CAR TO BUY IF YOU ARE FLUSH .... BUT NOT TOO FLASH A dream machine

Green two-tone interior is pretty special, too. Our car has the brilliant PDK eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission that works superbly whether you let it do the thinking or use the paddles to change gear.

You’d never guess that this 3.0-litre engine has a couple of turbochargers. There’s no detectable lag: you put your foot down and there’s this seamless rush of thrust.

It may be the less-powerful 911 but the basic Carrera still feels pretty fast. Our car has a sports exhaust fitted (kerching, another £1,844) but you only get the full effect after you’ve wound the motor beyond 4,500rpm and are on the 7,500rpm red line.

Also on this car are wheels from the Carrera S. They’re 20in at the front and 21in at the back. Porsche will have fitted them because they look better in photographs than the 19in/20in ones that are standard on the non-S Carrera. That’s true, but they’re not quite so good for comfort and the tyres generate even more roar than those on the smaller wheels.

The 911 used to have a reputation of being a bit tricky to drive due to the engine being in the back and behind the rear wheels.

Today’s cars handle fantastically well and feel completely secure. All 911s, including this “entry-level” Carrera, have Porsche’s active suspension management system, or PASM. Its comfort setting is fine for the road.

The Porsche 911 is wider and heavier than it used to be, which I don’t like, but it is still the best made and most practical everyday sports car you can buy.

ORGANISERS of the Silverstone Classic historic racing event from July 31 to August 2 are holding a prize draw with tickets, VIP hospitality and a lap of the circuit in the official course car up for grabs. Better still, they will have the use of an American RV for the weekend.

The draw is open to all and all you have to do is make a suggested £10 donation to Alzheimer’s

Research UK. Multiple entries are allowed and the competition closes on March 27.

Find the details online at silverstoneclassic.com along with news of earlybird tickets on sale now.