Chassis No. WP0AA299XTS323236
Engine No. 64T05228
While most attribute Porsche’s epic 30 year run of success to the Cayenne or perhaps the Boxster, what most overlook is the sales successes of the 993-generation (1995-1998) 911 in advance of the introduction of either of those two very successful models. At their nadir in 1993, Porsche sold just 3,713 vehicles in the US and Canada. Dire times indeed, especially with three distinct models in the 968, 964, and 928 range comprising the lineup. Dire enough, in fact, that Porsche was considering bankruptcy. Yet, just five years later, with a model line consisting of only two models (993 and Boxster) Porsche sold almost five times as many cars, closing their 1998 U.S. and Canada ledger with 18,207 total sales with 7,547 of them being 993s. An incredible turnaround, due to the sales successes of the most elegant of all air-cooled 911s, the 993-generation. Over the next five years – Porsche true to their style – added a number of different ingredients to the 911 recipe: C2S, C4S, targa, turbo, RS, GT2… All these models create their own flavor of 911 but there is something subtly exciting when you encounter a 993 stripped of its wings, fender flares, and turbos.
The 1996 911 Carrera Coupe on offer is such a car. Completed at Porsche in April 1996 in classic Grand Prix White – the final year offered – over a Cashmere and Black partial leather interior it features many of the must-haves that those serious about Porsche demand. Most noteworthy is the six-speed manual transmission and low 35,452 miles at the time of cataloging. It features a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report with the original and second long-term owners splitting the first 27 years between them. Well-equipped, it features factory fitted options that include Motor Sound Package, 17-inch Cup wheels, Hi-Fi Sound with 10 speakers, and Comfort and Power Seat Packages. The Motor Sound Package is perhaps the most noteworthy on the list, producing a throatier sound due to different mufflers, a drilled airbox, and redesigned exhaust tips. It is offered with a paint meter sheet revealing original paint, an owner’s manual set with service book, toolkit, spare tire, and a small history file. As an unmodified, original specimen of the final iteration of the air-cooled 911, this is certainly one to be driven and enjoyed – especially with its desirable “row your own” six-speed manual transmission.
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