Porsche has just launched a new limited edition version of the 911 called the Carrera Sport Classic, and it is a bit of a wildcard. It’s based on the 911 Turbo, except it’s now RWD and equipped with a 7-speed manual gearbox. Porsche actually released a Carrera Sport classic ten years ago, which was based on a 997 and was impaired by the old 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 model.
That car featured an exclusive gray paint tome, Fuch’s alloy wheels, a ducktail spoiler, Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes, lower PASM sports suspension, exclusive woven leather seats and door panels, a double-dome roof, and more. Porsche intended that car to feel like a best hits version of a 911. These cars were all sold just 48 hours after launch in 2009. That car had 400hp which was pretty decent power, but it wasn’t enough. The cheaper GT3 had more power.
The new 992 Sport Classic takes things to a whole new level. It’s powered by a 3.7 liter twin-turbo flat-6 which is from the Turbo. It pushes out 543hp which is a little less than a Turbo, but that power is sent to the rear via a 7-speed manual gearbox. The result? This is the most powerful manual Porsche 911 model on sale today.
The Carrera Sport Classic will hit 60 in just 3.9 seconds. To some, that may sound slow, but for a car like this, it really isn’t. You could probably decrease that time depending on how fast you can shift through the gears. Flat out this car will do almost 200 mph.
Is this car any good then? Or is it just another marketing spree by Porsche? Let’s find out.
A Whole Lot Of Pedigree.
This car oozes pedigree. It’s again inspired by classic 911 models, in particular the 1973 Carrera RS. It’s part of Porsche’s Heritage design strategy which aims to take inspiration from past models. The current Heritage cars include the 911 Targa 4S Heritage which was an exclusive trim line that consisted of different paint and interior.
The 992 Carrera Sport Classic features almost everything from the 997 model. ducktail spoiler, double-dome roof, exclusive woven leather seats, grey paint, and more. There are differences though. The Carrera Sport Classic gets new alloys exclusively made for the model, more paint options, a wider track, two turbochargers, a sport-design body kit, and an extra gear in the gearbox.
It’s less so like the original Carrera RS since that was naturally aspirated but nevertheless, the new Carrera Sport Classic tries to blend modern technology with old-school pedigree.
It’s all about the smaller details with this car. The decal graphics date back to the 1960s and 1970s, whilst the interior is reminiscent of the original 911. The badges are also gold which relates again back to the 1960s 1970s when Porsche used gold-colored badges on their cars. Then there are the heritage badges. Porsche has fitted one on the grille of the engine at the back and two gold ones on the side of the car.
Inside the car, the tachometer and stop-watch are finished with a green font which again links back to elder Porsche models. Everything looks so high-quality and everything feels very well-built. On the passenger side, you get a 911 logo badge as well as aluminum and leather trim which looks so appealing to the eye. The whole interior in fact looks amazing. By far one of the best interiors Porsche has ever done.
Overall, the Carrera Sport Classic is a very satisfying car both to drive and look at. It may not be a carbon copy of the original 911 Carrera RS, but it still is very cool. Some Porsche enthusiasts will argue Porsche should have fitted the car with running gear from the GT3 as that is more relatable to the Carrera RS. But Porsche wanted to create something special hence why they based the car on the Turbo.
Is It Worth the Asking Price?
The prices for the 911 Carrera Sport Classic have not been released as of yet in the USA, but in the UK it costs just over £209,000. That translates to just over $263,000. That is a lot of money considering a Turbo S 911 is $207,000. A GT3 is just over $162,000 which is essentially $100,000 less than the Carrera Sport Classic.
However, the Carrera Sport Classic is limited to just 1250 examples, all of which are very hard to purchase. Only Porsche’s top dealers and best customers will be offered this car since it is a collector’s piece. Each car sold will also come with an exclusive watch inspired by the car.
The values then of the Carrera Sport Classic are going to explode, due to how rare and desirable it is. Some will treat this car as a cash cow and make huge returns on it. Not many will drive this car in the way it was intended to be driven, which is a huge shame. Most actually won’t get driven much at all.
If you have the money and the ability to purchase one of these special cars, then go for it. There is zero chance you will lose money on it whatsoever, and it sort of is a risk-free investment. The GT3 has soared in value and so have many other limited-edition 992 models including the Targa 4S heritage Edition.
The performance specifications are a little low for a car this expensive, but this is due to the rear-wheel-drive system and manual gearbox. Porsche can’t add in too much power otherwise, this car will be very hard to drive. This car is all about the driving experience though and around the bends, this car does feel very special indeed. It’s very precise and very engaging.
It is a shame that many people will never get to experience the Carrera Sport Classic. The way Porsche sells these cars can be viewed as unfair by some, however, keeping Porsche is rewarding their most loyal with the best gifts they can offer. Not even every dealership will be allocated one of these cars, since it is so sought after. It’s likely most of them will go to North America, however, a fair chunk could be heading to Europe too.