The Rise of the 993: Why the Last Air-Cooled 911 is Having its Moment
For a long time, the Porsche 993 (1994–1998) was the "middle child." It didn't have the classic long-hood look of the early cars, and it didn't have the raw, dangerous edge of the 964.
But in the last 24 months, the market has shifted dramatically.
Collectors and drivers alike are waking up to a simple truth: The 993 is the sweet spot. It is the only air-cooled 911 that drives like a modern sports car. As a result, values are climbing, and build slots for 993 commissions are filling up fast.
Here is why the 993 is suddenly the smartest asset in the Porsche world—and why now is the time to secure one.
1. The Engineering Leap: The "Weissach Axle"
To understand the 993's rise, you have to look underneath it. Every 911 prior to 1994 relied on a "semi-trailing arm" rear suspension. It was a design dating back to the 1960s, and it was responsible for the infamous "lift-off oversteer" (where the rear end would snap loose if you panicked in a corner).
The 993 changed everything. Porsche engineers designed an all-new Multi-Link Rear Suspension (often called the Weissach axle).
The Result: It eliminated the snap-oversteer. It gave the car stability and grip that the 964 could only dream of.
The Drive: You can push a 993 hard on a backroad with confidence. It feels planted, compliant, and sophisticated—yet the engine note is still pure, mechanical air-cooled noise.
2. The "Last of the Breed" Premium
In the world of collecting, "The First" and "The Last" are always the most valuable. The 993 is the final chapter of the air-cooled engine. After 1998, Porsche switched to water-cooling (the 996), changing the sound and character of the 911 forever.
Because of this, the 993 is a finite resource. Porsche is not making any more air-cooled engines. As modern cars become more digital and electrified, the analog soul of the last air-cooled 911 becomes increasingly desirable to investors who want a tangible, mechanical asset.
3. The Shoreline Approach: Perfection, Not Reinvention
Because the 993 is already so competent, our approach to a Shoreline 993 commission is different from a 964. We often don't need to "backdate" the looks to make it beautiful. The 993 is already stunning, with its wide rear hips and flush-fitting windows.
Instead, we focus on OEM+ Refinement:
The Engine: We blueprint the 3.6L flat-six, often upgrading it to 3.8L "RS" specification for more torque.
The Interior: We strip out the dated 1990s plastics and replace them with bespoke materials—carbon fiber trim, billet aluminum switchgear, and hand-stitched leather that smells like a vintage library.
The Stance: We dial in the ride height with modern KW or Bilstein suspension, filling those wide arches perfectly.
The Verdict: Buy the Dip (That Isn't a Dip)
The 964 market has already exploded. The 993 is following the same trajectory, but it offers a far more usable driving experience for the money.
If you are looking for a Porsche that you can drive cross-country on a Friday and display on a Concours lawn on a Sunday, the 993 is the answer.
The window to acquire good donor cars is tightening. Contact Shoreline 911 to discuss sourcing a 993 for your build, or view our current inventory.