This time capsule of a 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S just popped up on Bring a Trailer, flaunting a jaw-dropping 3,200 miles on the clock. That’s right—barely broken in. Dressed in Guards Red over Classic Gray leather, this all-wheel-drive 993 brings together the holy grail of air-cooled Porsche looks, a six-speed manual, factory Aerokit spoilers, and a laundry list of original goodies.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
If you’ve been watching the air-cooled 911 market, you know the 993 Carrera 4S is still the belle of the ball. Classic.com lists the average sale price for a 1996–1998 Carrera 4S at $188,076, with recent sales bouncing anywhere from $97,737 to a wallet-melting $384,000, all depending on how fresh, original, and well-kept the car is.
Mileage is still king here. Higher-mileage cars usually change hands for $150,000 to $190,000, but if you’ve got a garage queen with under 20,000 miles, you’re looking at $250,000 or more. The market average hovers around $167,482, but if you want one of those ultra-low-mileage gems, be ready to see dealer asks in the $250,000 to $300,000 range.
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With just 3,200 miles, this car is in unicorn territory. For reference, a similar 1998 Carrera 4S with about 3,000 miles recently fetched $384,000—proof that collectors will pay big for showroom-fresh condition. The auction’s just getting started, but don’t be surprised if the final number rockets far past the opening bid.
Condition and Details
This Carrera 4S started life at O’Daniel Porsche in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and it’s still rocking a dream factory spec. Guards Red paint, Classic Gray leather, factory Aerokit front and rear spoilers, Litronic headlights, the Motor Sound Package, hard-back power sport seats, cruise, A/C, and a power sunroof—it’s all here.
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Under the rear deck sits Porsche’s legendary 3.6-liter air-cooled flat-six with VarioRam, good for 282 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The Motor Sound Package means you get a throatier exhaust note, thanks to a tweaked airbox, mufflers, and outlets. All that power heads to all four wheels via a six-speed manual and a limited-slip diff.
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According to the listing, you get the original window sticker, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, owner’s manual, service records, and a squeaky-clean Carfax. The photos show those iconic 18-inch Turbo Twist wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports, a spotless underbody, and an interior that looks every bit as fresh as the mileage suggests.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (993) |
| Year | 1997 |
| Mileage | 3,200 miles |
| Engine | 3.6-liter air-cooled flat-six (VarioRam) |
| Power | 282 horsepower, 250 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual transaxle |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive with limited-slip differential |
| Exterior Color | Guards Red |
| Interior Color | Classic Gray leather |
| Wheels | 18-inch Turbo Twist alloy wheels |
| Factory Options | Aerokit, Motor Sound Package, Litronic headlights, hard-back sport seats, sunroof |
Interested in this Porsche 911 Carrera 4S? View the listing here.
What Makes the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Unique
The 993 Carrera 4S is widely seen as the sweet spot in the air-cooled 911 world. You get the naturally aspirated Carrera engine, the wide Turbo body, Turbo-style front end, beefed-up suspension, and those unmistakable 18-inch Turbo Twist wheels. It’s basically a Turbo in disguise—minus the twin turbos.
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Cars equipped with the factory Aerokit are even less common. The package adds unique front and rear spoilers that give the Carrera 4S a more aggressive appearance while remaining a genuine factory option. Combined with the Motor Sound Package and exceptionally low mileage, this example represents the kind of specification that tends to resonate with collectors looking for originality and factory equipment.
Final Thoughts
That $3,200 bid? Don’t get too excited—it’s just the opening bid for this Bring a Trailer auction. Low-mileage, well-documented 993 Carrera 4S models always draw a crowd, and this one ticks all the right boxes: originality, paperwork, killer options, and mileage so low it’s almost suspicious.
If you’re an air-cooled Porsche watcher, this is one auction you’ll want to keep tabs on. Whether it lands near the market average or shoots for the stars, this is easily one of the cleanest 993 Carrera 4S cars you’ll find right now.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog