Ruby has a new sibling again, for the second time in 2 weeks! First Deb's E350 (Stormy) moved in, tonight Dad bought a '95 993 in Midnight Blue, which is close enough to call Sapphire in my book....keeping the theme on gems.

Early '95 with the M718 "94 993 Euro" motor, which was one of the first of the series sold in the US. It is the unit sold in Europe in '94, and the earliest that came to this country. Anyway, 63K miles, lots of TLC from a PCA member who has a 356 Outlaw project, and was bequeathed a fairly new 997 by a good friend who passed away recently, so one had to go. Not Concours perfect, but a soild 9-9.4. Bone stock with factory short shift, 40% differential in the option codes. Cashmere/Black interior. An aftermarket Sony stereo and a wayward gas pedal the only mods.

I've been in full court press the last couple of weeks, blessed with our choices in Calif. Looking at both 996's and 993's. A lot of difference in what my expectations are, and what people advertise their cars as. This was the one. If you know what you want, and what to look for, and don't need a specific color (Midnight Blue was #1 for me, however), stick with it AND live in SoCal (target rich), no need to wait 6 months or a year! I got to drive a lot of Porsches lately, and this one was apart from the rest. Anyway, I wire the balance of funds tomorrow, and pick up tomorrow night or Friday. Some pics:

 

Congrats Ed. Great looking car!

Now I have to comment on your choice of names. I have a couple of sport bike motos that I use the same names on. First came Sapphire. She is a 1987 Honda Hurricane that I inherited from my big bro when he was killed on another bike. My brother had named the bike Sapphire when he bought her new. I got her in 1990 with 86k miles! Then in '94 I bought myself a left over 1993 Ducati 888. Like you, I decided to stay with the gem names and named her "Ruby". Still have both bikes.

Enjoy Sapphire.

She's beautiful!




Phil

 

"Very Nice......" (Nicolas Cage voice, as he samples an Amrican stogie in the movie, "Family Man")

 

Ed,

As the old knight said to Indiana Jones, you chose wisely!

 

Sweet!

 

I knew you were just teasing with the 996 talk and that you would not join the water cooled crowd! (like me)

Nice looking car, let the mods begin

 

Thanks all, I appreciate the words! Nice to have another P-car again.

That is too crazy with this coincidence! My wife is thinking of turning her new Benz from "Stormy" to "Black Pearl".

Thanks Jeff. I reiterated to Deb again tonight: "No Mods". But, at close to 70K, I'm sure the suspension needs some "updating".

PS- Your water-pumper will be nothing to sneeze at when you're done with it, based on your history!

 

........

 

...now that I've recovered from the syncope at a glance attack: CONGRATULATIONS TO RUBY's new soulmate. What a find. What a beauty. As someone who briefly considered a 993 when I was in the market for an air-cooled 911 what better person than you to ask to share your driving impressions and differences between a 3.2 and a 993. Hopefully the mother-in-law (E350) does not feel too intimidated.

 

woot, I'll let you know more on this as I get some more seat time. I've driven 6 996's and probably 5 993's the last week, and a few more in the past. Compared to Ruby, the 993 is a Cadillac, but still feels like I'm one with the road, so to speak. But, definitely more civilized. The 996's I drove were all fun, and had power, and felt good, but I tell you what, they were not as loved-at least the ones I looked at. I also started to look at them as much more complicated, or maybe more foreign is a better way to put it.

The 993 is one I think I'll have no problem enjoying a bit more on longer drives, and certainly comfortable in the maintenance side.

 

Very nice...enjoy!

 

very nice. what are your plans for it?

 

"Sane" drives and probably some weekend type trips. I'm really intent on keeping it nice, but may do some updates as I go. It's really nice, but as noted, not perfect, and at 63K, mid-miles. So, I don't look to be afraid of enjoying her.

I'll have Ruby for my white knuckle fix.

 

Beautiful car! My favorite color combo.

The 993 has awesome throttle response and sounds like a Banshee when on throttle.

Man, I miss my 993...

 

I can't wait to see Sapphire! So excited for you, bud!

Javier