1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4

Description

The last of the air-cooled Porsches is already a designation that is becoming worth its weight in gold. But then you add in one of the most desirable colors, the traction advantage of all-wheel drive, and a well-documented two-owner history, and this 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is in the new class of dream classics.

For many, the 993 generation is the ultimate evolution and expression of the original 911. It takes the purity of the iconic design - with its race-inspired tall headlights and wraparound rear end - and gives it a bit of updated streamlining. This example looks particularly striking in Guards Red. This is one of the longest-running colors with nearly a half-century of continuous history at Porsche. So you get a bold color that also upholds the tradition of a company that believes in careful evolution. The finish shows all the right signs of being the factory application, and its quality testament to both Porsche quality and attentive care (there's even a clear bra over parts of the rear section.) You will find some signs of use, including at the front from some highway travel, but overall, you can really tell the difference that comes from exceptional care. This is a two-owner car that was with its first owner for about 20 years, and the included service records show that the second owner was just as mindful of proper care and maintenance. Clear headlights, clean glass, smooth lines, the deployable spoiler, and special optional turbo-style wheels are all part of this package that shows you are not just buying a car; you are joining its history.

The seductively dark black leather interior continues this car's desirable color presentation. Stepping inside you sit in the comfortable and supportive bucket seat that power adjusts to the ideal position - after all, this is a true driver's car. And Porsche's race-ready sensibilities also mean the tachometer is directly in front of you. The rest of the instruments surround this in their own clearly marked pods to give you a comprehensive view of what's going on with the engine. While this is all meant to be a car focused for the road, it doesn't skip on comfortable features. This includes a power sunroof, power windows, power locks, keyless entry/alarm, cruise control, the factory AM/FM/CD stereo, and cold-blowing air conditioning. And as a late part of the 993 generation you also get the best in safety with dual front airbags and antilock brakes. The whole package is quite well preserved where you can see the miles were done with respect, and the only addition you're likely to find is a well-paced navigation screen.

Lift the rear hatch to see arguably your favorite part of this car. The air-cooled flat-six is the bedrock of Porsche's reputation, and this is its final evolution. The 3.6-liter was one of the most advanced powerplants of its time. It includes the Varioram system which allows the motor to have a broader, flatter torque curve that results in excellent performance, especially from a standstill. This shows all the right signs of being the original powerhouse, and the maintenance file shows a history of keeping this a strong-running coupe. This ranges from fully rebuilding the powerhouse in 2010 to getting its proper routine major service in 2020. So you can look through the files and see that this one has the investments to support its pedigree. Even the desirable six-speed manual transmission was rebuilt around the same time as the motor. The 993 is also known for how Porsche utilized their engineering prowess for the driving experience. The 911 has always been famous for its sporty fully-independent suspension, and the 993 seems to be one of the best balances of subtracting oversteer while still feeling like a true classic 911. Plus, the second generation of the Carrera 4's all-wheel drive makes it one of the most confident sports cars of its era. Add in power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and grippy Michelin Pilot sport tires, and this is a terrific all-around driving machine.

The sale comes complete with the owner's manual packet and maintenance history. This is the car you've been waiting for. But a well-preserved Porsche 911 Carrera 4 in the perfect colors never waits for long. Don't miss out, call today!