1997 PORSCHE 911 (993) CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET - MANUAL

This 1997 Porsche 993 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a well-maintained, low mileage example of the last air-cooled and hand-built 911 model. It is powered by the 3.6-litre ‘VarioRam’ flat-six engine, which drives all four wheels via the sought-after six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 50,400 miles from new.

Built at the Zuffenhausen factory and confirmed by Porsche to be one of only 151 manual 993 Carrera 4 Cabriolets built for the UK market, this example was first registered in May 1997, and was supplied new by Porsche dealers JCT600 of Leeds. Having been owned by a Porsche enthusiast for the last 14 years, the car is now offered for sale by the trade.

Today, the car’s bodywork remains in excellent condition, and the vendor states that there is no sign of any prior panel damage. The vibrant Zenith Blue metallic paintwork is also believed to be 90% original, as evidenced by the paint depth gauge readings shown in the full gallery, and while there are some minor stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper – as well as a very small indentation on the rear bumper – these have been touched in rather than resprayed to preserve the car’s original finish as much as possible.

This 911 has also been fitted with Turbo S-style brake cooling ducts with integrated LED spotlights and a Carnewal front protection bar, which helps to defend the lower portion of the front bumper against damage from steep driveways and speed bumps. The car also benefits from Carnewal’s Bi-Xenon headlight upgrade, and while there are surface cracks on both rear light lenses, there is no effect on function or light output.

Having been replaced in 2008 by Porsche specialist trimmer Southbound, the black convertible hood is an excellent fit over its frame, and there are no rips, tears or signs of fading to the fabric. The car rides on a set of 17-inch ‘Cup 2’ alloy wheels, which are in very good order.

Inside, the fully reupholstered cabin is in superb condition, with interior specialist Southbound having re-covered the seats and dashboard, as well as fitting new carpets and RS-style door cards in 2008 at a total cost of £7,500. The dark grey leather is in great shape throughout, and while there are some minor creases on the seat bolsters, this is commensurate with the car’s last 12 years of use since the re-trim.

Ahead of the driver is the three-spoke sports steering wheel taken from a 996-generation 911, while an RS gear knob has also been installed. Entertainment is provided via a Becker Indianapolis Pro radio and CD player, which also features satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, while the car’s speakers have been replaced with upgraded Kenwood units. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Still fitted with its original engine and gearbox, this Carrera 4 is in excellent mechanical condition, and has been serviced by Porsche specialist Strasse nearly every year from 2004 to 2019. Strasse carried out its last routine maintenance in June 2019 at an indicated 50,082 miles, which consisted of a major service including replacement of the spark plugs and brake fluid.

Prior to this, they performed an interim oil change service in June 2018 at 49,451 miles and a full service with a brake fluid change in July 2017 at 49,309 miles. Although its mechanical components are largely original, the car has been fitted with Bilstein sports dampers with 30mm lowering springs and a Carnewal RSR exhaust system.

This open-top sports car’s latest MOT test was conducted on 1 July 2020 at 50,132 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. All four wheels are fitted with Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres, which date to 2012 and are described as being in good condition, with no signs of cracking or uneven wear. Around 5.5-6mm of tread remains on the front items, while there is at least 4mm on the rears.

This charming modern classic 911 will be accompanied by its original Porsche document wallet, containing all of its original user guides and manuals, as well as its first stamped service book, and a later book which details its more recent maintenance. Two keys and two immobiliser fobs will also be provided, as well as a pair of folders filled with past invoices, maintenance bills and MOT test certificates dating back to 2004.

This Porsche 993 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is an appealing and involving sports car, which is presented in excellent condition, and which has been routinely serviced from new. Its open-top body makes it an ideal purchase for the upcoming spring and summer, while four-wheel drive grip ensures that it can also tackle inclement weather with aplomb.

Summary of service history:

• 18/05/1998 @ 2,473 miles - Porsche Centre JCT600 Bradford
• 05/05/1999 @ 3,999 miles - Porsche Centre JCT600 Bradford
• 12/09/2002 @ 7,754 miles - Porsche Centre Merlin Nottingham
• 08/09/2003 @ 10,944 miles - Porsche Centre Merlin Nottingham
• 08/07/2004 @ 11,560 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 21/07/2006 @ 21,418 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 27/03/2007 @ 24,646 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 17/10/2007 @ 30,845 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 18/03/2008 @ 35,129 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 12/03/2009 @ 40,433 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 06/05/2010 @ 44,455 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 22/12/2010 @ 44,832 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 08/03/2012 @ 44,948 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 09/04/2013 @ 45,614 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 05/04/2014 @ 47,674 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 03/06/2015 @ 48,562 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 27/05/2016 @ 49,192 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 10/07/2017 @ 49,309 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 28/06/2018 @ 49,451 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds
• 22/06/2019 @ 50,082 miles - Porsche Strasse, Leeds

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