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Porsche 911 (993) Turbo / 1995-1998 / £120,000-£200,000

What is it?

This is the Porsche 911 in its 993 generation, the last of the air-cooled 911s (if you’re a keen anorak wearer) and produced between 1994 and 1998. The Turbo version was introduced in 1995, and it was a big deal: this was the first all-wheeldrive 911 Turbo. The most scintillating version of a car frequently known as a ‘widowmaker’ had suddenly pulled its socks up and matured.

The 402bhp and 398lb ft produced by its 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six therefore didn’t seem anything like as scary as they might have in the era of rear-driven Turbos. AWD performance was still in its relative infancy; Porsche was among the pioneers but had so far only offered it as an option on the 964-gen 911, or as standard on the mighty 959 hypercar.

Admittedly there are (much, much) cheaper ways into Porsche ownership. But hey, we can dream, right?

Driving

Slot into the 993’s slim but supportive seat and it doesn’t suddenly feel dainty in a way retro stuff does usually. In truth, it barely feels retro at all. Every component is dripping in silky finesse and feel and the whole thing is as easy-going as a modern Turbo.

It feels a truly modern car when it comes to grip, braking and outright acceleration.

Its digital speedo will show three figures with worrying ease. For reference, 0–62mph takes 4.3secs and its top speed is 180mph. For all its eloquence when you drive it like you’re a grown-up, it really, really appreciates a heavier hand and a bit between the driver’s teeth. It gets more and more spectacular as your confidence soars, living up to its poster car status.

On the inside

It does actually feel a bit classic 911 in here, narrower and more cramped than the cars which followed and with fairly ungainly airbag installation on the overly large steering wheel (see also, Ferrari F355). The ignition barrel is also built into the dashboard, rather than the steering column. There’s also quite an invigorating lack of buttons, simply because there are no driving modes to worry about. No PSM, PDK, PASM; the buttons circling the manual gearlever instead lock the doors, activate the hazard warning lights or open the sunroof. Plenty will be familiar to drivers of more modern 911s, though. A digital speedometer is nestled in the centre of the classic five dial layout Porsche continues with now. And sure, cynical members of the internet commenting community, 911s can look a bit samey on the outside... but it means they’re always light and airy inside.