Lot 31: 1997 PORSCHE 993 TURBO 'S'

The Ex-Otis Chandler, only 1,700 miles from new



'Sonoco' blue with appropriate racing stripes and blue leather interior
Engine: six cylinder, air-cooled, twin turbos, twin intercoolers, 3,600cc, 424bhp at 5,750rpm; Gearbox: six speed manual; Suspension: independent front and rear; Brakes: perforated & ventilated hydraulic disc, ABS. Left hand drive.

The 993 model replaced the previous 964 derivative early in 1994 and was initially introduced in coupe form only. The first 993s to land on American shores arrived in April that year and were instantly referred to as the 1995 year model. Whilst the familiar 911 silhouette remained, the headlight treatment had been smoothened out thus nearly doing away with the thirty year old trend of pronounced fenders that followed a body line led by the headlights. The roof and the trunk lid were the only body panels carried over from the previous model and technically the 993 saw an array of advances, most notably was the adoption of a multi-link rear suspension which replaced the previous use of semi-trailing rear arms.

Joining the model line-up for 1995 was the flagship Turbo model and for the first time since the legendary 959, a turbocharged Porsche would be mated to a four wheel drive system which in turn induced confidence to lesser-skilled pilots. The 993 Turbo was a strong seller for Porsche and was even available with (switchable automatic) 'Tiptronic' transmission. The limited edition, 424bhp Turbo 'S' debuted in 1997 and boasted a custom leather interior, a distinctive bi-plane rear spoiler and air vents in the rear fenders to match the power hike from the standard model. The list price for a 993 Turbo 'S' was a staggering $150,000, nearly fifty percent more than the standard Turbo, thus they were sold in limited numbers and primarily to Porsche aficionados who could appreciate the subtle differences on offer and similarly being able to justify the expense.

On offer here is an even more distinct example of this rare derivative and it is safe to say that the purchase price must have been even more astronomical when new. As a special request, original owner Mr. Otis Chandler ordered this 993 with the intention being to have a car that paid homage to the Can-Am success achieved by American racing legend Mark Donohue. The livery therefore faithfully mirrors the infamous Sunoco sponsored, Penske-run Porsche 917/30 that obliterated the opposition with Mark at the wheel in 1973 (at the time of purchase, Chandler owned the 917/30 also). The interior achieved a similar treatment with contrasting red and yellow details amongst the blue leather interior and carbon-fiber extras such as the dial fascia and the steering wheel. This Turbo S remained within the Otis Chandler Collection for several years until it was purchased by a Philadelphia- based enthusiast, and it was then sold through David Mohlman to the current owner.
Displaying just 1,700 miles on the odometer it is amazing to think that this car has traveled further across the Atlantic by boat than it has on the highway! Condition is nothing short of perfect in all respects and whilst clearly not driven regularly, it runs without fault and for a nine year old car it is a real treat to be able to refer to it as 'like new'. With the 993 being the last of the air-cooled 911 Turbos makes this 'S' example even more special to boot; this is a unique long-term opportunity worthy of serious consideration.