MARKET WATCH
Auction season is now well underway, and though many sales are offering amazing Porsches as their star cars, none live up to this billing as much as the Bad Boys 964 Turbo 3.6...
Every now and again, a movie manages to make a star of a car, elevating the on-screen importance of the film’s fourwheeler to equal or exceed that of the actors. The Will Smith flick, Bad Boys, is a case in point — we’ve lost track of the number of Porsche enthusiasts we’ve spoken to who cite the black 964 Turbo 3.6 driven by Smith’s character, Mike Lowery, as the 911 responsible for their love of the Stuttgart brand. Good news, folks! If you’re feeling flush, you can now own the actual
Bad Boys 964 thanks to its starring role at the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee sale.
Listed with a lower estimate of $1.5m and one of only 350 3.6-litre 964 Turbos delivered to the USA for 1994, this award-winning concours-quality 911 was originally the property of movie director, Michael Bay, before being passed in and out of private collections until being offered for sale by the current owner. One of the most famous Porsches in existence, this black beauty is sure to generate a seriously strong final sale price, as will the 1998 RUF Turbo R Limited up for grabs at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction, taking place Friday 4th March. Introduced in 2016, only seven examples of the 993-based Turbo R Limited were built, all in tribute to the original Turbo R, launched in 1998. The Limited makes use of the same twin-turbo 3.6-litre flatsix as the Turbo R, but with power increased to almost 620bhp, accompanied by 553lb-ft torque. A true collector car, this super-rare RUF joins the Carrera GT, 718 RSK and 964 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport featured on page 21 of this magazine at what’s sure to be one of the 2022’s auction highlights.
Away from Porsches attracting estimates and sale prices resembling phone numbers — but still able to provide exclusivity — is the 1988 944 Turbo S recently sold through auction at Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online classic vehicle marketplace. These early examples of the Turbo S carry the nickname ‘Silver Rose’ on account of their appearance, comprising a pink-tinged silver paint job and burgundy plaid upholstery. Representing a short-lived step up from 944 Turbo specification before the Turbo S became standard Turbo trim (and available with any colour and interior finish), only seventy-seven examples of this rare Porsche are though to have been imported to the UK.
The example seen here sold for £18k, which is a surprisingly modest sum considering the value of well presented 944 Turbos usually punches much higher. Proving the point, Porsche Centre Glasgow is currently offering a 1991 Guards Red 944 Turbo for a punchy £46,500. Make no mistake, Car & Classic’s ‘Silver Rose’ was a bargain.
Another 944 which might prove a shrewd buy is the 1988 944 S about to go under the hammer at Anglia Car Auctions. Even though the 2.5-litre machine is advertised
THE LIMITED MAKES USE OF THE SAME TWIN-TURBO 3.6-LITRE FLATSIX AS THE TURBO R, BUT WITH POWER INCREASED TO 620BHP
as a non-runner, the lower estimate of £2,500 is seriously tempting when you take into consideration the robust nature of the Porsche M44 inline-four. Thorough inspection from someone who knows what they’re looking at is advised, but this Guards Red modern classic may be the perfect project in readiness for a summer of fun.
If you want your next Porsche to be ready to get up and go without a round of attention from your toolbox, the 2002 996 Carrera 4 set to appear at the Brightwells Classic Car & Motorcycle Auction on Monday 14th February could be just what you’re looking for. Listed at £18k and benefiting from an engine-out mechanical refresh at SCS Porsche in Honiton, this 70k-mile Tiptronic-loaded coupe boasts mostly main dealer history and only four owners from new. Eyes are also on the twolitre 1975 914 about to be auctioned at Car & Classic. Results to follow next month. ●