Porsche 993 Sport Seats

In the world of the Porsche 993 (1995–1998), the factory Sport Seats are legendary. Because the 993 was the final air-cooled 911, these seats represent the peak of “old-school” Porsche interior design: heavy-duty construction, incredible leather quality, and a very mechanical feel.

There are two primary “Sport” options for the 993 that collectors hunt for today.

Listing Details

• Porsche Adjustable Sport Seats
• Gray Leather Upholstery
• Perforated Inserts
• Embossed Porsche Crest Headrests
• Carbon-Fiber Hardback Shells
• Power Adjustments

1. The “Hardback” Sport Seats

These are the most iconic seats of the 993 era. If you see a 993 Carrera RS or a highly optioned Turbo, these are likely what’s inside.

• The Look: They feature a distinctive painted resin shell on the back. From the factory, these were usually painted in a shimmering Silver, but buyers could custom-order them painted to match the exterior color of the car.

• The Feel: They are significantly firmer than the standard “Comfort” seats. They feature deep side bolsters and pronounced “shoulder wings” that keep you pinned during cornering.

• Adjustment: Usually 4-way electrical (height and tilt) with a manual fore/aft slider.

• The “Grail” Factor: A pair of original 993 Hardbacks in good condition can easily fetch $10,000–$15,000 on the secondary market today.

2. The “Softback” Sport Seats

Technically carried over from the late 964 generation, these were available in early 993s.

• The Look: They look like the standard comfort seats but with much more aggressive, “puffy” bolsters on the base and backrest.

• The Construction: The entire back of the seat is wrapped in leather (no hard shell).

• The Feel: These are often considered the “perfect” long-distance seat. They offer the lateral support of a sport seat but retain more of the cushion and “give” of a luxury seat.

3. Comparison: 993 Sport vs. Standard

If you are looking at a 993 for sale, here is how to quickly spot the difference:

4. Common Issues to Watch For

If you are buying a 993 with these seats (or buying the seats standalone), check these three things:

1. Cable Snapping: The 993 seats use a drive cable for the power height adjustment. These are notorious for snapping or “stretching,” resulting in a seat that moves on one side but not the other (the “seat twist”).

2. Shell Cracking: On the Hardbacks, the resin shells can develop hairline cracks near the mounting points if the car has seen heavy track use or if the previous owner was particularly “sturdy.”

3. Bolster Wear: Because the bolsters are so high, the driver’s side outer bolster almost always shows “entry wear.” If the leather is original, it’s often better to leave it with its patina than to dye it poorly.