Happy 60th birthday, Porsche 911! In fall 1963, Porsche unveiled a new sports car, at first called “901,” as a successor to its first model, the 356. The new car entered production a year later and not long after got a badge change to “911.” This sports car icon remains in production, in much evolved form and with a choice of 25 variants this year. To celebrate 60 years, Porsche is offering a new pinnacle 911 model, called “S/T,” after a lightweight race-prep 911 from the early Seventies. Porsche will build 1,963 of these special 911s, with a starting price of $290,000.
The spark that launched Porsche’s road racing dynasty began with the “Fuhrman engine” in the landmark 550 Spyder racecar. Bringing that engine to the 356’s option list in 1956 and calling it “Carrera” boosted Porsche’s racing pedigree while also setting the foundation for special high-performance Porsche models to come. The expensive and complex Carrera engine was rarely ordered when new, and cars so-equipped demand a huge premium in the collector car market today. A 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster Carrera offered by Mecum Auctions in Monterey is expected to sell for up to $1.2M, or nearly 400% more than a Speedster without it.
Even as Porsche moves toward electrification across its line, the German automaker keeps ratcheting up the performance from its gas-fueled sports cars. The recently revealed 718 Spyder RS becomes the ultimate rendition of the Porsche Boxster and arrives next spring. The Spyder RS is basically the open version of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS available now. Both of these incredible mid-engine cars use a 493-hp naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine from the 911 GT3
Among the most desired special editions of the Porsche 911, option code M491, “Tublo Look” is at the top of the list for most aficionados. The Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in August will offer a 1987 Turbo Look Carrera, with a “Slant Nose” front end design, believed to have been installed for the original owner. It’s all Porsche steel, not a fiberglass knock-off, with a pre-sale-estimate of $80,000 — $120,000, with no reserve.
All those rumors of a V6-powered Ferrari turned out to be true. The Ferrari 296GTB unveiled on June 25 is a mid-engine model with a new V6, and it’s part of a hybrid electric powertrain that cranks out an astounding 818 horsepower.
Getting a 918 Spyder when new was difficult, as just 918 of these hypercars were made. It cost $845,000 before options. Getting one today is not much easier. The RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction in late May sold this 2015 model for $1.182m, right around the middle of its of $1m-$1.25m pre-sale estimate.
The Longtail name is an homage to the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR racecar, which used a longer body for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The combination of reduced weight, increased power and greater aerodynamic downforce make the 600LT a formidable lap machine that does not require trailering to the track.
Mecum’s first auction of the decade is happening now through January 12th. Get a preview of the auction with some of the most highly anticipate cars going up for auction, including classic and exotic, in a rainbow of colors.
With the start of the 2020 auction season just weeks away, it might be time to consider adding a Carrera GT to your collection. Only made from 2004-2007, this car unleashed all of Porsche’s pent-up supercar energy.
