Tuesday 28th February 2023

Porsche to auction unique 996 Classic Club Coupe

One-of-one Sonderwunsch build will be sold in June with no reserve - don't expect a bargain 911, though...

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Better late than never, or so the saying goes. And while it may have taken almost 20 years, the combination of a Porsche 996.2 GT3 powertrain with a retro look - aka the Classic Club Coupe - was pitch-perfect in its execution. A 911 with Fuchs wheels, a ducktail and some stripes isn’t a new concept, but it undoubtedly still works, even on a 996. Not that everybody on PH thought so when the car was shown last March, but when do we all agree on a restomod Porsche?

Anyway, in a surprising development given Porsche one-offs tend to reside in the museum or private collections, the 996 Classic Club Coupe is going to be sold at auction. It’ll go under the hammer with Broad Arrow in June at Porsche Atlanta Experience Centre, as part of a 75-car sale to mark the anniversary you might have heard about. Indicating just how significant the old 911 is, it’s the first lot announced, and you can bet there will be many more conventionally exotic Porsches to follow in the catalogue over the coming months. But then there won’t be many bespoke Sonderwunsch commissions originally made with Porsche Club America…

For the moment, the CCC’s estimate is on application, though there isn’t a reserve. Even with the 996 being far from the most collectible 911 era ever made, the uniqueness and factory involvement will guarantee interest - and bids, of course. Plus, well, we live in the world of the £500k Sierra RS500, so who knows what might happen.

The Porsche 75^th Anniversary Auction will take place on June 8^th-10^th, with the Classic Club Coupe actually available to view at this week’s Broad Arrow Amelia Island auction. Make sure the red chinos have deep pockets. For those of us with more realistic budgets, the PH classifieds of course has a plethora of lovingly cared for and smartly modified 996s available, with this stunning 1998 Carrera 2 a real highlight. Without a stripe or a Fuchs wheel in sight, too.

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[Sandpit Steve]

That’s going for well into the seven figures, sadly to probably end up in a private collection rather than the museum.

[Andy83n]

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

[Robertb]

I'd love to know what Porsche charge for their programme... I'm guessing £loads.

The level of detail that went into this build is astonishing. This was not a vaguely warmed-over restomod.

https://www.porsche.com/uk/accessoriesandservice/c...

Will be interesting to see what it fetches.

This car caught my eye a while ago- I see its now reserved- a very thoroughly restored Boxster S, by Porsche GB.
https://www.maundrells.co.uk/vehicle/porsche-boxst...

[magic Monkey Dust]

cheapskates didnt put any petrol in. What other corners have they cut, using a cheaper coating for the liners of the bores or reducing size of bearings?.

[JJJ.]

So, it will cost zillions I presume. Still, it's nice to see a bit of sanity highlighting that '98 996 for sale.

[asci.white]

That has some lovely sleek lines.

[Water Fairy]

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

[SteveStrange]

Water Fairy said:

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

[GreatScott2016]

Strangely that does nothing for me. Ludicrous price inevitable.

[1974foggy]

SteveStrange said:

Water Fairy said:

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Ive noticed sometimes people take the time and trouble to check out what is in other peoples garages before sneering/discrediting them. It shouldnt matter.

Back on topic, Im sure if you wanted this bad enough you could build a tribute using an aero kit, replica ducktail, a decent trimmer etc all for a fraction of the cost, and it would be useable. Nice.

Edited by 1974foggy on Tuesday 28th February 13:17

[bumskins]

SteveStrange said:

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Aggrieved you can't personally attack someone for their 'garage' on an internet forum?

[SteveStrange]

bumskins said:

SteveStrange said:

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Aggrieved you can't personally attack someone for their 'garage' on an internet forum?

Not at all aggrieved, just amused that someone is so willing to snipe/act like a typical keyboard warrior. It was either comment on his empty garage, or ask him to show us on the doll where the 996 owner touched him. And given that this is a (supposed) car enthusiast website, to have an empty garage is a bit odd. I'd ask what you think but you're (apparently) new here so maybe you haven't been around long enough to form an opinion - although I don't think I fully believe that.

[damonbill]

1974foggy said:

SteveStrange said:

Water Fairy said:

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Ive noticed sometimes people take the time and trouble to check out what is in other peoples garages before sneering/discrediting them. It shouldnt matter.

Back on topic, Im sure if you wanted this bad enough you could build a tribute using an aero kit, replica ducktail, a decent trimmer etc all for a fraction of the cost, and it would be useable. Nice.

Edited by 1974foggy on Tuesday 28th February 13:17

The GT3 engine wouldnt be cheap or easy, you could get pretty close with a hartech oversize rebuild, but yes, with £10k and a squint, you could build a pretty good tribute.

I always thought ducktails look good on a 996, but presumed the CSR etc ones you can buy were more about show than real downforce, but this one looks pretty much the same as them and has been wind tunnel tested, so maybe they do actually do something.

[What The Deuces]

That is gorgeous. I do love the sleek lines of a 996

[deadslow]

front, and especially rear overhangs look too big imho

[Fast Bug]

damonbill said:

1974foggy said:

SteveStrange said:

Water Fairy said:

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Ive noticed sometimes people take the time and trouble to check out what is in other peoples garages before sneering/discrediting them. It shouldnt matter.

Back on topic, Im sure if you wanted this bad enough you could build a tribute using an aero kit, replica ducktail, a decent trimmer etc all for a fraction of the cost, and it would be useable. Nice.

Edited by 1974foggy on Tuesday 28th February 13:17

The GT3 engine wouldnt be cheap or easy, you could get pretty close with a hartech oversize rebuild, but yes, with £10k and a squint, you could build a pretty good tribute.

I always thought ducktails look good on a 996, but presumed the CSR etc ones you can buy were more about show than real downforce, but this one looks pretty much the same as them and has been wind tunnel tested, so maybe they do actually do something.

£10k could get you close on the looks, but wouldn't touch the sides on the drivetrain side of things.

I do like the fact it's got a GT3 engine though

[Koyaanisqatsi]

Mileage zero?

[WayOutWest]

damonbill said:

Back on topic, Im sure if you wanted this bad enough you could build a tribute using an aero kit, replica ducktail, a decent trimmer etc all for a fraction of the cost, and it would be useable. Nice.

Edited by 1974foggy on Tuesday 28th February 13:17

That is why the featured car is interesting, it gets you thinking how close could you get without spending silly money.
I know it is marmite, the whole concept of faux-backdating and sticking a ducktail on a generation that never had one, plus I still associate that colour with primer grey.

But I like what they've done, it seems to work with those decals and details. And it makes the 992 Sport Classic look gargantuan.

Edited by WayOutWest on Tuesday 28th February 15:41

[damonbill]

Fast Bug said:

damonbill said:

1974foggy said:

SteveStrange said:

Water Fairy said:

Andy83n said:

Looks like the current owner, like most 996'ers can't afford to keep it fueled

And the dunce quote of the week goes to...............

And always from someone with an empty "garage" page.

Ive noticed sometimes people take the time and trouble to check out what is in other peoples garages before sneering/discrediting them. It shouldnt matter.

Back on topic, Im sure if you wanted this bad enough you could build a tribute using an aero kit, replica ducktail, a decent trimmer etc all for a fraction of the cost, and it would be useable. Nice.

Edited by 1974foggy on Tuesday 28th February 13:17

The GT3 engine wouldnt be cheap or easy, you could get pretty close with a hartech oversize rebuild, but yes, with £10k and a squint, you could build a pretty good tribute.

I always thought ducktails look good on a 996, but presumed the CSR etc ones you can buy were more about show than real downforce, but this one looks pretty much the same as them and has been wind tunnel tested, so maybe they do actually do something.

£10k could get you close on the looks, but wouldn't touch the sides on the drivetrain side of things.

I do like the fact it's got a GT3 engine though

Ah yes, I meant the visuals. Hartech engine, dunno, £20K? Still seems pretty good value compared to £80k 996 GT3s

[ate one too]

It still looks like a wide-mouthed frog at the front and the dashboard still looks like it belongs in a Mk3 Mazda MX5.