1996 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 4 Cabriolet - Manual

It is often said that each decade received the Porsche 911 it deserved and yet it remains today the only sports car that still retains styling elements that are identifiable 60 years on. Launched in 1994, the 993 Series marked the end of air-cooled 911 production and Porsche’s engineers redesigned their standard-bearing model from the ground up, to such an extent that only around 20% of its parts were carried over from the previous generation. British designer, Tony Hatter’s, penmanship effortlessly combined subtlety and road presence for a changing demographic with an expansive option list to match the individual’s enthusiasm at a time when the right 'image' was deemed as important as performance.

Naturally, there was more power from the 3.6-litre M64 engines but, along with the increase in performance, came a brand-new all-alloy subframe carrying coil and wishbone rear suspension, finally banishing the dreaded lift-off oversteer. For the first time, all models were offered with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed Tiptronic gearbox for those who preferred two pedals.

The 1990s heralded a new era of market-led engineering and styling options that saw Porsche as the industry leader. Standard 993 Carrera 2 Cabriolets sold well with 15,499 global buyers, whilst the pre-Varioram Carrera 4 Cabriolet numbered just 1,284 units. However, the Carrera 4 all wheel-drive Cabriolet, with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 1995-introduced Varioram engine, was a car optioned by a select few. Second to the 993 RS, the post-1995 C4 Cabriolet was the rarest production Porsche of its era. Just 1,138 examples were produced and with no official data confirming how many were supplied with a manual gearbox and assuming the usual 10% that were optioned as C16 UK RHD-cars, this fabulous example is one of very few and perhaps unique in this specification in today’s market.

Supplied new by Porsche main dealer AFN Ltd on 10th May 1996 and unusually for the time, specified in Basalt Black, a colour that combines the unique spectrum of hues inherent in the volcanic rock for which it is named. The gleaming Basalt Black is complemented by a black leather interior topped by a matching black power hood and 18" Techno alloy wheels. The two service books and detailed history file evidence Porsche main dealer maintenance from new, the most recent of which was carried out by Porsche Centre Guildford on 18th December 2023 at 38,780 miles.

This superb 911 is presented to auction with the option-code stickers in place and accompanied by the leather wallet securing the handbooks, historic main dealer invoices, recent receipts, the V5C and an advisory-free MOT Certificate valid until December 2024.

With just 39,103 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, this Porsche represents a unique opportunity for the top-down enthusiast who appreciates rarity, diligent maintenance and the on-road presence that only an all-black Porsche can offer.