WHAT TO PAY FOR A PORSCHE 911 (991 GENERATION)

While the Porsche 911 has been constantly refined over the decades, the 991 generation that was revealed in 2011 represented only the third completely new platform since its inception in 1964 (the second platform being the 996 revealed in 1997).

Despite being longer than the 997, the 991’s largely aluminium construction meant that it was broadly of similar weight – and for some models reportedly even lighter than its predecessor. The 991 also saw the introduction of electromechanical power steering, as well as adaptive engine mounts for certain models, and new technology using active anti-roll bars to enhance chassis stability (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control).

Continuing this feature series, our team will be looking back over previous sales to give you a guide on anticipated prices. Of course, bidding on any given car will be impacted by service history, condition, and mileage – not to mention the finer points of the specification and options. Values can also vary significantly across global markets.

991 Carrera / Targa range

The 991 generation model offered a familiar mix of Carrera, Carrera S and GTS models, as seen in the 997 era. Around ￡40k is the typical entry point to 991 ownership (or likely around €50k in the EU and upwards of A$120k in Australia), and for that money you can expect to buy a base Carrera either with the manual or the PDK transmission, and with modest mileage. By this point, the dual-clutch gearbox was truly superb, so there is no significant premium for a three-pedal setup.

For Carrera S models, the premium over a Carrera is likely to be around 10%-15%, and for the GTS variants about another 10%-15%. While the switch to turbocharged-only engines for the Carrera range from 2015 might have irked purists at launch, they still sell well in the secondary market.

The Targa model was also part of the 991 generation line-up, but it moved away from the previous ‘sliding roof’ designs to offer an aesthetic much closer to the original Targa of the 1960s – with an ingenious mechanism design. As a compelling compromise between a coupe and a Cabriolet for year-round use, this variant attracts a price premium over a Carrera with similar mileage and equipment levels.

One model worth highlighting is the 50th Anniversary Edition. Revealed in 2013 to mark five decades of the 911, it was based upon Carrera S mechanicals, and the factory Powerkit was also an option. The 50th Anniversary cars were all rear-wheel drive, with the wider body of the 4S variant, 10mm lower PASM, Fuchs-inspired wheels, and ‘houndstooth’ cloth seat centres. Just 1,963 examples were built, and they are now highly sought-after, commanding prices typically around 30% higher than an equivalent Carrera S – making them even more valuable than a GTS.

991 Turbo / Turbo S

The turbocharged 911 remains a very popular choice as an ‘everyday’ supercar. While the body shape means it has a modest presence, the Turbo has always had the pace to rival the best exotica from Italy.

For the 991 generation, the model featured adjustable front and rear spoilers, and it was only available with the seven-speed PDK transmission. Rear-wheel steering was also standard, enhancing low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. The Turbo S models also gained adaptive engine mounts, PDCC and ceramic brake discs.

For a relatively low-mileage 991 Turbo with around 30,000 miles, expect to pay in the region of ￡70k / €80k – although this amount could also buy a Turbo S with around twice the mileage. The premium for a ‘991.2’ model over the earlier cars is typically in the region of 10%-20% depending on specification and year, reflecting both the younger age and higher power output.

In June 2017, Porsche introduced the Turbo S Exclusive Series model, limited to just 500 examples worldwide. As well as a standard Powerkit taking output to 607hp (599bhp), it also featured a carbon-fibre bonnet and roof, a unique carbon rear wing, and various other detailing in carbon and gold. This limited edition attracts a huge premium over standard cars, with a near delivery mileage example previously selling on Collecting Cars for €272k.

991 GT3 / GT3 RS

Since the arrival of the first ‘GT3’ with the 996 generation, the nameplate has been a byword for an instant smash-hit – and so it was with the 991. While road testers might have been sceptical about the presence of electric PAS and four-wheel steering (and the absence of a Mezger engine and a manual transmission), even a short time behind the wheel was enough to leave most of them in awe. Various revisions made the 991.2 GT3 even better – not least the upgrade to a 4.0-litre engine – and the choice of a three-pedal gearbox returned. For a 991.1 GT3 with modest mileage, expect to pay upwards of ￡75k / €90k / AUD$280k depending on specification.

While the ‘Rennsport’ versions of the 996 and 997 generation GT3s are relatively rare cars, the 991 GT3 RS was built in far greater numbers. As well as more power being extracted from the flat-six engine, the RS also featured NACA cooling ducts, ball joints throughout the suspension, lightweight glass, and a substantial rear wing. The premium for an RS over a standard GT3 is typically 40% or more.

With the introduction of the 991.2 model came the optional Weissach Package, adding carbon-fibre bonnet and roof, carbon-fibre anti-roll bars, a titanium half roll cage, and magnesium wheels (although supply issues meant that some Weissach cars had to be delivered without these). Naturally, you can expect to pay a higher price for cars equipped with this package.

991 R / 991 GT3 Touring

In 2016, Porsche revealed a very special 911. While the 991.1 GT3 RS was strictly ‘PDK only’ the 911 R combined the same high-revving 500hp (493bhp) 4.0-litre engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, removed the rear wing, and incorporated a host of weight-saving measures – so much so that it tipped the scales at just 1250kg dry. Not only that, but production was limited to only 991 units worldwide, giving it instant collectible status. Asking prices have always been well above selling prices, but you should expect to pay upwards of ￡250k / €280k / US$300k.

One year later, an all-new variant was introduced in the form of the 991.2 GT3 Touring. Arguably something of a spiritual successor to the 911 R, it also did without the rear wing, and was only available with the manual gearbox. The Touring was not a limited-edition model though, and today the expected price would be around 40%-50% lower than an equivalent mileage 991 R.

991 Speedster

Tying in with celebrations around the 70th year of the Porsche marque, a sleek 991 Speedster was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2018. It used the chassis and running gear of the 991.2 GT3 with a 510hp (503bhp) 4.0-litre flat-six, housed within a svelte body shell with a shorter, raked windscreen. The bonnet, rear deck and front wings were all made from carbon-fibre, and the Speedster also featured a lightweight exhaust system.

Just 1,948 cars were built, representing the year in which the original 356 ‘No.1’ Roadster gained its road certification. Given its limited-run status and specification, the Speedster is considerably pricier than a GT3 Touring, and usually commands around 70%-90% of the value of a 911 R.

991 GT2 RS

As the 991 generation production run was approaching its end point, Porsche unveiled a spectacular ‘swansong’ – the most powerful 911 production road car ever. The GT2 RS featured a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six, producing an incredible 700hp (691bhp). It was solely rear-wheel drive, with a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission. This enabled the 991 GT2 RS to sprint from 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of 211mph.

A carbon-fibre reinforced bonnet, mirror casings, and front and rear wings kept the weight in check, along with lightweight polyurethane for the front splitter and rear diffuser. The side windows were also polycarbonate rather than glass. The optional Weissach Package shaved another 30kg from the mass, with a carbon-fibre roof, titanium roll cage, and the magnesium alloy wheels.

Production was planned at 1,000 units, but demand meant it went beyond this. Nevertheless, it remains a rare RS model, and commands substantial prices – typically around the ￡280k / €320k / US$340k mark depending on specification and mileage.

Summary

The 991 platform was only the third completely new architecture for the 911 since its launch, and as can be seen above, Porsche took the opportunity to showcase some incredible new variants. While entry-level Carreras represent fantastic everyday sports cars, this era also includes the sensational 911 R, sought-after convertibles in the form of the glass-window Targa and stylish Speedster, and a twin-turbocharged ‘tour de force’ GT2 RS that remains the most powerful production 911 ever.

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If you have a Porsche 911 for sale, then you can contact our team today to discuss how you could achieve a great result at auction.