Sales debate

What’s the legacy of the 997?

The 997’s 20th anniversary has come round quickly. Covering 30 models, there’s a wide gamut of performance, practicality and drive options. What mark has the 997 left on the Porsche community?

Hexagon’s Jonathan Ostroff fondly recalls the model, having attended the dealer launch at the time. He thinks the styling is one key element that stands out. Unlike Pinky Lai’s smoothed 996, the 997 had echoes of the earlier models, notably its 993-style headlights. “That’s a hit with enthusiasts, but backing that up is the build quality, which is excellent.”

From a sales point of view, the stand-out 997s with buyers are those that were manufactured in low numbers. Ostroff also picks out the 997 Turbo, GTS and GT2S as cars that have both a following and a future. “Most notable is the RS 4.0, of course, but there were very few right-hand-drive models,” he wisely observes. He adds the Sport Classic and Turbo to that list of cars which will stand the test of time. All 997s have a following, Ostroff thinks, as the last Porsche derivative when it was an identifiable company. Such details resonate with enthusiasts.

While there’s a rich legacy of more senior models, the whole range should be considered, points out Henry Thomas of Lakeside Classics. “Anything 997, I think, is going to become a car that people look for,” says Thomas. “They’re still a small car, but are built very much like a Porsche.

“One thing I think will become increasingly apparent is the rise in the appeal of the manual cars,” he continues, explaining that it’s likely to be reflected in prices over the next few years or so. In that vein, Thomas highlights the manual 997 Turbo. “There are comparatively fewer manual cars than autos, so a manual Turbo will become a special car to own,” he says.

Thomas rightly points out that compared to the lofty collector cars like the RS 4.0 and RS, the comparable Turbos may be cheaper, but offer phenomenal value. “It’s a slightly different driving experience, but still a great car, and not at silly prices those other cars can be,” he says. In a similar vein he favours a manual GTS as another car that will endure.

Perhaps more than any other model, the 997 era is all about options. Whether you want practicality, performance, pedigree or investment potential, the legacy means there’s always a model for you.