Porsche 993 Carrera RS ultimate guide
It was back in issue 119 that we last got behind the wheel of the 993 RS and we were mightily impressed by the combination of rawness and purity on offer. That shouldn’t really come as any surprise as this last of the air-cooled Rennsport cars is a special model indeed, and that makes it incredibly sought after today.
Launched in 1995, just 1,104 were built – with 227 of those produced in more hardcore Clubsport trim – and only 38 examples arrived in the UK in right-hand drive form.
It’s a rare beast and a bad one will be an expensive mistress, so as values climb it’s vital to meticulously investigate the history before examining a potential purchase any further.
Naturally, the paperwork should all stack up with no question marks over maintenance record or mileage. The market is also seeing more cars returning from abroad, especially Japan, which can make understanding the history that bit more difficult, so it pays to be cautious.
If you’ve any doubt whatsoever, seek the advice of an OPC or specialist. And before we get into the detail of these cars, there’s also the matter of its previous usage.
Like many 911s, the 993 RS went through a stage where values were reasonably low, and where owners would have been quite happy to explore its abilities on track. Understandable, of course, given the performance and handling on offer, but it’s worth trying to establish what sort of circuit work it might have seen.
It shouldn’t necessarily put you off, but there’s clearly a difference between the occasional track day and a car that spent its early life lapping the Nordschleife – which takes us on to another important aspect, and that’s accident damage.
Some previous paintwork such as stone-chip repairs isn’t an issue, but it’s crucial to ensure that the seam-welded shell hasn’t sustained anything worse after a brush with the Armco.
Proper repairs are crucial and not always easy, depending on where the damage was sustained, and once again, a specialist will be able to spot the tell-tale signs of major panel repair so you know what you’re dealing with.
To read more of our Porsche 993 Carrera RS buyers’ guide, pick up Total 911 issue 133 in store today. Alternatively, order your copy online for home delivery, or download it straight to your digital device now.
Comments (0)