1997 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo X50

Intended for drivers who demanded top performance, the 993 Turbo was first launched to the world in September 1985, where in Germany it was voted Sports Car of the Year by Auto Motor and Sport magazine. A sensation when it was launched, the 993-series Turbo was based on the Carrera 4; it was very clear that the 911 Turbo was conceived and built by motorsport enthusiasts.

Three developments contributed to its tremendous performance; the engine had low inertia turbos, the transmission had six close-ratio speeds, and of course it came with four-wheel drive. At least 5% of the engine’s power is permanently applied to the front axle and the ratio will increase to 40% under extreme driving conditions. Combined with bigger brakes, fatter tires, a wide body and lower stance, the 993 Turbo was one of the fastest cars on the planet. With all four wheels helping to evenly distribute great handfuls of power, 0-60mph was dispatched in a staggering 3.7 seconds, 100mph whistled by in a further 5.7 seconds, and the linear forward thrust continued until the speedometer needle had said goodbye to 180mph and you were on conversational terms with the horizon.

The addition of the X50 power-pack with the use of larger K24 turbos and intercoolers, a revised ECU, and a freer-flowing twin-pipe exhaust, meant that the maximum output rose to 430bhp. The X50 power upgrade measurably improves the 993 Turbo, and the car is far better at being civilised and coping with everyday driving conditions than its competitors.

The car presented here is a 1997 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo Coupe, a UK-market/C16 example, manufactured on 16th June 1997, and supplied with the factory-fit X50 upgrade. On top of all the standard Porsche options, this car was further highly-specified - X79: Turbo S side air vents of rear wings, 373/374: sports-seats, X45: instrument dials in interior colour, 408: 18-inch Techno-Rad wheels, showcasing yellow brake calipers (XRF) and X54: oval stainless steel tailpipes, plus numerous interior carbon/aluminium accents.

Believed to be commissioned through Porsche’s 'Exclusive' Manufaktur department, this 911 Turbo also comes with genuine Porsche front and rear GT spoilers, typically found on the 911 Carrera RS and GT2 models, which we believe were professionally installed by the delivering Porsche dealership.

In distinctive – and ‘oh so Porsche’ of the 1990s - Pastel Yellow paintwork, this special car has covered just over 46,000 miles with its two previous owners. Its third owner, our vendor, has lovingly been its custodian since 2006. He has only used the car sparingly, having it professionally stored when not in use, and has ensured it's accompanied by a large history file of paperwork showing diligent upkeep and servicing.

This superbly-presented and very well equipped X50 993 Turbo is a wonderful example of the last of the classic, air-cooled 911s, and would reward any inspection.