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ON THE ROAD The 911 has true performance car power and handling in spades, but it’s usable every day

EVEN though you’ll have to look for a car from the previous decade to find a bargain, the 997-generation Porsche 911 is still a top buy for enthusiasts.

While all of the mainstream versions of the current 911 have some form of turbocharging, this 997 model benefits from a sonorous naturally aspirated flat-six motor. We’ve picked the Carrera S model here, and it comes with a sweet-shifting manual transmission. The 3.8-litre motor in this car produces 350bhp, which is more than enough to get your heart pumping when you rev the Porsche out to the red line.

Considering buyers are paying huge sums for modern 911s with manual gearboxes, it’s incredible that you can pick up such a pure driver’s car for around £23,000. The engine and gearbox get the 911 off to a great start, but it’s the handling that will make this car a sure-fire future classic.

Well-weighted controls that serve up delicious feedback, a perfect driving position and an immersive, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive handling balance mean the 911 is a joy to drive on a twisty road. But it remains comfortable and composed in all conditions, so it’s useable like few other sports cars at this level.

There are even two small rear seats, and while they’re not exactly comfortable they provide space for children or some extra luggage if needed.

The design has barely aged in the decade since the used model we’ve picked was built. With the firm rarely making big changes to the 911’s looks, the 997-generation car still appears thoroughly modern 10 years later. Porsches hold their value very well and many have been looked after by very careful owners.