993’s Agility — Falk to the Rescue

Saving the 911

Only in retrospect can one grasp the importance to Porsche of the Type 993. As the last air-cooled 911 it was vital to the survival not only of the 911 lineage but also of Porsche as a car-making company. Introduced in 1993 as a ’94 model, the 993 would be produced for five model years. In one model year, 1996, with the cancellation of the 968 and 928 and the Boxster not yet launched, it would be the only model that Porsche could offer its network and its customers.

“We had to get the 911 into style very quickly,” said engineer Helmut Flegl. “That’s why the 993 came in.” According to company chief Wendelin Wiedeking, “This was a car to decide whether or not Porsche had a future.” Engineer Volker Berkefeld added: “That was a very decisive car for Porsche. It had to be good. Thank God it was good!”