Is a Steering Wheel Enough to Hurt the Sale of an Air-Cooled Porsche 993?
Air-Cooled Porsche 993 prices have been on the rise again with both Bring-a-Trailer and PCarMarket hitting some all-time high prices. As a result, 993’s are hitting the market in numbers. You are seeing everything from bone-stock models to highly modified versions.
Air Brigade takes a look at a modified 1997 Porsche 993 with six-speed that is recent on Bring-a-Trailer. It caught my attention because the price is starting off low at $31,993 though it has seven days to go. In looking at the comments the major discussion point is the steering wheel. It is a MOMO wheel but far from period looking for a 993, even if it is a track-ready Hot Rod.
It brought up the question to Air Brigade: is a steering wheel enough to hurt the sale of an in-demand model of an air-cooled Porsche or is market exuberance enough to overlook what the commentators say is a major flaw in an otherwise great build.
As Shralp ineloquently stated: “Is it just me or did anyone throw up in their mouth a little bit when they saw the steering wheel in this 993? Thought so…”
To be fair the original steering wheel is included with the sale, but will a buyer be able to overlook this easy fix to grab a potential 993 bargain?
Other modifications to this 1997 Porsche 993 include a lightweight clutch and flywheel, adjustable Bilstein coilovers, bi-xenon headlights, a bolt-in roll bar and aftermarket 18” wheels. The original removed factory parts are included with the sale.
The other issue beyond the steering wheel is that the CarFax notes that this car has suffered damage to the left rear due to an accident with another vehicle. Buyers favor clean cars from a damage standpoint, so this issue may be a bigger detractor for buyers than the steering wheel that keeps popping up in the comments. Surprisingly, there are no inquiries at this point regarding the severity of the damage and repairs.
Late model year 993 coupes have been bringing $100,000 plus on the auction sites so we will use that as the benchmark for the impact of modifications on pricing for 993’s.
The auction will play out and the market will speak as to whether modifying a classic Porsche hurts the price or whether there is a sub-segment of the market looking for modified versions of these classic air-cooled Porsches. The old adage is to let someone else do the modifications or restoration because you never get your money back. Let’s see what happens here. Air Brigade’s personal prediction: $80,000.
1997 Porsche 993 Modified Coupe for Sale
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-porsche-911-69/
$31,993 with seven days in the auction (November 22, 2021)
Black exterior with tan interior
3.6-lter engine with six-speed manual
Lightened clutch and flywheel
137,000 miles
Blacked-out look with black aftermarket wheels, ducktail spoiler, air dam and mesh screens
Roll bar and MOMO steering wheel
Tags: Porsche 993 for sale, Modified Porsche 993 for sale