1993 begins with a glimmer of hope in America. On January 20, young Bill Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States. Memories of John F. Kennedy revived. Later it turned out that both men have a lot in common. Among other things, they knew how to use their charm on the female sex. Boris Yeltsin has been in power in Russia for two years as a relentless war rages between Serbia and Bosnia. On June 5, 1993, FC Aarau surprisingly won the Swiss football championship and the film world had to say goodbye to legendary US actress Audrey Hepburn and Italian director Federico Fellini.
But 30 years ago, something revolutionary happened in the automotive world as well. Volkswagen is the first German group to start a four-day week at its main plant in Wolfsburg (Germany), with a corresponding loss of wages. However, in March 1993, VW launched the convertible of the third Golf generation. Again with the fixed tipping bar that gives the open Golf the nickname “strawberry basket”. Competitor Opel can’t hold back and is also bringing a convertible sunroof for the Astra. The convertible from Rüsselsheim even has a bit of an Italian flair, as it’s manufactured in Italy by Bertone. Whatever Opel is for, BMW is just cheap. The 3-series E36 was also available as a convertible from 1993 – even with the famous straight six if desired.
The Last Air Howling
In 1993, six-cylinder power was also available from the Far East. In the form of the Toyota Supra A80, which makes the life of domestic top dogs difficult on the German highway with its 330 hp. But the six is also trump card for the Porsche 911 with internal code 993. However, as with a flat boxer engine at the rear it is an absolute must in Zuffenhausen. Air cooled of course! What few knew when this sports car was introduced 30 years ago: it will be the last air-cooled 911. That’s why it’s also the last real 911 for die-hard Porsche fans. No wonder the Porsche 993 is a sought-after classic today – and in 2023, on its 30th birthday, it will be glorified with official vintage car status.
In contrast to the soft silver, white and black trims popular today, new cars in 1993 were dominated by bright colors. Stems glow red, yellow and green. Even the Mercedes C-Class can often be seen with colored paint. The successor to the “Baby-Benz” 190 (type W 202) was presented in May 1993. The German commercial press confirmed that the new mid-range model had “reference comfort”, and this caused little excitement, especially among competitors. in Munich. However, the basic equipment of the C-Class is very weak. Something that still holds true for many models made in Germany today.
Nissan Micra before Fiat 500
In 1993, nearly 50 European expert journalists named Car of the Year for the second generation of the tiny Nissan Micra, not for the reference-setting Mercedes or the latest air-cooled 911 Porsche. It is the first Japanese car to win this prestigious title. Meanwhile, in front of another small car, Fiat Cinquecento from Italy.
Asian manufacturers targeted Europe in 1993. Mazda brings the elegant sedan Xedos 9, Kia unveils its first model on our continent with the Sephia. However, the basis of the car produced in Hwaseong, Korea is the Japanese Mazda 323 (type BG). With a two-year delay, the Lexus GS finally got its start in 1993 – until today, Toyota’s noble daughter Lexus hasn’t been able to make the big leap forward with us.
This does not apply to the Fiat Punto introduced in 1993. It is successfully retaking lost space in the small car segment for the Italian automaker. With the fresh Corsa B presented 30 years ago, Opel also wants to grab buyers from the then somewhat outdated VW Polo II (Type 86C 2F). And the top-of-the-line Peugeot 306 is trying the same against the class-leading VW Golf.
Gee
Thirty years ago, Swedish automakers were still active and successful in our car market. While Saab, the then-GM subsidiary and now defunct brand, was creating excitement with the new 900, Volvo launched its successful 850 for the first time as a supercharged turbo-powered T5 and then entered the race with a station wagon variant (!). This was still possible 30 years ago. And now, from January 1, 2023, all these models will turn into vintage cars – how time flies.