Earlier this year, I sold my wife’s M235i 6 speed convertible for a nice premium (she never took the top down) and replaced it with a 2017 Panamera 4S (off-lease, half of MSRP, someone else suffering the depreciation). It’s our adult car, with actual back seats and a huge trunk. She loves it.
But she misses rowing her own gears, doesn’t love the gated shifter of the Audi or the raw power and size of the M6. So I have been looking for a cheap toy, maybe a 2015 Cayman or an older 911, something else she can play with on the weekends that costs < $25k.
Big mistake. I have thus far avoided falling down the rabbit hole of Porsche aficionados, but this casual search for a cheap driver sent me into the fascinating Porschephile realm. The result has been an unrequited lust, with my checkbook firmly stashed away so as to avoid the temptation to waste the year-end bonus (and then some) on an overpriced toy.
The latest object of desire: A 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo (997.2) 6-Speed Coupe: The 1980s and 90s era air-cooled Porsche 911s that have become so collectible were replaced by a more modern water-cooled version designated 996. That ran from 1997 to 2006. Diving in, I learned the 997 gen (2007-2013) was the superior post-air cooled 911. A refresh in 2009 (997.2) improved it further. But the big reveal was the 2012 version featured the last 911 Turbo with a manual gearbox. The 500-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six engine sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-60 time of around 3.0 seconds, and a drag-limited top speed of 193 mph.
It’s a beast. And it has become increasingly pricey as its collectibility star has risen.
The lovely version you see below is 1 of 71 2010 997.2 Turbo Coupes in North America; Its 1 of 6 to have been specified in Carrara White with a cabin completed in Black Full Leather. Hardcore Porschephiles prefer the manual transmission and the svelte-shaped and right-sized Turbos that are in line with the original 911 Turbo’s (930) design philosophy.
I intellectually understand that color combos are the least important thing to any used car buyer — focus first on condition and mileage (and options), take a test drive, pay for the PPI — these are the things that matter most. But I must admit that this White/Black combo with red calipers, seat, dash and steering wheel stitching, red seat belts, and even the rear Turbo script in red . . . all combines to make for a compelling package.
My price range is ~20% of what these cars go for (lol). The original MSRP was $147,540. These are now on the upswing and have been selling for close to MSRP a decade later. It’s a tempting supercar.
Source: Ryan Friedman Motor Cars
