Here's Why So Many Celebrities Own A Porsche 993
The Porsche 993 is something that numerous celebrity car collections have in common, but what makes it so sought after by Hollywood's elites? When it comes to Porsches, the 911 is arguably the most iconic model the German automaker ever came up with. Throughout its many iterations, it's the 911s produced from 1994 to 1998 — otherwise known as the 993s — that are easily the most beloved by enthusiasts. Now, the 993 was quite a historical milestone for Porsche, as the model garnered significant performance gains over its predecessor, the 964.
Its flat-six boxer engine gave it enough oomph to go from 0 to 60 mph in just a little over 5 seconds, with the Turbo S variant even capable of producing 450 horsepower. However, power isn't the only thing people love about the Porsche 993; its superb handling was also a big draw (via Motor Biscuit). Those who were lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a 993 deemed it a pleasure to drive thanks to its revamped suspension system. This begs the question: Are performance and handling the sole reasons for getting the 993, or is there something else that only celebrities see in this classic Porsche?
Who are the celebrities that drive a Porsche 993?
While there are many celebrities who drive Porsche 911s, not all of them have a taste for the Porsche 993, in particular. Meet the celebrities who do, and have either been spotted driving the classic Porsche or have had one sitting in their garage. This includes Antonio Banderas, David Beckham, Ellen Degeneres, Harry Styles, Jerry Seinfeld, Keanu Reeves, and Kendall Jenner, to name a few (via Esquire). So, why would a renowned personality consider the 993 in the sea of Porsches? Well, like celebrities, the 933 was also quite influential, and its significance in the legendary 911 lineup's history can make its driver seem like they know a thing or two about automobiles.
Secondly, its value kept on rising over the years. Between 2014 to 2017, the Porsche 993's value skyrocketed, leading to a whopping 70% increase in some examples, while others sold for as much as $2.4 million (via Hagerty). Celebrities who own 993s don't even have to drive them just to flaunt their wealth since simply storing them already adds as much value to their name. Of course, its timeless aesthetics and appreciating value aren't the only reasons why celebrities have an inclination for this distinctly retrofuturistic coupe.
Celebrities love this classic Porsche for various reasons
There are many reasons why celebrities love the Porsche 993, but for actor Keanu Reeves, it's simple: he's passionate about driving and can "appreciate a beautiful vehicle." Reeves referred to his 993 as "The Sled" due to it being "sleek and fast." The "John Wick" star apparently loved the way his car drove, including its exhaust notes. Reeves said he used any excuse just to take it for a spin. When it comes to athlete David Beckham, that reason is tied to movie icon Steve McQueen — whose style and taste in Porsches served as his inspiration, according to GQ. Beckham's first foray into the Porsche world started with a blue 993 he bought new in 1997 (via The Telegraph).
Meanwhile, academy-award winner Denzel Washington also bought his classic Porsche brand new back in '97 and held on to it for 25 years before eventually selling it for over $400,000 (via Motor1). "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" host Jerry Seinfeld, on the other hand, didn't pick his vintage Porsche just because the 993 engine could make a mean espresso. According to Complex, Seinfeld had the word "LAST" etched onto his ride's license plate. Considering the 993 was the last air-cooled model the automaker ever made, the actor was likely paying homage to its historical relevance. With the 993 having such an iconic role in the Porsche lineup, it's no wonder celebrities want to revel in the car's spotlight.
The 993 marked the end of an era
When the Porsche 996 arrived in 1998, the 993 ceased production, and Porsche finally closed the door on its air-cooled era. The air-cooled engine was pioneered by Volkswagen in the 1930s but will always have a strong association with classic Porsches. The mechanics of an air-cooled engine are very simple. The engine, especially the hotter parts, is covered in fins. These fins function in the same way the ones on the back of an air conditioner do. They're highly conductive, so they absorb a lot of the heat. They also have a very large surface area, so there's plenty of room for air to come in contact with them. Thus, air is blasted over the fins, cooling them and the engine in the process (via CNET).
The system had its advantages and disadvantages. A liquid-based cooling system is far more efficient, which is why subsequent Porsches have more horsepower than the air-cooled models. Liquid-cooled engines are also kinder to the environment, producing fewer emissions than their air-cooled cousins. There's also less control with an air-cooled system — It's basically always on, so the engine will take longer to warm up and hit its stride. It is also far more likely to overheat if you push it to the limit for an extended period. So why bother with air cooling? And why lament Porsche's decision to move on? Well, an air-cooled engine is more reliable. There's nothing to leak, fewer parts that can break, and no coolant changes. But the main benefit for Porsche was the weight of the system. An air-cooled engine is a lot lighter than a water-cooled one, and the power-to-weight ratio is a huge consideration when building a sports car. An era ended with the 993 and plenty of people, A-list celebrities included, miss it.