2019 Porsche 911 Speedster

4.0-Liter 24-Valve Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Direct Fuel Injection
502bhp at 8,250rpm
6-Speed GT Sport Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes

*Finished in the Highly Attractive Paint-to-Sample Color of Oslo Blue
*Offered from original ownership having covered less than 75 miles
*Fitted with Desirable Options, Including Front-Axle Lift and LED Headlights
*Number 1306 of just 1948 examples built

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

"The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is a blessed final gasp for the 991.2-Generation 911
An improved engine, sublime ride, and manual transmission are a hell of a way to say goodbye." – Car & Driver

Somewhat confusingly, the seventh generation of Porsche's perennial 911 sports car was designated 'Type 991', succeeding the Type 997. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, the Type 991 is only the third all-new platform for the 911 since the original of 1963, the second being the Type 996 of 1999. Its development overseen by Porsche's Chief Designer, Michael Mauer, the Type 991 represented a logical progression from the Type 997 and was slightly larger than its immediate predecessor while retaining the classic 911 look. The most important chassis change was to the wheelbase, which increased in length by 100mm, while a new transaxle enabled the rear wheels to be relocated 76mm rearwards relative to the engine, improving both weight distribution and cornering performance. Transmission options comprised six-speed or seven-speed manual gearboxes, with Porsche's dual-clutch (PDK) shift optional on the latter.

Porsche's signature 'flat-six' engine was available in three different capacities in the Type 991 (3.4 liters, 3.8 liters, and 4.0 liters) with power outputs ranging from the entry-level Carrera's 345bhp up to the Turbo S's 552 horsepower. Following its established practice, Porsche also offered Cabriolet, Targa, GT3 and GT3 RS variants to cater for all customer demands ranging from soft-top boulevard cruiser to track-day assault weapon.

In September 2015, the Type 991 was introduced in revised and restyled form for the 2016 model year, becoming the '991.2' in factory parlance. To the concern of some traditionalists, turbo-charged engines were now standardized throughout the range: a 3.0-litre unit in the Carrera and Carrera S, and a 3.8-litre one in the Turbo models. The purists did not have to wait long for their concerns to be assuaged, as in March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show Porsche unveiled the limited edition 911 R, featuring the 'old' GT3 RS's normally aspirated 4.0-litre 493bhp engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

As part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, Porsche presented a Type 991.2 Speedster concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The production Speedster was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April 2019 with deliveries commencing in May of that year, and is historically significant as the final model of the 991 family to be built. Referencing the year of Porsche's establishment as a motor manufacturer, only 1,948 were built. Needless to say, Porsche had no trouble selling every single one. The last car off the Zuffenhausen production line was auctioned for charity in April 2020.

Described by Car & Driver as "a convertible GT3", the 991.2 Speedster uses (basically) the chassis of the GT3 and the bodyshell of the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. It is powered by the GT3 RS's 4.0-litre normally aspirated flat-six engine producing 503bhp, which is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission as found in the 911 R. "Essentially it's a very limited run swansong for the 991 generation Porsche 911," declared Autocar. "A sort of 'greatest hits' version, it pulls together some of the tastiest components from the some of the already excellent GT models and packages them up in one send-off special that's topped off with some wind-in-the-hair thrills that only versions wearing the Speedster badge can deliver."

As one would expect, the 991.2 version has the modern Speedster's characteristic pair of 'camel hump' cowlings behind the seats among many other special features. These include the carbon fiber front fenders and hood from the 911 R, while carbon fiber is also used for the roof cover, which sits behind the front seats when not in use. A GT3 bumper is used at the rear while the frontal lower spoiler and air intakes are unique to the Speedster. Other highlights include a leather interior with perforated seats, red-tinted daytime running lights, stone guards, a titanium exhaust system, and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.

Delivered new to California, this Speedster has covered a mere 50 miles in the hands of its sole owner at the time of cataloging and is presented in effectively 'as new' condition. Attractively finished in the stunning, special order paint-to-sample color of Oslo Blue, the car was delivered with numerous desirable options including the following: Black leather interior, extended range fuel tank, front axle lift system, fire extinguisher, light design package, Bose surround sound system, auto dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensors, crono package, and LED headlights in black with PDLS.

Offered with all of its original accompaniments, this last-of-the-line 991 Speedster represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the rarest, most exciting and sought-after Porsches of modern times. Given the constraints imposed by increasingly stringent emissions legislation, future Porsches will almost certainly all be turbocharged and have automatic transmissions, making the Type 991.2 Speedster one of the last – possibly the last – truly 'analogue' 911.