When it was launched in Europe in late 1993, the appropriately numbered 911 993 would be the last of the air-cooled Porsches. Indeed, the decision had already been made by Porsche. By the time the second generation 993 emerged in 1995, the coming demise of the 911 as enthusiasts, indeed the motoring world knew it, was an open secret. In contrast to its 964 predecessor, the 993 was an instant hit, yet it was little more than an inspired restyling and minor mechanical upgrade. The 993 would prove a success, not because it was radically different or more advanced, but because Porsche intelligently addressed the aesthetic and engineering weaknesses of the 964.
