooled Turbo.