While the 911 Turbo Cabriolet has become a common sight since the 996 generation, the 993 Turbo Cabriolet is a true rarity, almost a myth among Porsche enthusiasts. Officially, it never existed.
The story goes that Fritz Haberl, owner of a major Porsche dealership in Munich, saw the new 993 Cabriolet at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and envisioned a limited-edition Turbo version. Facing financial difficulties, Porsche was receptive to Haberl’s proposal, but only if he committed to a minimum order. He agreed, and Porsche’s Exclusive department began a clandestine project to create these special cars.
Fourteen 993 Turbo Cabriolets were built between May 1995 and who knows when, as they never received an official model year designation. These unique vehicles combined the narrow body of the Carrera Cabriolet with the mechanicals of the 964 Turbo 3.6. This meant a single-turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive (unlike the standard 993 Turbo’s all-wheel drive), and brakes and wheels from the 964.
While the 964 and 993 platforms differed structurally, Porsche managed to fit the M64/50 3.6-liter flat-six engine with its single turbo into the 993 body. Porsche Exclusive then widened the rear arches to match the Turbo specification and added the X93 option rear spoiler from the 964 Turbo S.
Photos by Robin Adams courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
