The Porsche 911 celebrated its 40th birthday last year, but its roots can be traced back even further to the Porsche 356 of the late 1940s, itself a heavily modified VW Beetle. During that time the car has undergone huge leaps in power and performance.

For many enthusiasts the last generation of the air-cooled 911s are still the most desirable. Produced between August 1993 and October 1998, these were the eighth generation. Confusingly, fans and the motor trade both describe the generations by code number, this one being known as the 993.

With its distinctive laid-back headlamps and gracefully rounded bumpers, it offers significant advances over earlier models. The major changes to the rear suspension, and revised front MacPherson struts, gave the cars safe, predictable handling — a far cry from the previous notorious tail-happy antics.

Powered by the fabulous 3.6 litre flat-six engine, the cars have a minimum of 272bhp, so all provide awesome performance. After 1996 power rose to 285bhp thanks to the Varioram inlet system and larger valves. These cars are easily distinguished from earlier models by their slightly squared-off exhaust pipes (as opposed to oval ones).

Buyers have the choice of a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The Tiptronic auto works well, but purists tend to favour the excellent manual gearbox.

The Porsche 911 is extremely well engineered, and with correct maintenance will do hundreds of thousands of miles. But there are abused examples around, so time invested in checking a car thoroughly can save you thousands of pounds.

Because the body is galvanised, corrosion isn’t usually an issue unless the car has been improperly repaired after an accident. Cars repaired by a Porsche-approved bodyshop come with a guarantee and certificate, which you can check via Porsche Cars Great Britain (0118 930 3666), which keeps a central register.

On manual-gearbox cars clutches can suffer heavy abuse from enthusiastic owners, and if clutch replacement is overdue you can end up with a warped flywheel. Check the clutch by finding a steep hill and accelerating hard up it in too high a gear. If the clutch slips — ie, the engine revs increase but you don’t go any faster — it is likely to be worn.

Brakes are strong and fade-free but worn pads will cause disc wear, so check the discs for ridges and look for signs of blueing (overheating gives the discs a purple-blue hue).

With the earlier Targa model hood seals were always a weak point, but on the 993 a glass panel that slides back inside the screen makes water leaks unlikely, although you should ensure its operation is smooth.

Sitting in a 911 for the first time may be disappointing: the switchgear is scattered about the dashboard, and the cabin is not very roomy.

During the 993’s life Porsche tempted buyers with a number of high-performance derivatives, including the four-wheel-drive Turbo. Beautiful and incredibly fast, it is, however, not the ideal buy for a first-time owner.

A record of correct maintenance is essential, and even low-mileage users should have the car serviced by a Porsche-approved or reputable specialist dealer on an annual basis.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupé
Engine type: Flat-six, 3600cc
Power: 285bhp
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 23.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 5.4sec
Top speed: 170mph

Climate control: An absolute must-have option

Upgraded stereo: A desirable option, identified by dual speaker grilles in the doors

Colours: Prices are sensitive to exterior and interior trim combinations, avoid white or yellow cars

Wheels: 16in rims were standard but 17in more desirable. Turbo and RS models come with 18in wheels

Tyres: Due to the car's high top speed it should be fitted with N-rated tyres

Spare tyre: Stored under the luggage compartment in the car's nose — check that the electric compressor is included

Service history: Must be accompanied by original invoices

Seats: Sports seats identified by composite backs. Post-1995 sports seats are less prone to wear

Total sold in Britain: 1993-98: 4,479

Spoiler: Some cars have 'bi-plane' rear spoiler (on two levels) that does not integrate a rear brake light

Sound pack: Some owners fit a modified air induction kit that makes the engine sound more sporty

Sports exhaust: Optional sports exhaust sounds great and is identified by larger oval pipes with no flange around the edge

Oil: Engine oil levels must be checked with the engine running

THE ONE TO BUY

Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupé with six-speed manual gearbox, 1997 R-reg with 60,000 miles. Pay £29,500 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £27,000 privately.

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