There may not be adequate words to properly describe this incredible 1997 911 Turbo coupe that was built to order for a dyed-in-the-wool Porsche enthusiast and collector of air-cooled machinery. Here is a car that is very likely the most highly optioned Type 993 Turbo ever built and certainly one of a kind. To describe it as “fully loaded” would be an understatement, with every single detail thoughtfully selected by the customer. At the end of the ordering process, this Turbo’s $105,000 base price had ballooned to more than $150,000, nearly half again the price of the car itself. If one word can describe anything that emerges from Porsche’s customer-oriented “Special Wishes” department, now known as Porsche Exclusive, it is quality, and quality does not come cheaply.

When John Dixon learned that the air-cooled Type 993 Turbo would be the last of its line before the advent of water cooling, he knew he had to pull out his checkbook. The proprietor of the Taj Ma Garaj in Dayton, Ohio, decided that he wanted a new built-to-order Turbo coupe, so he visited Beechmont Motors in Cincinnati. There, in early June 1996, he sat down with a salesman, and together they discussed what Dixon had in mind. After studying the standard equipment and option lists from both Porsche and Porsche Exclusive and making a few deletions and additions, John signed a purchase order and left a $10,000 deposit. His new car would be delivered in a paint-to-sample color, or code 9999, which instantly added $2,623 to the tab—and that was just for the setup. The actual color specified, Pearl White Metallic, added an additional, staggering $10,951 to the tab.

He also requested that the interior be trimmed in Cashmere supple leather with black trim, highlighted by elegant “dark root wood” trim on the dashboard and door panels. Leather in Cashmere or black would extend to the interior pillars and headliner, the carpet welting, the steering column, the a/c control panel, and various dashboard instruments and switches and their surrounding trim rings. The driver and front passenger seats would be 12-way electrically adjustable, with heating and additional lumbar support, and those seat controls would also be trimmed in matching leather. The Porsche crest would be embossed on both headrests.

Mr. Dixon also ordered an on-board computer, Litronic headlights and integrated fog lamps, Porsche’s Digital Sound Package with a CR 210 stereo radio and six-disc CD player with remote storage in the velour-upholstered front trunk, an open CD storage space installed on the console, stainless-steel “Turbo” doorsill plates, plus color-coordinated Turbo-embroidered floormats, leather-trimmed turn-signal and cruise-control arms, both sun visors, and a special package of console trim parts. In all, more than 30 separate items were provided by Porsche Exclusive, whose craftspeople specialize in creating incredibly detailed interiors. Originally equipped with a set of paint-to-sample “Turbo Twist” alloy wheels with tires that are supplied with the car, this car is currently fitted with a set of attractive three-piece modular light-alloy wheels sourced from Champion Motorsports in Florida.

Beyond the wonderful cosmetics this Turbo brings to the table, it is also a mechanical delight. The steel monocoque chassis is supported by all-independent suspension, with control arms in front and a multi-link layout in the rear. The 3,600 cc air-cooled engine of the 993 is the last of its type, producing a solid 400 horsepower with twin turbochargers and a large intercooler mounted beneath its wide rear deck-lid spoiler. Power reaches the ground via a six-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel drive. Performance is solidly in supercar territory, with 0–60 sprints available in less than four seconds and a maximum speed approaching 190 mph. Braking is more than adequate, with “Big Red” multi-piston calipers clamping large cross-drilled and ventilated rotors.

Mr. Dixon’s new car was completed 25 September 1996, and he took delivery from Beechwood Motors on 12 November. The day before, he had ordered a new car cover, and a set of new custom-made sheepskin seat covers were already on the way. Dixon now had the Porsche Turbo of his dreams and originally registered the car to himself, but in 2001 he transferred the title to the Taj Ma Garaj. Today this wonderful custom-ordered twin-turbo 993 shows a mere 2,569 miles from new.

This incredible, flawless 993 all-wheel-drive Turbo in a dazzling and unique color will find a loving new home. Any serious collector of fine Porsches will want to give this museum-quality automobile thoughtful consideration. It is accompanied by its original documentation, including the window sticker, Certificate of Authenticity, and maintenance invoices, as well as the original manuals and other factory equipment.