1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

<a href=''https://www.flickr.com/gp/149927902@N02/VN9Y53Cx8M''target=''_blank''><font size=''5''>Click here to view high resolution photos

1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
VIN: WP0ZZZ99ZWS330081

1-of-1, factory-built 993 Carrera S Cabriolet
Built by Porsche's Exclusive Department in Zuffenhausen, Germany
10,363 original miles
Factory documentation asserting production rarity
Full service history, including major servicing in 2021-2022 by Porsche Classic
Full black leather interior, paint matched hardback sports seats, Flamenco Red carpet
Guards Red exterior complimented by factory 18” Turbo Twist hollow spoke wheels
Matching-numbers engine and transmission per Porsche Classic Technical Certificate
3.6L aircooled flat six engine producing 282 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque
6-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive

This 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is one of the rarest Carrera S examples ever created. A unique aspect of the Carrera S production was that it was never offered from Porsche as a Cabriolet, that is, until a VIP individual approached Porsche's Exclusive Department with a special request. The Exclusive Department then conceived of and built the only 993 Carrera S Cabriolet, a true 1-of-1 example. It was confirmed by Porsche's Classic Department that it was a true factory build, and still retaining its matching engine and transmission numbers.

What transpired was a complete custom automotive commission by Porsche's Exclusive Program, a unique division that aided individuals with requests that were not always on the formal option sheet. Started in 1978 by Rolf Sprenger, the Sonderwunsch department (special wishes) transformed into Porsche Exclusive in 1986. While the Exclusive Program was more used to special materials for interiors, a bespoke color, or perhaps carbon fiber panels utilized somewhere in the cars, this VIP client had something else in mind. Conceived and built by Porsche's Exclusive Program, this 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S is the only example in Cabriolet form built by the Porsche factory. With complete factory hardware including automatic locking and power folding, the Carrera S Cabriolet looks exactly like what a production version would have looked like had Porsche produced them in real numbers.

While the major part of what makes this Carrera S Cabriolet special is immediately identifiable, there were other special options specifically selected to enhance this build. A full black leather interior was spec'd with hardback Sports Seats painted in matching Guards Red paint. Flamenco Red carpet was chosen to swath the interior, and other factory options listed below.

Options:

139 - Seat Heating Left
326 - Cassette-radio Becker Porsche CR-21
340 - Seat Heating Right
373 - Sports Seat Left, Electronically Height Adjustable
374 - Sports Seat Right, Electronically Height Adjustable
408 - 18” Technology Wheels (Lightweight Hollow Spoke)
551 - Wind Deflector
573 - Air Conditioner
659 - Onboard Computer
939 - Pleated Leather Rear Seats
981 - Leather dashboard and door panels
982 - Pleated Leather Front Seats
XSA - Painted Sports Seats Backrest

Exclusive Program Option Codes: 00061, 09971, 18231, 18232

The Carrera S Cabriolet was ordered via Porsche Zentrum Niederrhein on October 28th, 1997, and was completed and delivered to its first owner in May of 1998, who kept the car in their possession until 2015 and maintained the car throughout their ownership. Documents show a complete maintenance history of the car since new. The Carrera S then found its way to Porsche Classic, Porsche's own historic department, in 2021 and received a comprehensive and major service. This included the engine, transmission, and convertible top mechanism being overhauled. Along with other work performed including air conditioner maintenance, new tires, shock absorbers, replacement of the ignition distributor and regular maintenance, noted in original factory documentation, the total invoice was approximately $33,000 USD.

During this time the car was also put through Porsche's Classic Technical Certificate program, yielding not only a COA confirming the matching numbers engine and transmission, but also confirming that the Carrera S Cabriolet was a factory commission, noting that it is “...an extremely rare vehicle that was never produced in this specification.” This factory document, along with the complete service history since new, are included with the acquisition of the Carrera S Cabriolet. The car is accompanied by its original books, tools, jack, spare wheel/tire, road hazard triangle reflector, compressor, plastic roadside gloves, service and Porsche Classic documentation, several magazines in which the car was featured, an indoor car cover and a first aid kit.

Upon arriving at Canepa, it was clear that this 993 C2S Cabriolet was THE factory produced example. With the fit and finish benefiting from the steady hands at Porsche Exclusive, the 993 looks exactly like how you'd expect, and drives how you would imagine. Thoroughly checked over mechanically and cosmetically through the “Canepa Difference” process, the C2S was treated to a full detail by hand, all the way from the underside to the canvas top, and finishing off the Guards Red exterior with a foam-pad polish. Mechanically fantastic, benefiting from both the original low miles of 10,363 and the recent recommissioning by Porsche Classic. This 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is one of the best examples of collectibles from Porsche, and is undeniably what the Porsche Exclusive Program was intended for. Instantly iconic, incredibly rare, all while being able to enjoy limitless headroom and have no barrier between your ears and the exhaust of the 3.6L flat six engine exiting from the rear.

About the Porsche 993 Generation

Porsche's 993 generation of 911 was the last hurrah for the air-cooled brand, marking the ending of the iconic powerplant and making way for the new water-cooled examples. The 993 was the most refined 911 to date, the best build quality, driving dynamics, and overall received an exceptional amount of development from Porsche. Porsche had saved the best for last, and every 993 felt special.

The Carrera S utilized the 993 Turbo's bodywork, accommodating larger wheels for additional performance and handling. A 6-speed manual was often chosen, and the uprated 3.6L aircooled engine produced 282 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque channeled to the rear wheels only.