Porsche has had a long and celebrated history with turbocharging, both on and off the race track. The first production 911 Turbo arrived in the mid-1970s, and since then, has remained not only the fastest and most capable of the various 911 models, but also one of the most desirable sports cars in the world. The Type 993 generation of 911s, introduced in the early 1990s, was no exception. The Turbo that followed in 1997 would be among the last of the traditional air-cooled 911s, boasting 400 brake horsepower and, according to Motor Trend magazine, a record-setting 0- to 60-mph time of 3.7 seconds.

The Turbo S has numerous distinguishing features from the standard turbo model; many from a visual perspective and several from the mechanical side. These cars came from Porsche Exclusive; a special unit that was formally established in 1985 in Zuffenhausen. The Turbo S is driven by the 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that puts out a very impressive 424 horsepower. Among the mechanical enhancements on the Turbo S you will find two larger K-24 turbochargers, the Motronic engine control unit received an electronic upgrade, the Turbo S has an additional oil cooler installed, and the dual exhaust was modified and included quad round tips versus the dual ovals on the standard turbo. Combine these factors with a few other minor engine improvements and this created an engine that produced 25 horsepower more than the standard turbo.

Among the visual styling differences that set the Turbo S apart are yellow four-piston brake calipers instead of the typically seen “big reds,” European front spoiler with functional brake cooling ducts, full leather interior (including air vent louvers), many carbon fiber interior elements, aluminum gauges, carbon fiber door sills with Turbo S script, carbon fiber shock tower braces, Aerokit II rear spoiler from Porsche Exclusive, the previously mentioned exhaust arrangement, air scoops in the rear fenders and the wheels were presented in a matte finish instead of gloss.

There seems to be a continuing debate as to the weight of the Turbo S versus the standard Turbo. Supposedly due to the larger turbochargers, full leather and carbon interior that was standard on all S models, the weight could possibly be 66 pounds heavier than the 3,307 pound standard Turbo, and while possibly negating some of the horsepower advantage, the rare nature of this model and the Porsche factory upgrades cannot be overlooked. It is reported that only 183 examples of the Porsche Turbo S were built for North America.

The 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S coupe offered here is a very fine example with approximately 43,000 miles registered on the odometer. Finished in Arctic Silver Metallic with black interior, this exhilarating vehicle includes a six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and is further equipped with radio with CD, air conditioning; power windows, steering and ventilated four-wheel disc brakes. The car is offered in wonderful condition, and it is accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, representing a rare opportunity to acquire one of the fastest and most collectable Porsches in history.