1994 Porsche 911 (993) Cabriolet

How do you like your 911 cooled? By air, or liquid? Actually it’s a moot point because so-called air-cooled engines are really oil cooled, but let’s leave our anorak on the hook and cut to the chase.

The original 911 was based on the Porsche 356 and would have been called the 901, were it not for the fact that Peugeot claimed the rights over that name. The new car maintained the 356's fastback design, and had an air-cooled flat-six that produced 130bhp.

Porsche introduced the innovative and patented Targa in 1965 – the prominent, protective rollbar defined this design, and the roof panel between it and the windscreen could be removed, creating an open air experience for those who wanted the wind in their hair.

1966 saw a power bump up from 130bhp to 160bhp, and in order to handle this extra 30bhp, the chassis and brakes were improved, and newly designed lightweight Fuchs wheels were fitted. However, the rear-engined character of the 911 remained, making it challenging to drive at the grip limit.

Porsche upped the displacement of the 911's engine in 1970 to 2.2 litres, while at the same time the cars were lightened through the use of aluminium in the engine lids and bumpers.

In 1972 the Porsche hiked the displacement again, this time to 2.4 litres and the S version was now making 190bhp. It was quick, and the lightweight body (approximately 1050kg) made it extremely agile. On the ten year anniversary of the 911 in 1973, Porsche introduced the famed Carrera RS.

In 1976 the 2.7 litre engine was replaced for good by a 3.0 litre, favoured because of its increased reliability and potential for tuning. More torque made it more enjoyable to drive, and by 1980, all models (except the American-spec ones) made 204bhp.

For 1978, Porsche bumped the Turbo's displacement up to 3.3 litres to make 296bhp. It was also fitted with an intercooler that required the rear of the car to be redesigned. As a result, the tea-tray tail was implemented.

In 1984, the SC's 3.0 litre engine was replaced with a 3.2 litre engine and the Carrera 3.2 made more power and had better brakes. Customers could also spec their Carreras with the more aggressive Turbo's spoiler and wide body. The 3.6 litre 964 Carrera had floor-hinged pedals and roared with flat-six air-cooled brilliance.

The last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993, featured new front and rear ends, which resulted in a smoother and more aerodynamic look. Suspension was improved through the use of a multilink rear system. The Carrera's engine was a 3.6 litre flat-six that made 268bhp and it was the first 911 to offer a six-speed manual transmission, as opposed to a four or five-speed.

Finally, in 1999 the liquid cooled Porsche 911 996 took over, and 36 year reign of the mighty air-cooled 911 came to an end.

This 1994 Porsche 993 Carrera 2 Cabriolet has 97,000 miles on the clock and is MoT’d until February 2024. It’s finished in Iris Blue with a blue roof, a blue leather interior, 911 Turbo wheels, tear drop wing mirrors, clear front lenses and a high level basket handle brake light.

The current owner bought it from CMS Porsche in November 2021 when it had 94,000 miles recorded. It comes with full service history.

This is a 911 that would benefit from an enthusiast owner who wants to build on the solid base it provides. The car’s exterior has some defects that could be relatively easily sorted out, which would improve its overall appearance greatly.

There are minor stone chipping marks at the very front end of the car’s snout and scratches on the front bumper above the numberplate, plus some other minor dings and marks on the bodywork generally (there are two small dents on the bonnet).

There’s a scuff on the corner of the nearside rear bumper, and another on the other side slightly further forward. There are also kerbing marks on three of the wheel rims, although on the plus side the car comes with a matching set of nearly new Pirelli tyres.

Sadly, the hood canvas is damaged following an attempted break-in, and will need professionally repairing, although the damage does not go all the way through the fabric. The hood is in otherwise sound order. In the pictures you can see that it looks as though the current owner has already sourced the correct colour canvas to get this repair completed.

The very edge of the windscreen is starting to delaminate very slightly, although it’s a very long way off being any kind of problem. The deployable spoiler works as it should.

This car has a matching blue leather interior. Although generally sound, with no rips or tears, the front seats could do with a deep clean and the application of some hide food to get them looking their best again (and possibly a recolouring kit). The rear seats aren’t really seats at all, unless you’re a Munchkin, but no one buys a 911 expecting to transport a family of four. Unsurprisingly, they don’t look as though they’ve seen a lot of use. The matching blue carpets are a little grubby looking in places and would also benefit from some valeting work.

In the front luggage compartment the space save tyre is resident in its slot, along with the sealant and pump required to inflate it once fitted, and the 911 comes with a car cover.

There’s a high quality Kenwood CD stereo unit in the dash (and not one that looks like a fairground ride, thank goodness) and all the switchgear and controls look to be in good shape. To go with that stereo there’s the original audio cassette storage system just behind the handbrake – a nice period piece.

If you’re looking for the engine cover release, it’s in the passenger side door shut. The door cards with their built in storage bins are in good shape on both sides of the car.

The 3.6-litre air-cooled flat six in this 911 is mated to a four speed gearbox which can be operated in Tiptronic mode via steering wheel controls, or in fully automatic mode when you’re feeling more like cruising than sprinting. It’s a best of both worlds system that suits a lot of drivers – and the mood they’re in when they get in the car.

We asked earlier whether you like your Porsche to be air-cooled, well have a listen to the engine in the video on this listing and you’ll see why a traditional 911 takes some beating. What a glorious racket it makes. One day we’ll all be driving electric cars and we’ll have to explain to youngsters how thrilling an air-cooled flat six can sound – but until then you can still experience it for yourself.

Air-cooled 911 engines aren’t always the quietest of machines but this one sounds very sweet, with no untoward noises or smoke from the exhaust.

The 911 has had 12 previous owners since being first registered in 1994, and comes with an extensive pile of historic MoT certificates going right back to 1999 and full service history. There is also a large selection of old bills and invoices detailing regular repair, maintenance and servicing work.

This is all corroborated by a service book with stamps going back to when the car had only covered 10,000 miles, and extending to as recently as June last year.

There is a recent bill (2021) for a gearbox oil and filter service, new brake flexi hoses and upgraded polyurethane front suspension bushes being fitted, which amounts to £3734.

In addition, a 6000 mile service was completed last month, despite the car having only covered 3000 miles since its last one. The car also has a current MoT which expires in February next year.

In addition, four new Pirelli tyres and a tracker unit were fitted in January this year. In other words, it’s good to go.

An air-cooled Porsche 911 is an iconic machine that will forever have a place in the history of performance motoring. This one is in need of cosmetic titillating, but is otherwise a solid basis for an enthusiast to get their teeth into.

It’s also ready to jump in and drive this summer, with a long MoT, four recent top quality tyres and a service under its belt. You can drive it for the rest of the sunny months then spend the winter fettling it ready for next year. Perfect.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, Abingdon. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.