Listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, this 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S represents one of the most exclusive and technically significant derivatives of the 993-generation 911. Produced for just one model year and limited to approximately 176 examples for the U.S. market, the Turbo S was developed through Porsche Exclusive as the ultimate evolution of the company’s air-cooled 911 Turbo before production transitioned to the water-cooled 996.
Finished in Guards Red over a black leather interior, this example combines the understated architecture of the 993 with a series of factory upgrades that distinguish the Turbo S from the standard Turbo. Its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six incorporates larger turbochargers, an additional oil cooler, and revised Bosch Motronic engine management, producing 424 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a six-speed manual transaxle to all four wheels, with a limited-slip differential providing additional traction under hard acceleration.
Performance was exceptional for the era. Porsche quoted a 0-to-60-mph time of approximately 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph, making the Turbo S one of the fastest production 911s of its time. The 993 chassis also introduced Porsche’s multi-link rear suspension, while Automatic Brake Differential helped manage traction across the all-wheel-drive system.
The Turbo S received a distinctive aerodynamic treatment that included an Aerokit front spoiler with revised venting and fog-light placement, integrated rear-quarter-panel air intakes, a biplane rear spoiler, and a four-outlet exhaust system. Braking hardware was upgraded with ventilated and cross-drilled rotors and yellow Porsche-branded four-piston calipers at each corner. Eighteen-inch hollow-spoke “Technology” wheels, Michelin tires, xenon headlights with washers, and a power sunroof further define the specification.
Inside, heated and power-adjustable hard-back sport seats feature body-color shells and black leather upholstery, complemented by carbon-fiber trim and red seatbelts. Automatic climate control, cruise control, a CD stereo, stainless-steel Turbo S door-sill guards, and a leather-and-carbon-fiber steering wheel add to the equipment list.
As Porsche’s final air-cooled Turbo S, the 993 Turbo S occupies a unique place in the 911 lineage. Its combination of limited production, Porsche Exclusive construction, manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and final-generation air-cooled engineering makes it a particularly significant expression of the 993 platform.
Source: Bring a Trailer
