991.2 Porsche GT3

2023 07 10 CCC Blog Post – Some of our Favourite Porsches

Porsche makes some of the best driver’s cars the world has seen. In 2023, Porsche is one of few manufacturers still producing cars with manual transmissions. Porsche still aims to break production car records, and the brand is even developing a synthetic fuel to keep internal combustion cars running for the foreseeable future. Porsche is a household name associated with performance and every car enthusiast knows the Porsche 911.  While the 911 might be Porsche’s most famous sports car, the brand has had a varied offering of vehicles.  This is a look at some of our favourites.

The Porsche 981 was the third generation of the Porsche Boxster and second generation of the Porsche Cayman. The 981 was produced from 2012-2016. The generation borrows some styling cues from the 991 generation of 911 as well as the Porsche 918 Spyder. This generation of Boxster/Cayman could be had with 3 different flat-6 engines. It was offered in several different trim levels and could be optioned as a Spyder or a coupe. One of the most sought-after Boxsters is the GT4, powered by a slightly detuned 3.8L flat-six from the Porsche 911. The GT4 could only be had with a six-speed manual transmission and featured more aero dynamic parts. The flat-six made the car powerful and the smaller body made it lighter than the Porsche 911, making the GT4 an ideal drivers car.

Porsche’s 911 has a history that spans 60 years. Over the decades, there have been many different offerings and developments, the biggest being the transition from air-cooled to water-cooled. As well, there was the switch from long hood to short hood with the ’74 model year, brought on by U.S. bumper regulations. With all these changes, some 911s are more valuable and collectable than others. The original 911s (1963-1973) feature a “long hood”, meaning the hood extends all the way to the more shallow bumper. Long hood 911s are typically more valuable because fewer examples remain – 1967 was a significant year because it was the first year of availability for the 911S. The 911S featured an upgraded 2.0L flat-six engine which increased power (up to 160 horsepower) compared to the standard 911. The 911S also featured a rear anti-roll bar and adjustable Koni dampers. All these features make the 1967 911S a valuable collector’s item.

Now available by online auction is this 37K km 2008 Porsche Cayman S 6-Speed Manual. This Cayman S is a US market car.  The car was imported to Canada in 2011 and has only been driven 14k km since, new rear tires were just installed in the rear – Michelin Pilot Sport with the N2 marking to indicate Porsche factory spec.  The Porsche Cayman is known as a high performance for dollar car. The light mid-engine two-seater has now been around for four generations. The Cayman is thought of as an easy sports car to live with for either daily driving or track use.  Click here to see the auction listing.