SPEEDSTER

The 997 Speedster was released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive in 2011. This remarkable 911, steeped in nostalgia, has the all the characteristics of its ancestors and more, with all the components and technology of a modern 911 to boot.

Open the engine decklid and you’ll immediately see the words ‘Porsche Exclusive Powerkit’. With a 3.8-litre, 408hp flat six engine and PDK transmission (no manual was available) the 997 Speedster is capable of 189mph and can travel from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds – incidentally something its fabled ancestors couldn’t even imagine.

Porsche Exclusive pulled out all the stops, with many interior parts on the Speedster hand made. The car rolls on 19-inch Sport Classic wheels painted black, which were previously seen on the 997 Sport Classic, released by Porsche Exclusive at the same time. PCCB ceramic brakes are standard, too.

Available in just two colours – Pure blue or Carrara white as here – the headlights have a circular border with a black painted finish, a reference to the successful Porsche race cars of the past such as the RSR from 1974. The interior is beautifully specced, with highlights including the seat centre fronts in a checkered flag motif, which pays tribute to the 911’s close association to motorsport. On the outside of the glove box is a limited-edition numbered badge indicating the rarity of the car.

Paying homage to former Speedsters, the 997 is distinctive by only having two seats and a low-slung body – its side profile is unmistakable. With its hood up (there are no mechanics involved here) the Speedster’s roofline falls much lower than that of a Cabriolet, and with the roof stowed, those two humps behind the front seats are especially imposing.

While its outline is similar to its ancestors, the 997’s concept deviates slightly, it focusing more on a lavish specification rather than a basic level of trim enjoyed by the original 356 or even 964 before it.

However, this matters little: the Speedster is so unique, even within the confines of the rest of the Neunelfer lineup, and with so few made, this is a car that has already taken its place in the realms of solid, collectible Porsche 911s.