MotorWire Classics 1 - Porsche 911 Turbo (993)

Legendary Porsche 911s are somewhat common. Not in number; let's face it, some of the most amazing 911 legends were produced in just tens, if that. But the number of Porsche 911 models throughout the model's illustrious now-50-year history (more of that later in the year, when the motoring world celebrates the golden jubilee of the king of sports cars) are too numerous to list.

For MotorWire, however, there is one exception. One which stands out from the crowd, not because of its scarcity, not because of its value, not even because of its performance and speed. The 993 911 represented a major turning point in the 911's history; an overhaul in Porsche's design like never before, bringing the 911 up to date with contemporary rivals, and nothing did this better than the 993 911 Turbo.

The 993 Turbo had something about it which just worked. The classic 911 shape, mixed with modernised design and performance, and a sound to match. Mixing heritage and modernity together is something which often fails; only a few examples of such concepts ever make it successfully, and the 993 did this.

The 911's characteristic shape, coupled with the styling and performance alterations which come with the Turbo, is the key to the 993 Turbo's place in my heart; as is their relative rarity compared to the less exciting 996 and 997 models, and as I am sure will be the case with the 991. These incarnations of Turbo are exciting, but don't have that 'je ne sais quoi' which the 993 radiates. See one of the newer models on the street and they're worth a look. See a 993 Turbo on the street, and it will draw a crowd.

So what about it is so special? It's so hard to say. Perhaps nostalgia, as not everyone is old enough to remember when 964s were commonplace. Perhaps its unlevelled beauty and freshness of its design; subsequent 911 incarnations were shortlived, being replaced within short years; perhaps it's because of its status - heralded as the last 'pure' 911 Turbo by enthusiasts as it was the last to use the air-cooled engine of previous 911 evolutions.

Whatever the reason may be, the 993 Porsche 911 Turbo is extremely deserving of its place in the MotorWire Classics list.

(Photographs courtesy of I.Jimeno and AhmadHashim on Flickr)