Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2 Coupe

With its massively wide rear haunches, Coke-bottle hips and oval exhausts, the 993 is considered by many to be the best looking 911 of all time. Launched in 1993 and remaining in production until 1998, it was the last Porsche to feature an air-cooled engine and the last to retain the classic 911 silhouette – giving it a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. 

The good looks continued inside with a re-designed interior featuring new seats, better heating and ventilation and improved dashboard fabrics. Airbags were also fitted as standard. More than just a pretty face, it was also the first 911 to handle safely on the limit thanks to its wider track and the adoption of an all-alloy multi-arm rear suspension attached to an all-alloy subframe. Lift off mid-bend and, instead of flying off backwards into the scenery as earlier 911s were wont to do, this car would just tuck in and hold the line.

Performance from the 272bhp 3.6-litre flat-six engine was suitably authoritative, crushing the 0-60 time in just 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 168mph. The new engine featured lavish use of exotic metals, such as magnesium for the fan housing, and a strengthened camshaft along with lighter pistons – it also sounded magnificent with a spine-tingling metallic bark. A sophisticated Bosch ignition system was employed to keep the engine running as sweetly as it's makers intended. Built like the proverbial brick outhouse, it was also utterly dependable and was one of the very few supercars that you could genuinely use every day.

Dating from June 1995, this particular 993 Carrera 2 has the desirable six-speed manual gearbox and is finished in Dark Blue with a grey hide interior. The car has covered 82,000 miles from new with a good service history but was fitted with a more powerful VarioRam engine at 911 specialists Autofarm in 2000 (this engine replacing the pre-VarioRam unit late in 1995 and raising the power from 272bhp to 282bhp and torque from 243lb/ft to 251lb/ft).

Purchased from The Hairpin Company 10 years ago by the current mature owner, the car also benefits from an electric sunroof and bigger Turbo alloys shod with massive 285/35/18 tyres at the rear which give it an even more menacing road presence, as does the high-level rear spoiler and the front chin spoiler. In very good condition throughout, the car is fitted with a Thatcham One approved alarm/immobiliser and comes with all its original handbooks plus two sets of keys.

Said to drive superbly and due to be serviced by Porsche Solihull just prior to the sale, it is MOTd until September 2014. Widely considered to be the best air-cooled 911 ever made with build quality that puts later models to shame, the 993 is already assured of classic status and this lovely example looks like a shrewd investment at the guide price suggested today. 

PS: The Jan 2001 invoice from Autofarm for the fitting of the VarioRam engine also included a full service, a rolling road tune and an ECU map for optimum performance with dyno sheets showing 293.5bhp and 259.9lb/ft. The engine has covered 25,000 miles since.