Fantasy Junction

Description

1996 Porsche Carrera 4S Coupe
VIN WP0AA299XTS323494
Polar Silver with Cedar Green Full Leather Interior

An instant classic, the 993 generation of the Porsche 911 is now highly sought after for a number of reasons. As the last of the air-cooled 911s, they are the most developed of the original formula that first appeared in 1963. The layout of the instruments, the sheetmetal of the door, and the entire greenhouse is fundamentally unchanged from the original 911, and these cars have a feeling of solidity and craftsmanship that was not only missing from the 996 generation that replaced the 993, but is missing from almost every car made in the last 20 years.

Yet despite this old-world craftsmanship and the occasional sign that the fundamental architecture dates back to the 1960s, the 993 is impressively modern, even eighteen years after its introduction. The sophisticated multilink rear suspension and massive rear tires tame the often-derided rear placement of the engine, while the twin plug 3.6 liter flat-6 is a torquey high-performance unit that is easy to live and use. The brakes, always a Porsche strong suit, are superb, and the gearbox is Porsche’s robust 6-speed G50 unit. Thus, the 993 lies at a fascinating intersection that separates it from every other 911. Sophisticated and high performance even compared to modern cars, yet capturing the classic essence of the original 911, the 993 is the best of both worlds, and it’s no surprise that they are worth considerably more than the cars that replaced them. 993s are true classics that can be driven and enjoyed daily, and from an investment standpoint, are positioned to continue to appreciate.

The 993 was available in a variety of forms, with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines, rear and four wheel drive, wide and narrow bodies, and in open and closed forms. One of the most collectible of all the variants is the Carrera 4S. Combining the clean profile and naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter twin plug flat six of the Carrera 4 with the widened flares, wheels, suspension and famous “big red” brakes of the Twin Turbo, the Carrera 4S is an aggressive yet beautiful car with tremendous presence, and along with the Carrera S (which does not have the “big red” brakes from the Turbo), is the most sought-after and valuable naturally-aspirated 993 that was available in the US.

This particular car has a unique specification, with a number of unusual options, and also outstanding history, with one California owner from new. This car is equipped with $15,000 in options (original MSRP of $88,000), and was special-ordered from Brumos Porsche with cedar green full leather interior, and storage compartments instead of rear seats, as well as a host of other option such as power heated seats, oval chrome exhaust tips, metal door sill trims with insignias, rear window wiper, hi-fi sound system, and litronic headlamps. The car is extremely complete, with original manual pack with books (and even Porsche branded Lamy Swift pen), original windows sticker, both original keys, tools, jack, spare tire, and even the plastic gloves for use when changing the spare.

The car’s owner is a contributing photographer to Road and Track magazine and has fastidiously and enthusiastically looked after the car over its 125,000 miles, all of which were covered in California other than a drive across the country back from Florida when new, plus a trip to Reno, Nevada. The car is currently fitted with Pioneer stereo system with Sirius satellite radio integration, as well as hard-wired iPod input. The original Porsche radio is included. The car also comes with a set of RUF alloy wheels, which the owner received as a gift from Alois Ruf.

The car has never had any accidents nor has it had any paintwork other than repainting the front and rear bumpers. The car is in very nice shape, particularly considering the mileage. The front bumper and lights are protected by clear bra and the front deck lid has a few minor chips that have been touched up. There are a few hairline cracks in the paint on the front bumper. The body is extremely straight and displays excellent gaps, and of course zero rust. The wheels are excellent with no curb rash other than a small area on the right rear wheel, less than an inch in length. The color wheel crests are original options, but are showing a bit of fading. The lights and glass are very good to excellent throughout. All panels operate properly and the struts for both front and rear decklids work well. The paint on the brake calipers would benefit from being refreshed. Additionally, the rotors should be replaced upon the next brake service.

The interior is extremely nice considering that it is original. There is minor wear on the driver’s seat bolster, but the leather is otherwise excellent, and it is clear that the car has been garaged for the duration of its life. The dashboard, door panels, and center console are all upholstered in matching green leather and are in excellent shape. The headliner is also excellent, as are all switches, controls, and instruments. The carpets are excellent other than a small area where it is worn on the left sill from driver ingress/egress.

The engine compartment and trunk are both unmodified and in nice original condition. The engine is tidy and correct in appearance and is a Varioram unit which has more torque and power than the early 993 motors. The trunk is in fine shape and is complete with collapsible spare tire (never used), trickle charger, tool roll with tools, and jack.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine is powerful, the clutch reassuring in its takeup, and the synchromesh excellent. The chassis is composed with no untoward squeaks and the car runs and drives like a car with much fewer miles. It has been consistently maintained by the highly-regarded Porsche specialist in San Francisco, The Stable. It has had religious synthetic Mobil 1 oil changes every 3500 miles from new and has had new tires and rear shocks fitted recently. The car feels extremely solid and is a pleasure to drive, a testament to the craftsmanship with which the air-cooled cars were built. Please note that the secondary air injection system will need sorting, a common problem on Varioram 993s.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and uniquely optioned example of one of Porsche’s most desirable cars from the last three decades. Finished in a unique color combination, highly complete, and with one California owner from new, this car is an exceptional find.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608