The Porsche Exclusive Department built only 345 examples of the Type 993 Turbo S in 1997. This stunning example is believed to be one of only three delivered worldwide in Viola Metallic (L39G) with a black interior. Offered for just two years, the 911 Turbo S offered a wonderful combination of high-performance and limited-production refinement at levels that humbled even the brilliant Turbo on which it is based.

The Turbo S was one of the last air-cooled 911 family, powered by a 3.6-liter flat six with alloy case and cylinder heads. A pair of K24 turbochargers helped it produce 450 bhp in U.S. specification. Power is put to the ground through a six-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel-drive system that was developed for the earlier 964 Carrera 4. Porsche upgraded the Bosch Motronic engine-management system and added an additional oil cooler to handle the increased heat load. Large, 12.68-in. power-assisted ventilated and cross-drilled multi-piston disc brakes with yellow calipers delivered impressive stopping power. Performance was dazzling, even by today’s standards. Taking just 8.9 seconds to reach 100 mph from a standing start, the 911 Turbo S was quicker than the standard Turbo by a full half-second, and if the driver had the nerve and the space, could see almost 185 mph at the top end.

Externally, the Turbo S could be identified by front air ducts in lieu of fog lamps, air intakes atop the rear quarters, quad-tip exhaust pipes, and a very effective Aerokit bi-plane rear-deck spoiler. The interior featured sumptuous leather and carbon-fiber trim, and of course a long list of luxury options ranging from air-conditioning to an electric sunroof, multi-adjustable power sport seats, power brakes, and power steering.

According to its included CARFAX report, this gorgeous example was delivered new to its first owner in Florida on 15 October 1997. It was purchased by its second owner on 13 October 1999 and registered in New York, with an odometer reading of fewer than 12,000 miles. Its third owner registered the car in Colorado, where records show the car received a service inspection on 31 August 2000. The current owner purchased the car in North Carolina on 19 July 2005 at which time the car had been driven 14,387 miles. It has been driven sparingly, with some 22,000 miles now recorded. Completely stock and unmodified, this Turbo S has been properly maintained, with the only notable service item being replacement of the power-steering rack by Bob Moore Porsche in Oklahoma City.

The serious collector seeking a rare, elegant, and powerful turbocharged AWD Porsche could do no better than this fine example in a very rare and attractive color.