RM Sotheby’s Auction: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S

Tony’s Take: Here it is: the Holy Grail! The last of the great air cooled Turbo 911’s! Our story begins in 1995 . . .

That’s the year the Sultans of Stuttgart introduced their new Turbo Coupe. The 993-bodied car was powered by a turbocharged SOHC 3.6 liter flat six, complete with alloy cylinder heads and case, air-to-air intercoolers, electronic engine management and other tasty bits.

The heavily breathed-on bi-turbo engine eliminated the dreaded turbo-lag. A four-wheel-drive system adapted from the legendary 959 kept the car firmly planted. And then Ferdy’s mob really pushed the boat out.

In 1997, Porsche produced a limited factory-production run of what is the last air-cooled 911 Turbo, the 993 Turbo S. Turbo S’s were fitted with most Turbo options as standard and also came standard with Aerokit II front and rear spoilers, unique side air ducts and front air inlets, and unique yellow brake calipers.

Engine output was increased over the standard 911 Turbo to 424HP for US models and 450HP for non-US models, with a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds and 184 mph top speed. A total of 345 examples of the 993 Turbo S were produced, of which 176 were imported to the US [ED: other sources say 182.]

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And here’s what happened . . .

Unlike the car above, the RM Sotheby’s 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S up for bids is Arctic Silver Metallic over special-order Boxster Red leather interior, with white gauges and the rear seat delete option and plenty ‘o carbon fiber. Right answer!

This car has it all: looks, speed, handling, sound, safety, rarity and pedigree. It’s a blue chip investment. Mark my words: when the economy recovers, the air-cooled Turbo S will be a multi-million dollar car.

For now, RM estimates this car will bring $550k to $650k fees included. I say it’ll hammer for the top end of that estimate: $625k – $650k w/ fees. Downside: 19,650 miles. And more to come!