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PORSCHE 911 SPORT CLASSIC

Officially produced strictly for the European market, Porsche’s dazzling 911 Sport Classic was among one of several limited edition variations of the 997 gen 2 platform. With sales reportedly limited to select clientele, only a few Sport Classic coupes have found their way into the hands of American enthusiasts and collectors, if only under a “Show and Display” import.

This as-new and almost undriven example carries a dashboard plaque identifying it as number 002 of a very limited run of 250 units. It has been driven only 150 miles from new and has spent its life in an environmentally controlled private collection in California. It was ordered from Porsche Exclusive by a close friend of the Porsche family.

Introduced at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009, the 911 Sport Classic incorporated much of Porsche’s advanced technology in its long-lived and constantly improved 911 chassis. Its specially modified 3800cc fourcam, four-valve normally aspirated and direct-injected engine is aided by a “Power Kit” that includes ported and polished combustion chambers, special resonance intake manifolds that helps maintain peak power throughout the rev range, and a remapped ECU. There is also a new exhaust system and carbon-fibre airbox.

These upgrades produced a thumping 402bhp, a 23-horse improvement over the standard Carrera S motor. Power is delivered through a six-speed, fully synchronised manual transaxle with a mechanical limitedslip differential. The 911 Sport Classic includes many desirable options, including advanced PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) and the very effective PASM sports suspension which lowers the car by nearly an inch.

The fascinating roof contour, which Porsche called “Double-dome,” is reminiscent of the “double bubble” roofs seen on the designs of Zagato. The bodyshell includes wider (by 1.75-inch) rear quarter panels borrowed from the Carrera 4 to accommodate the wider track, along with revised rocker sills and rear bumper. The 19inch alloy wheels are custom made and resemble the iconic rims made by Fuchs.

The front fascia was created by Sportdesign and offers a unique front spoiler lip, while the engine cover hosts a “ducktail” spoiler harkening to the classic Carrera RS of 1973, and the door skins are light aluminum alloy for weight saving. All Sport Classic coupes were painted an unusual colour called Sport Classic Grey with a pair of medium grey stripes running the length of the hood, roof and tail.

The interior of the Sport Classic has been described by Porsche as ‘the most lavish, finely detailed interior seen on a production Porsche.’ The adaptive Sport seatsare covered with an attractive combination of woven leather and fabric. Intriguing details abound. Grey stripes accent the face of the tachometer and repeat the stripes across the body. The steering wheel is covered in supple Nappa leather, and there is a high end Bose sound system. Polished stainless sill plates feature the Sport Classic script illuminated in blue. As we stated in our February 2010 issue, the Sport Classic is ‘the best and most complete driver’s Carrera so far.’ It is supplied with all its original factory paperwork, accessories and import documentation.