1993 Porsche 911 America Roadster

I’m excited, our July Car Of The Month is a 1993 911 America Roadster. At first glance, you notice that while it is undeniably a classic, it stands apart from what you might expect, in the absolute best way possible. The headlamps, the interior, the folding convertible top, everything feels brand new. That is because this 964 underwent a comprehensive refurbishment right here at our Centre. It was immediately clear that this was far more than just another 911; it was a total passion project. Spending time with the ’93 911 my very first thought was, “Thank goodness I know how to drive stick!” This particular vehicle offered my most personal connection to a Car Of The Month yet, as I originally learned to drive a manual in my dad’s 1996 993 Arena Red Cabriolet. I remember telling him back then, “Whenever I’m given the opportunity to drive a manual Porsche, I’ll be ready.” And I was more than ready. Walking around the 964, I truly appreciated the contrast of the exterior paint against the black cabriolet top and its iconic Turbo widebody stance, a feature unique to the America Roadster model and not offered on any other North American cabriolet. Originally painted black, the car was stripped down completely to receive its current Irish Green finish. Another subtle, thoughtful detail: the engine cooling fan was colour-matched to the body. It was evident that every inch of this 911 was crafted with immense consideration and care. When I asked the fortunate owner what the restoration process was like, he shared that while it was lengthy, he was able to enjoy the final result at its absolute peak: “It was a complete bare metal restoration. Fortunately for me, since the car was in such rough shape and couldn’t pass out of province inspection when I bought it, I never drove it before the restoration started so I didn’t know what I was missing. Seeing the car now I’m in awe and it turned out better than I envisioned. The team in the Classics Department did an amazing job and I couldn’t be happier,” he shared.

When I took the wheel of the ’93 America Roadster, everything from the initial turn of the key and the instantly recognizable rumble of the custom exhaust to the firm support of the custom Recaro Houndstooth seats exuded quality and purpose. It felt as though the 911 was urging me to drop into gear and savour every moment. With each shift and corner, the reasoning behind all that meticulous care became obvious. This was not merely a fun summer cruiser; it was a true expression of heritage. The cabin features an intentional rear seat delete, emphasizing its driver-focused character, while the custom green gauge cluster caught my eye with every gear change and speed check. The Shamrock details in the gauges and Irish Green bodywork radiated beautifully in the sunlight. “Not only is it one of my favourite colours, Irish Green is historical and a Porsche family favourite too. Along with the Shamrocks, the background on the tachometer is the Celtic Tree of Life (Crane Bethadh) which, among other things, signifies rebirth. I thought it was appropriate since the car has been “reborn" from its prior condition,” the owner added. It is precisely this level of personalized driving experience that sets the Porsche brand apart. I found just as much excitement behind the wheel of this 1993 classic as I do driving a 2026 911, though it was a distinct, delightfully refreshing kind of thrill. Driving a Porsche gives you a feeling of total freedom; I often describe it as wanting to be everywhere at once, without ever feeling in a rush to get there. That harmony of response from the manual gearbox, paired with the sharp handling of the Turbo suspension and brakes that define the America Roadster, was vibrant and alive. Just as Porsches have graced bedroom walls in poster form for generations, the inspiration behind owning this 964 was no different: “As a teenager, the 964 was my favourite car so I had to eventually get one in the collection. I also had never owned a convertible so I thought the

Roadster was an opportunity to check both boxes. Plus it’s a limited model (only 250 produced) so seeing another one on the road is rare.” Spending time with this Car Of The Month let me appreciate it from every perspective. Combining my own first impressions with the owner's story of what makes it so unique. Whether it's modern upgrades like the PCM Audio System or classic touches like the Cup 1 inspired custom built wheels, every detail makes a case for it as the ultimate summer daily driver. Meticulous dedication truly took this 964 from good to extraordinary. “Only thing I have planned is to just get as much enjoyment out of it as I can. I drive it to the grocery store, throw my clubs in the passenger seat and head to the golf course, or just go for a cruise with the top down. It won’t be a garage queen.”

This article was written by:

Ace Jakeman