The 993-generation Turbo S provided a dramatic and fitting final chapter for the air-cooled Porsche, as the last air-cooled 911 Turbo built by the manufacturer. A true limited-production model, 183 examples were manufactured for North America, each carefully and uniquely prepared by Porsche’s Exclusive department with bespoke features and numerous engine and chassis upgrades. Powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine featuring an alloy crankcase and cylinder heads, the Turbo S received a new Bosch Motronic engine-management system modified to handle the additional output, which increased to 424 horsepower at 6,250 rpm for the US market. A secondary oil cooler was also added to better dissipate heat.

Many of the 993 Turbo S’s technical advancements were adapted from the legendary 959, including all-wheel drive—a first for the Porsche Turbo model. Stopping power for the Turbo S came from cross-drilled, multi-piston, ventilated disc brakes. To prevent brake fade during intense, extended driving sessions, Porsche added discrete air ducts near the fog lamps on the front valance and on the rear fenders above the wheels.

The Turbo S model’s wide-body design with exclusive aero kit helped accommodate its 18-inch light alloy wheels, while its upgraded six-speed manual transaxle ushered it onward to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 184 mph.

Now offered from 11 years of carefully treasured ownership within a fantastic collection of limited-production Porsches, this US-market 911 Turbo S was completed at Zuffenhausen on 3 March 1997. Destined for the inventory of legendary Porsche dealer Brumos of Jacksonville, Florida, this car is one of only three US-market Turbo S examples finished in the incredible special-order color of Viola Metallic (L39G). Each car in that trio has a unique interior specification, and as such our subject lot is upholstered with Porsche Exclusive extended Rubicon Grey special leather accented by Speed Yellow contrast stitching, Speed Yellow seatbelts, and carbon fiber trim.

In addition to its unique and attention-grabbing color combination, this Turbo S was factory-equipped with the digital sound package with multi-channel loudspeaker and amplifier, six-disc remote CD changer, and the coveted all-leather package, which lavished the material throughout the cabin—including the power window switches, safety belt covers and rosettes, sun visors, and steering wheel. Other factory specifications of note include a pair of heated, power-adjustable racing-style sport seats, Speed Yellow brake calipers, headrests embossed with the Porsche crest, Litronic headlights, and a staggered set of 18-inch “hollow-spoke” light-alloy wheels.

The car’s original owner first registered it on 15 May 1997 in North Carolina; it remained within their care for the following four years and 8,100 miles of use. With its second owner, this special 911 Turbo S remained in North Carolina until May 2006, by which time it had accrued just 15,000 miles since new.

After passing through the hands of two additional US-based Porsche collectors, this Turbo S was purchased by the consignor during April 2014. While within their care, the car has always been enjoyed in fair weather and regularly maintained by both Porsche Westmont (Illinois) and marque specialist Barnaba Autosport of Batavia.

In July 2022, Barnaba furnished more than $13,000 in mechanical servicing to the car’s numbers-matching engine which saw it removed from the car, and fitted with a comprehensive regimen of new gaskets, seals, lines, and filters throughout as well as a fresh set of OEM spark plugs. At this time, a new set of OEM brake hoses were also sourced and fitted, as were new sway bar links, ignition wires, distributor cap, rotor, hood pad, and battery.

Exhilarating performance, one-year, US-only production status, advanced 959-inspired engineering, bespoke features, and assembly by Porsche Exclusive with upgraded factory components throughout, the Turbo S came together in one definitive sports car that only a select few Porsche enthusiasts could acquire in 1997. The serious collector seeking an exceptionally uncommon, elegant, and powerful turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Porsche could do no better than this fine example, the final evolution of Porsche’s air-cooled tradition, heralding an end to what many aficionados consider as the 911’s greatest era.