Last of the Air-Cooleds: 1996 Porsche 911 Cabriolet – SOLD!

September 18th Update – we just confirmed during the past week the private seller of this Porsche 993 Cabriolet deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re calling this 911 “Sold!”

The 993 chassis Porsche 911 remains one of the most collectible examples of the iconic sports car, a model generation that seemingly went from new car to collectible classic in almost no time. In effect, it never became a cheap, used car like prior generations, and models like this six-speed manual cabriolet recently listed in Washington, D.C. command strong money with an asking price of $44,000.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has priced his example fairly, with “Excellent” examples commanding $51,500 and “Good” examples going for $34,900.  The listing detailed an impressive list of completed maintenance jobs and healthy compression numbers.

When it comes to 911s, the 993 stands out as the era that seemingly captured the best of the past and of what was yet to come. The design remained familiar, undoubtedly a 911, and the air-cooled powerplant was the ultimate throwback to the earliest 356. While the homages to the past ran rampant, the cabin was plenty modern, certainly a cockpit that still feels daily-driver friendly even by today’s high-tech standards. With the preceding 964 chassis exhibiting some mechanical growing pains amid its migration to four-wheel-drive models, and the unloved-until-recently water-cooled 996 immediately following, it’s no surprise the 993 continues to demonstrate incredible staying power in the collector car marketplace.

While a convertible is not necessarily the automatic go-to for most enthusiasts, manual transmission examples of soft-top sports cars represent an incredibly good value. Yes, convertibles with automatic transmissions will always be the bottom of the barrel value-wise, but a six-speed example like this 911 that comes with loads of big-dollar maintenance items completed is absolutely worth a look. The seller lists off numerous mechanical fixes, including drive belts, timing chain, valve cover gaskets, CV joints, and plenty more. Throw in the handsome color combination and it’s definitely one to check out if you’re looking to save more than few grand off the cost of a similarly-equipped hardtop model; just delete the overly-aggressive rear spoiler the second you get it home. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Excellent condition – midnight blue/grey, 6 speed, last of air-cooled 911s. Extensive mechanical repairs such as battery, drive belts, chain and valve cover gaskets, cv joints, shift rod seals, spark plug wires, alternator belt sensor and brake flush. In the past 12 months (I have all paperwork): Oil Change (Apr ‘20); exterior detail/wax (May ‘20); 2 brand new remote keys and remote module (Apr ‘20); recharge A/C (Nov ‘19); valve compression test (Nov ‘19) – 1: 100%, 2: 100%, 3: 95%, 4: 95%, 5: 95%, 6: 96%; new wiper blades (Aug ‘19); bulbs replaced (Nov ‘19 – all bulbs functional); brake flush (Aug ‘19); new stone guard (Aug ‘19); driver side door window seal replaced (Aug ‘19); new, perfectly matched paint on hood (fixed rock chips) applied by First Choice body shop.

Drives like a dream; everything works; very clean interior, garage kept; includes cabriolet boot cover; waterproof and inside soft cover. Pre-inspection conducted by RPM in Lorton, Va in Nov ‘19 available for review as well as additional pictures and video.“

Do you have a Porsche 911 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!