The upswing in the Porsche market shows no sign of stopping. While the upward curve is not as accelerated as it once was, the general upward trend continues. Less universally-loved Porsches are beginning to feel some of the 911’s momentum in the classic car market. This year at Amelia Island there are more than 100 Porsches offered, ranging from a 1987 924S all the way to a 1998 911 GT1 Strassenversion.
Compared to last year’s 930-heavy showing, this year’s auctions are wonderfully diverse, with cars for nearly every budget and niche. Each auction house has at least one Carrera GT on offer, but the on the whole each auction house has something different to offer than the other two, which should make March 9th and 10th very exciting days for Porsche collectors.
RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s is bringing some of the most hardcore 911s to market, alongside some humbler Porsches, making for a very intriguing selection of cars. Alongside a trio of 911RSs, a pair of yellow 1973 2.7l cars and a 1974 3.0l, are a quartet of transaxle cars. Does this perhaps herald the arrival of the transaxle models on the radar of Porsche collectors? Check out RM Sotheby’s catalog for complete details on each Porsche for sale.
1987 Porsche 924S (Est. $20,000-$30,000)
VIN: WP0AA0922HN452147
There are four transaxle cars crossing the block with RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island, and this 1987 924S is arguably the most interesting of the lot. It is also unique across all four auction houses as being the lowest-spec Porsche on offer. That is not to say that the 924S doesn’t punch above its weight in terms of enjoyment, it certainly has a lot to offer, but seeing it alongside more illustrious machinery is very unusual.
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight (Est. 800,000-$1,000,000)
Chassis no. 9113600336
Engine no. 6630312
Gearbox no. 7830329
The 1973 911 Carrera 2.7 RS has long been a holy-grail car for Porsche collectors, and this factory lightweight car is the absolute top of the heap. Of the 1,585 2.7RS models produced, just 200 were factory lightweights. This example is extremely original with known history back to new, and has been repainted once in its original color.
While most Carrera 2.7s received the M472 touring package, which added most of the standard 911S comfort features back, this Porsche is about as basic as an RS can be. The only original option was Dunlop performance tires, so this car has the bare minimum of interior trim to accompany the other weight reduction measures, which include thinner-gauge sheetmetal, thinner glass, and reduced sound deadening material.
The 2.7l flat six in this Porsche is unmodified, and was gone through mechanically in 2002. All of the original factory warning labels remain in place and the engine bay is extremely tidy. Porsche recently ranked this mill as one of the best sounding they’ve ever produced.
Other Porsches offered by RM Sotheby’s:
- Lot 281: 1963 Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Sunroof Coupe (Est. $600,000-$750,000)
- Lot 279: 1965 Porsche 911 (Est. $275,0000-$325,000)
- Lot 288: 1992 Porsche 911 America Roadster (Est. $100,000-$120,000)
- Lot 290: 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Rennsport Reunion Edition ($200,000-$250,000)
- Lot 250: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring (Est. $550,000-$650,000)
- Lot 262: 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (Est. $900,000-$1,100,000)
- Lot 227: 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Est. $375,000-$450,000)
- Lot 277: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (Est. $475,000-$550,000)
- Lot 219: 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster (Est. $180,000-$220,000)
- Lot 280: 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster (Est. $120,000-$150,000)
- Lot 224: 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (Est. $275,000-$350,000)
- Lot 287: 1968 Porsche 911 Sportmatic (Est. $225,000-$275,000)
- Lot 234: 1991 Porsche 911 Turbo (Est. $180,000-$220,000)
- Lot 283: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Flatnose Cabriolet (Est. $275,000-$325,000)
- Lot 270: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S (Est. $400,000-$450,000)
- Lot 273: 2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (Est. $70,000-$90,000)
- Lot 215: 1988 Porsche 944 Anniversary (Est. $30,000-$40,000)
- Lot 286: 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo (Est. $30,000-$40,000)
- Lot 282: 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (Est. $40,000-$50,000)
- Lot 275: 2004 Porsche Carrera GT (Est. $575,000-$650,000)
- Lot 256: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT (Est. $750,000-$850,000)
Gooding & Co.
Of the three auction houses, Gooding’s selection of lots is the most motorsports-heavy this year. Alongside a bevy of motorsports-derived road cars are two genuine racers of exceptional provenance: an Ex-Hurley Haywood 924 GTR and a 1000km of Nurburgring class winning 934/5.
1977 Porsche 934/5 (Est. 1,400,000-$1,600,000)
Chassis: 930 770 0956
Engine: 677 2808
The Porsche 934 is the Group 4 racing derivative of the Porsche 930 street car, and this late-production car features extraordinary provenance along with original performance upgrades making it even more potent than its Group 4 brethren. This 934/5 competed in numerous events in Europe from new through 1979, and continued its racing career in Australia in 1980 and ’81. In the 1980s the car was converted to road specification and used on the street in Australia. In recent years this 935 has been re-converted to racing specification in its 1979 livery.
This car is unique among the ten 934/5s produced, and includes the 600hp Group 5 engine, 930/51 transaxle, and 935-style oil cooler wrapped in the original Group 4-style bodywork.
The car’s period racing history is extremely impressive, and includes overall wins in eight of the twenty six races it entered in-period. Of the remaining eighteen races many resulted in podium finishes, class wins, or top-five class finishes. The car was issued an FIA Historic Passport in 2015, and should be eligible for a wide array of historic motor racing events.
1981 Porsche 924 GTR (est. $250,000-$300,000)
Chassis 924-004 (Holbert)
Porsche produced 17 factory 924 GTR racers. This is not one of those cars. This is an Al Holbert-built car built in the same vein as the factory built originals, and is number four of six produced. This 2,000lb, 400 horsepower 924 has extensive period racing history with Hurley Haywood at Trans Am, and others at a wide variety of other events, including the 24 Hours of Daytona. This restored car wears a very handsome Lowenbrau livery, and remains an active participant in historic events.
In standard tune the 2.0l Audi-derived inline four produces around 400 horsepower, though in period it was tuned for as much as 600 horsepower. This car’s full race history is documented on Gooding & Co.’s website, and highlights include six Trans Am finishes with Hurley Haywood in 1981 and ’82, appearances at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, and numerous additional Trans Am appearances with John Schneider in 1985. More recently the car has participated at Rennsport Reunion V and numerous HMSA and SVRA events. The car is also eligible for Le Mans Classique, making this a very versatile historic racer.
Other Porsches offered by Gooding & Co.
- Lot 074: 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Cabriolet ($250,000-$300,000)
- Lot 067: 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster ($475,000 -$550,000)
- Lot 077: 1962 Porsche 356 Carrera 2 Coupe ($500,000-$600,000)
- Lot 027: 1964 Porsche 356 Carrera 2 Coupe ($550,000-$650,000)
- Lot 058: 1966 Porsche 911 ($180,000-$200,000)
- Lot 036: 1969 Porsche 911E ($100,000-$125,000)
- Lot 048: 1970 Porsche 911ST ($750,000-$900,000)
- Lot 020: 1971 Porsche 911 2.2 S ($180,000-$220,000)
- Lot 001: 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 ($60,000-$80,000)
- Lot 078: 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort ($1,000,000-$1,250,000)
- Lot 007: 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster ($275,000-$325,000)
- Lot 014: 1989 Porsche 930 ($175,000-$225,000)
- Lot 082: 1992 Porsche 964 Carrera RS ($250,000-$300,000)
- Lot 075: 1993 Porsche 964 Carrera 3.8 RSR ($1,200,000-$1,400,000)
- Lot 044: 1993 Porsche 964 Turbo S Leichtbau ($1,300,000-$1,600,000)
- Lot 033: 1997 Porsche 993 Carrera 3.8 RSR ($750,000-$950,000)
- Lot 019: 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S ($350,000-$450,000)
- Lot 086: 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo ($300,000-$350,000)
- Lot 042: 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion (Estimate on Request)
- Lot 050: 2005 Porsche Carrera GT ($875,000-$1,100,000)
- Lot 041: 2011 Porsche 997 GT2 RS ($550,000-$650,000)
- Lot 043: 2011 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 ($650,000-$750,000)
- Lot 066: 2011 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 3.8 ($175,000-$250,000)
Bonhams
The twelve Porsches offered by Bonhams this year are all road cars, and primarily consist of early aircooled cars. With no less than four 356s and two 1960s 911s available, Bonhams’ offerings are on the whole the earliest of the three auction houses. The selection is rounded out by a Carrera GT and a 964 Turbo 3.6, which represent some of the newest Porsches with a degree of infamy.
1994 Porsche 964 3.6 Turbo (Est. $180,000-$240,000)
VIN. WP0AC2964RS480107
Engine no. 61P00760
This 1994 Porsche 964 3.6 Turbo is a two owner example which stayed with its original owner until late 2015. While the 964 platform was heavily revised from the preceding G-Series cars, the Turbo originally launched with a lightly revised version of the old 3.3l 930 engine. This car is fitted with the 3.6l engine which Porsche had always intended for the new car. With nearly 360 horsepower on tap the 3.6l Turbo was substantially more powerful than its predecessors, and with just 1,500 produced it is one of the rarest.
The cabin is every inch traditional 911, and shows minimal wear consistent with the car’s 50k miles. No interior modifications are present, and the car even retains its original radio.
The centerpiece of the 3.6l 964 Turbo is its engine. The M64 mill provided greater power, smoothness and flexibility than its predecessors.
2005 Porsche Carrera GT (Est. $600,000-$700,000)
VIN. WP0CA29855L001164
While the Carrera GT may not have the motorsports history of many Porsche models it remains a dynamically challenging analog supercar in its own right. The 5.7l V10 used in the Carrera GT is the centerpiece of the car, and produces some 612 horsepower at a remarkable 8,000 RPM. This example is unmodified and shows just 8,500 miles from new. Though the Carrera GT was never raced, the chassis is very racecar-like, with pushrod actuated coilovers and massive 6-piston aluminum brake calipers.
This Porsche has a very striking color combination, with black paintwork over a Terracotta leather interior. A matching Terracotta leather luggage kit is included, and this Carrera GT bears the number 0542 on its numbered dash plaque.
The 5.7l V10 is one of the most extreme naturally aspirated units ever installed in a road car. With its origins in a stillborn early 1990s Formula effort, this unique mill revs beyond eight thousand RPMs, and produces one of the wildest engine notes on the planet.
Other Porsches Offered by Bonhams:
- Lot 105: 1965 Porsche 356C Coupe (Est. $65,000-$85,000)
- Lot 122: 1965 Porsche 911 2.0 Coupe (Est. $170,000-$240,000)
- Lot 137: 1978 Porsche 930 3.3l Turbo (Est. $80,000-$120,000)
- Lot 143: 1973 Porsche 911S Coupe (Est. $130,000-$170,000)
- Lot 157: 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo (Est. $300,000-$400,000)
- Lot 162: 1964 Porsche 356C 1600 (Est. $70,000-$90,000)
- Lot 166: 2011 Porsche 997 Speedster (Est. $250,000-$300,000)
- Lot 177: 1959 Porsche 356A Cabriolet (Est. $80,000-$120,000)
- Lot 182: 1969 Porsche 912 (Est. $40,000-$60,000)
- Lot 187: 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Coupe (Est. $100,000-$120,000)
Motostalgia
Motostalgia is bringing 13 Porsches to Amelia Island, notably including two replicas and two tribute cars. Among the genuine Porsches are two 930s, a 356A Cabriolet and the only 914 offered by any of the auction houses. Motostalgia’s offerings on the whole appear to lean towards the more user-friendly end of the market, with intriguing options for every budget.
1978 Porsche 911 3.6l RSR (Est. $50,000-$75,000)
The builder behind this ’78 911 wanted a car that performed like a genuine RSR, but ostensibly without the risks involved with racing a real-deal RSR. This vibrant yellow, aggressively flared car offers 424hp from an updated drivetrain, extremely wide multi-piece Fuchs, lightweight plexiglass windows, and an SCCA/SVRA roll cage.
The cosmetics are somewhat scruffy, but entirely appropriate for a racer.
Power comes from an aggressively built naturally aspirated 993 engine. Reportedly good for some 424 horsepower, this car offers more power than its smaller displacement forerunners.
1975 Porsche 914 (Est. $12,000-$15,000)
This 1975 Porsche 914 is a nicely cared for example of a late-production 914. Per the consignor the car shows no evidence of rust or past damage, and to our eyes the bronze paintwork appears handsome and uniformally applied. No modifications are noted, but an aftermarket exhaust is visible. The stock wheels remain in place; a boon as this style is one of the more handsome variations offered on the 914.
The cabin is unmodified apart from an upgraded stereo headunit, and the tan upholstery shows very little evidence of wear and tear. While these late-production, rubber bumper 914s are not the most handsome of the series, they are still involving drivers cars which deserve more respect than they often receive.
Other Porsches offered by Motostalgia:
- Lot 27: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Tribute (Est. $95,000-$125,000)
- Lot 24: 1968 Porsche 911L (Est. $125,000-$175,000)
- Lot 45: 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo (Est. $175,000-$225,000)
- Lot 49: 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo (Est. $150,000-$200,000)
- Lot 38: 1972 Porsche 911S (Est. $205,000-$265,000)
- Lot 11: 1959 Porsche 356A Cabriolet (Est. $105,000-$165,000)
- Lot 15: 2015 Porsche 911 GT3 (Est. $150,000-$175,000)
- Lot 22: 1984 Porsche 928 (Est. $30,000-$45,000)
- Lot 73: CMI 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder Replica (Est. $30,000-$45,000)
- Lot 90: 2003 Porsche 911
- Lot 79: 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster Replica (Est. $30,000-$45,000)
Hollywood Wheels
Convertibles appear to be the name of the game at Hollywood Wheels. Twenty one of this auction house’s offerings are either convertibles, Targas, Speedsters, or the odd cloth-sunroof’d 356. For sunshine lovers Hollywood wheels looks like a must-visit. Unlike the other auction houses Hollywood Wheels has opted not to pre-release lot numbers or pre-auction estimates.
1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
This Turbo Cabriolet comes from the final year of 930 production, and wears and extremely unusual color scheme. Where Apricot over Mahogany may not suit all, the two-tone scheme given by the light paintwork and darker top will certainly attract attention. According to the sellers this is one of just 244 built. While this generation of drop-top 911s was not known for its rigidity, this 930 should be an enjoyable cruiser with the ability to show its taillights to more modern sports cars- at least in a straight line.
The mahogany colored leather and carpets show well, and no modifications are visible. This car is equipped with a raised steering wheel hub and top-of-the-line stereo from the factory, along with a factory limited slip differential.
1993 Porsche 928 GTS
Along with the 968, the 928 GTS represents the end of the transaxle Porsche’s brief dynasty. Just 190 928 GTSs made their way to US shores, and represent the top of the 928 performance heap. Exterior cues include widened rear bodywork, wider wheels than earlier 928s, and subtly updated front and rear valences.
At the heart of the 928 GTS is a 5.4l quad-cam V8 producing some 345 horsepower. In this example that potent mill is backed by an automatic transmission, which may dampen the fun slightly, but is well suited to the 928s large, flexible powerplant. This 59k mile car is sold with books and records, and should provide a lot of performance per dollar.
Other Porsches offered by Hollywood Motors:
- 1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet
- 1977 Porsche 911 S Coupe
- 1988 Porsche 930 ‘Factory 505’ Slant Nose
- 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera
- 1965 Porsche 356SC Cabriolet
- 1995 Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet
- 1991 Porsche 964 Turbo
- 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
- 1961 Porsche 356 “Outlaw” Roadster
- 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Factory ‘505’ Slantnose Coupe
- 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
- 1972 Porsche 911 T Coupe
- 1953 Porsche 356 Pre A Cabriolet
- 1953 Porsche 356 Pre A ‘Golde Top’
- 1973 Porsche 911 T
- 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
- 1965 Porsche 356 C
- 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo
- 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet
- 1971 Porsche 911 T
- 1991 Porsche 964 Turbo
- 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet
- 2007 Porsche 911 GT3
- 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster
- 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo
- 1987 Porsche 930 Turbo
- 1986 Porsche 930 Turbo
- 1998 Porsche 993 Cabriolet
- 1960 Porsche 356 T5 B Cabriolet
- 1986 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
- 1987 Porsche 911 Targa
- 1987 Porsche 911 Coupe
- 1989 Porsche 911 25th Anniversary Coupe
- 1989 Porsche 911 Targa
- 1996 Porsche 993 Twin Turbo
- 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo
- 1996 Porsche 993 Turbo
- 1975 Porsche 930 Turbo
- 1969 Porsche 912 Targa
- 1969 Porsche 911 Targa
- 1997 Porsche 993 Carrera 2 Cabriolet
- 2003 Porsche 996 C2 Coupe
- 2013 Porsche 219 Hybrid Bicycle
- 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo
- 1992 Porsche 964 Turbo