Porsche: The Ultimate Investment?

If you're looking to buy a Porsche as an investment, there are a few models that stand out as strong contenders. Firstly, the Porsche 911 is a classic choice and has a strong track record as a collector's item. Within the 911 range, the 993 Coupé is particularly sought-after, blending the key talents of ease of use and driving pleasure. With prices currently starting at around £35,000, it's a solid option for long-term investment.

Another model to consider is the Porsche 996 Turbo, which offers exceptional performance and aggressive styling. The 996 has been somewhat undervalued due to engine issues affecting the normally aspirated versions, making it a potential bargain for buyers.

For those with a higher budget, the Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is considered the greatest 911 of all by many enthusiasts. With a limited production run of just 500 units, strong performance, and desirable aesthetics, it's a sound investment choice with values currently reaching £250,000.

If you're seeking a more affordable option, the Porsche 944, while less glamorous than the 911, offers good value. Well-maintained examples of the S2 and Turbo models will always be in demand and could be a smart place to invest your money, with prices ranging from £1,600 to £10,000.

Lastly, for those seeking a true classic, the 1973 2.7 Carrera RS is an iconic choice, with original right-hand-drive models reaching seven-figure price tags. Replicas are also available at a fraction of the cost and can be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Porsche 993 Coupé: the ultimate development of the original, air-cooled 911

The Porsche 993 is the fourth generation of the Porsche 911 model sports car, manufactured and sold between January 1994 and early 1998. It is the ultimate development of the original, air-cooled 911.

The 993 was a significant advance in both technical and visual terms. The exterior design, penned by Englishman Tony Hatter, retained the basic body shell architecture of the 964 and other earlier 911 models, but with revised exterior panels, including much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing, and teardrop mirrors. The roof, glass, and doors from the previous 911 (the 964) were retained, but almost everything else was changed. The front end was lowered compared to the 964, and the body was widened at each end to create the now-iconic 'Coke bottle' shape when viewed from above. The front wings were wider and flatter, the rear light cluster sat higher, and the luggage compartment lid was shorter. The integrated bumpers, concave and convex forms, flush-mounted windows, and wide rear end with angled tail lights all contributed to the 993's exceptional design and reliability.

The 993 was also the first 911 with a chassis designed around the LSA concept, which stood for Light, Stable and Agile. The new aluminium chassis married lightweight materials with a complex, motorsport-derived, multi-link suspension set-up. The suspension compression was dramatically lowered during both acceleration and cornering to make the handling more composed, and the use of aluminium dampers helped lower weight to improve the agility. The new chassis allowed for quicker, safer lane changes, even at high speed, and road noise and vibrations were also reduced.

The 993 initially launched with two models: the rear-wheel-drive Carrera and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, both in coupé and cabriolet body styles. The engine was the M64/01 3.6-litre 964 engine layout, refined to produce 272 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 243 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Porsche also offered a 300 PS variant. The manual transmission was new, with a sixth forward gear to cover the speed range without curtailing the engine's power development due to a long ratio. The gear changes were also more precise. The 993 was the first generation of the 911 to have a six-speed manual transmission included as standard.

The 993 was the last of the air-cooled Porsches, marking the end of an era. It was also a huge leap forward, with revolutionary technology and a substantial evolution of its trademark looks.

Porsche 996 Turbo: the only 911 Turbo you can buy for under £25,000

If you're looking for a Porsche to invest in, the 911 is a popular model with strong values. In particular, the Porsche 996 Turbo is the only 911 Turbo you can buy for under £25,000, offering a lot of performance for your money.

The 996 Turbo is an excellent choice for those seeking sheer horsepower. With 420 hp, 560 nm of torque, all-wheel drive, and the distinctive wide Turbo body, this car is a force to be reckoned with. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. The Mezger bi-turbo flat-six engine is a standout feature, propelling the car's 1,500+ kg weight with ease.

The 996 Turbo was produced from 2000 to 2006, and approximately 20,500 units were built. This includes around 17,000 Turbo Coupés and 3,500 Cabriolets, introduced in 2004. While the styling of the 996 Turbo may not be to everyone's taste, with its Boxster-like front end, these cars are ridiculously undervalued. As 930 and 993 Turbos become increasingly rare and expensive, the 996 is a smart buy.

The durability of the 996 Turbo is another plus. The Turbo is known for its robust engine, capable of handling considerable power upgrades. If you're looking for a Porsche that offers a lot of performance and versatility, the 996 Turbo is an excellent choice and a real icon.

When considering a 996 Turbo, it's important to note that prices can vary depending on mileage and condition. While it may be challenging to find one for less than 50,000 Euros, higher-mileage options might be more affordable. Additionally, the availability of parts and the ease of maintenance are worth considering.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a Porsche 911 Turbo on a budget, the 996 Turbo is the ideal choice, offering an impressive blend of performance, style, and value.

Porsche 991 Carrera S: save £30,000 by opting for the previous generation

The Porsche 991 is the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 sports car, which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 991 replaced the 997 with sleeker looks and the appearance of being a larger car, although the actual increase in size was only approximately 56mm. The real difference came in the build quality, the number of options available, and improved drivability.

The 991 Carrera S is equipped with a 3.8-litre engine generating a maximum power output of 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 7,400 rpm and 440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,600 rpm. The base 991 Carrera, on the other hand, is equipped with a 3.4-litre flat-six engine evolved from the 997, producing 345 bhp.

The 991 Carrera S is available in both Coupe and Cabriolet variants and was offered in 2012 with all-wheel drive. The 991 range was also offered as a Targa, with the trademark fixed steel rollover hoop that defined the original mid-Sixties concept. The Targa operates at the touch of a button and is sufficiently refined and insulated to be used year-round.

The 991 generation ended on December 20, 2019, with 233,540 units produced. With the arrival of the new 992 generation in early 2019, values for the 991 have dropped, making it possible to save £30,000 by opting for the previous generation.

While the 991 Carrera S is an excellent choice, it is worth noting that there are other Porsche models that may also be worth considering for investment purposes. The limited-edition 911 R, for example, is one of the most collectible Porsches ever made, with sky-high prices. Additionally, the 991 GT3 and GT3 RS models offer a more visceral and memorable motoring experience.

When considering which Porsche 911 to buy for investment, it is important to keep in mind factors such as mileage, service history, and overall condition of the vehicle. It is also recommended to have a thorough inspection performed by a local expert to identify any potential mechanical issues.

Porsche 964 Turbo: the last of the single-turbo Turbos with rear-wheel drive only

The Porsche 964 Turbo is the last of the single-turbo, rear-wheel-drive 911 Turbos, succeeding the 930 with more power. It was introduced in March 1990 as the second generation of the 911 Turbo, with a turbocharged 3.3-litre engine producing 320 hp.

The 964 Turbo's body is wider than the Carrera models, with significantly more flared wheel housings. The rear wing is largely adopted from the Turbo 3.3 of the G model, and the vehicle features two oval tailpipes. The 964 Turbo is elaborately designed and well-built, with more than 80% of parts under the body being newly developed from scratch. The new chassis with MacPherson struts was considered revolutionary at the time.

In 1992, the 964 Turbo was upgraded to a 3.6-litre engine delivering 360 hp. This model is distinguished by its red brake callipers. Less than 1,500 of these were produced, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Porsches.

The 964 Turbo is a raw and analog driving experience. It is also quite comfortable and well-equipped for a 1990s supercar. The manual five-speed transmission is robust and has a good shift. The braking system is first-class, and the suspension is excellent.

The 964 Turbo is one of the most expensive ways to drive a sports car made in Zuffenhausen. Maintenance costs are high, but this is offset by the fact that these models were never cheap to buy, so well-preserved examples are the majority.

Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0: forced to name the greatest 911 of all

The Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is a true collector's car and a worthy investment. With only 600 units produced in 2011, it is an elusive variant of the Porsche 911, a car that is already a common sight on the track.

The 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is the ultimate driver's car, offering a unique driving experience that even some of the best GT2 RS trims can never match. It is reliable enough for daily street driving, yet it packs a punch on the track. It is powered by a 500hp, naturally-aspirated Mezger engine, the biggest 911 engine ever, which screams to 8,500 rpm and produces one of the most distinct roars from a flat-6 engine. This engine is mated to a lightweight 3,000-pound chassis and a rock-solid suspension, allowing the car to handle high-speed cornering with ease.

The semi-analog driving feel of the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is a dream come true for enthusiasts, as Porsche was among the very few to nail this perfectly. The car's character is dependent on how deep your right foot is on the throttle, with the possibility of experiencing both understeer and oversteer. The steering offers brilliant feedback, and the lightweight frame tips the power-to-weight ratio at 6 lbs/hp.

Over the last decade, listing prices for the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 have skyrocketed, with prices shooting up to around half a million dollars. The most expensive listing so far has been close to a million dollars, with the cheapest one fetching $302,000. This car is a true unicorn among sports cars and a worthy investment for any collector or enthusiast.

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