1996 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2

The 993 was the final generation of air-cooled 911s, and as such will always have a special place in the affections of Porsche enthusiasts. It is also widely regarded as the last of the 911s that were built whilst engineering integrity overruled accounting pressures at Porsche. Twenty years on, it still looks modern - a truly timeless design.

Launched in the autumn of 1994, Porsche claimed it was 80% new and certainly the bodywork was altogether more curvaceous, with a number of new panels and the overall look was much smoother and more integrated. Importantly, this new style was still every inch a 911 in the traditional manner, with the profiles of the doors and rear quarter windows remaining unchanged from earlier models.The biggest change under the skin was the new multi-link rear suspension, giving greater driver confidence, less road noise, and excellent ride quality. Designed to give a level of passive rear-wheel steering (the "Weissach effect'), thus controlling the way the suspension behaved under cornering, braking, and acceleration, it transformed the 911. It was also the first 911 to be equipped with power steering and an advanced ABS system.

However, the 993 used essentially the same 3.6-litre engine as the 964, mated to a development of the worthy G50 gearbox, but now with six forward gears. August 1995 heralded the introduction of the 'Varioram' induction system helping to boost power to 285bhp, and enabling a top speed close to 170mph and acceleration to match.

This 1996 Porsche 993 Carrera 2 is a superb, right-hand drive, UK delivered C16 example with the desirable manual gearbox and Varioram engine. First registered 26th April 1996 the car is finished in sparkling Ocean Blue Metallic with a Grey leather interior. It's a well-optioned example and is fitted with a sunroof, air conditioning, sports dampers and Porsche lowered suspension.

The car has been much enjoyed throughout its life and whilst having covered around 100,000 miles, this immaculate Porsche has obviously been fastidiously maintained and is in superb condition it possesses a good service history with the service book showing stamps until September 2008 at 74,000 miles, since the car has been little used.

Porsche 993 Varioram examples, such as this car, are the final evolution of the model prior to the arrival of the 996, and by definition are the last of the air-cooled 911s which, when combined with their sublime handling and classic looks may explain why they have become some of the most sought after 911s available.