As soon as the Type 993 Carrera was introduced with its voluptuous lines, people were anxious to see what a Turbo version would look like. This anticipation was revealed in 1995, when the new 911 Turbo was unveiled for the 1996 model year. Providing the already handsome 993 the wide-body Turbo effect was a natural formula for success. One of the first impressive visual cues is the cars massive presence from the rear; the rear arches were extended by approximately 1.25-inches, the front and rear bumpers were extended downwards and allowed space for three large air intakes in the nose and improvement of the aerodynamic balance at the rear of the car. The new “teatray” type spoiler over the rear deck has an almost integral, wrap-around look that many commented appears to be “melted over the car.” This aero device was now finished in body color and it had been reduced in weight.

Wheels can have such a positive influence on a car’s design and these new-for-1996 alloys perfectly accent the stunning bodywork. In a measure of weight-savings, the spokes are hollow construction and fashioned in a manner that induces cool air to flow through to the brakes and helps keep them efficient when exploring the cars impressive limits. The four-wheel disc brake system was suitably uprated and featured red calipers with four piston activation on large drilled and ventilated rotors. The substantial 18-inch wheels were as large as conceivably possible with eight-inches of width in front and ten-inches in the rear.

The engine was in many ways similar to the normally aspirated 3.6-liter unit in the regular 911 but with lower-crowned pistons to reduce the compression ratio to 8.0:1, and single spark plugs per cylinder instead of two. Vital workings were strengthened to manage the increased power. The revolutionary thing about the engine was being fitted with two KKK K16 turbochargers rather than one. Unlike the sequential arrangement seen on the 959 (where one turbo kicked in after the other), these were arranged so that one worked on each cylinder bank, meaning each turbocharger could be smaller and so would “spool up” quicker, drastically reducing turbo-lag.

A new Bosch Motronic engine management system controlled all this, and maximum power was a heady 408-hp, with sufficient torque available from low revs to make the 993 Turbo much easier to drive compared to its predecessors. The drivability was further heightened by the fact the power was directed to all four wheels for the first time, this 911 Turbo is full-time four-wheel drive. The system was based on that of the Carrera 4, but with different gear ratios and stronger internals. Like the Carrera 4, the Turbo features Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) to reduce possible rear-wheel spin.

Finished in Polar Silver Metallic with black leather interior, this exciting 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 993) is accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity where it states this original Canadian-sold car was produced on December 12, 1996 and had an MSRP of $153,700. Among the features on the Porsche is air conditioning, sunroof, radio with CD player, VDO instrumentation, sport seats in front with height electrically adjusted, self-dimming interior rearview mirror with rain sensor, rear window wiper, six-speed manual transmission, books and tools.

The looks, power and drivetrain combined to ensure that this 911 Turbo was a great success. For many enthusiasts, the Type 993 Turbo was the best Porsche ever along with representing the last air-cooled incarnation. No wonder it's such a desirable, sought-after machine.