993 Turbo Convertible Is a Rare and Unknown Beast
Rennlist forum user brings to light an incredible 993 911 Turbo Cabriolet that is one of only 14 made, and it’s for sale for a massive number.Â
Seeing a rare and collectible Porsche 911 for sale in the seven-digit range is pretty commonplace these days. However, this particular one is a special breed that many Porsche enthusiasts aren’t even aware of. This 993 Turbo Cabriolet is one of only 14, and it’s for sale for over $1.3 million.
Rennlist forum user Wudee brought this elusive beast to our attention in a recent thread. The car is currently for sale by Louwman Exclusive Cars and listed on Classic Driver. Interestingly, it differs from a standard 993 Turbo in more ways than having a convertible top.
Rennlist user Goofballdeluxe points out the significant difference between these rare examples and the standard 993 Turbo.
“Yup, but from what I recall it used a version of the 964 3.6 single turbo, so not exactly the same set up as the eventual 993 Turbo,” he writes
It turns out that he is correct. While the standard 993 turbo coupe features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine, these cabriolets feature a single turbo 3.6 liter from the 964. Additionally, these cars are rear-wheel drive, whereas the standard 993 turbo cars are all-wheel-drive.
Of course, with a price tag like that, it’s reasonable to wonder if it’s really worth it. Some users discuss how much it would cost to build a replica of sorts. As user Asofine points out, there was never a Carrera 4S for this generation, so the starting point would have to be a Carrera 4. That is if you wanted the all-wheel-drive aspect from later 993s. While this conversion wouldn’t be cheap, it would still cost merely a fraction of buying the real deal.
“I think it would be much better to change a convertible Carrera 4 into a convertible turbo/4S. There are many parts to be changed, but the conversion wouldn’t cost more than 100k,” speculates user Nothingbutgt3
The most apparent addition needed to complete this look would be a widebody conversion. However, if you wanted a truly authentic replica, you could build one on a standard Carrera Cabriolet, leaving it rear-wheel drive. There are plenty of 993 Cabriolets for sale for great prices, and even if the conversion did end up costing $100,000, you’d still be chopping over $1 million off the price of the real one.
Of course, nothing quite compares to having the real thing. Though, we doubt the next owner of this one will be driving it much. What do you think? Is it worth the price tag? Is a replica of these scarce Cabriolets something you would consider? Voice your opinion on the Rennlist Forum!
Photos: Classic Driver