Total 911’s top 11 air-cooled Porsche 911s of all time

For many the lure of the Porsche 911 ended in 1998 when air-cooling made way for water-cooling (in the divisive shape of the 996). Taking the top rated cars from our comprehensive data file section, we celebrate the air-cooled era with a countdown of the top 11 cars built by Porsche between 1963 and 1998:

11) Porsche 930 SE



The Porsche 911 is known for its slightly bug-eyed headlights and pronounced front wings, right? Well, the first car on our list is the slant-nosed Porsche 930 SE, a 935-inspired creation that could hit 173mph, making it the fastest production 911 ever upon its release in 1986.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 930 SE in our data file section now.

10) Porsche 993 Turbo



With its twin KKK turbochargers and four-wheel drive system, the Porsche 993 Turbo set the formula that later forced induction 911s have refined to near-perfection. Values of the last air-cooled Turbo have shot through the £100,000-mark in the last 12 months, confirming their popularity.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 993 Turbo in our data file section now.

9) Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Leichtbau



‘Leichtbau’ or ‘lightweight’, however you wish to refer to this special Porsche 964 Carrera 4, it is undeniably easy on its feet. Under Jürgen Barth’s watchful eye, Weissach created a 1,050kg, short-ratioed rally warrior that never really saw the action its development deserved.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 964 C4 Leichtbau in our data file section now.

8) Porsche 911S 2.4



In 1972, the 2.4-litre Porsche 911S sat atop the neunelfer tree before the arrival of the 2.7 RS the following year. With more torque than the 2.2S, the Porsche 911 2.4S was a perfect blend of speed, comfort and style that resulted in over 5,000 leaving Zuffenhausen during its two-year production run.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 911S 2.4 in our data file section now.

7) Porsche 993 Turbo S



It is only right that the last air-cooled Porsche 911 ever to leave Zuffenhausen in 1998, the Porsche 993 Turbo S, makes this venerable list. With 450bhp, it was more powerful than a 993 GT2. Combined with its exclusivity (only 345 were built), this was an ideal air-cooled sign off.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 993 Turbo S in our data file section now.

6) Porsche 930 LE



Sharing its 330bhp mechanicals with the 930 SE, the Porsche 930 LE (for ‘Limited Edition’) was created to mark the end of the classic 911 Turbo era. Its aggressive styling and classic character make for an enthralling experience, as does the fact that only 50 were ever produced.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 930 LE in our data file section now.

5) Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 RS



The first Rennsport 911 on this list (but certainly not the last) the 3.0-litre Porsche 911 Carrera RS heralded in the impact-bumper generation in style. Only available in ‘Lightweight’ trim, just 109 were built with many enjoying successful motorsport careers.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 RS in our data file section now.

4) Porsche 993 GT2



In true Weissach style, the Porsche 993 GT2 (the first 911 to take up the ‘GT’ moniker) was built to homologate a racing car. Designed to take on the McLaren F1 on track, road-going versions got 430bhp sent exclusively through the rear wheels, giving this car the infamous ‘Widowmaker’ nickname.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 993 GT2 in our data file section now.

3) Porsche 964 Carrera 3.8 RS



The 3.6-litre Porsche 964 RS had proved a roaring success at the start of the Nineties. However, Stuttgart knew they could improve, releasing a wide-body, 3.8-litre version with extreme aerodynamics in 1993. The rarest Rennsport 911 ever, it also spawned the first RSR for 18 years.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 964 Carrera 3.8 RS in our data file section now.

2) Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS



Does this car need any introduction? The first 911 RS was an immediate hit requiring Porsche to build a second batch after the first 500 (needed to homologate the RSR for competition) were finished. Sporting the iconic ducktail, the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is perhaps the most loved Porsche ever.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS in our data file section now.

1) Porsche 993 Carrera RS



Comfort or Clubsport? Riviera Blue or something a little more reserved? No matter what the specification, you wouldn’t turn down the last air-cooled Rennsport Porsche. Powerful looks with performance to match, it is possibly the ultimate air-cooled driver’s car.

Get all the tech specs on the Porsche 993 Carrera RS in our data file section now.

Do you agree with our top 11 air-cooled Porsche 911s? Add your own choices in the comments below and join the debate on our Facebook or Twitter pages.