Porsche Cayman S: You Know You Want To

Nearly new and ready to race, this Cayman must be worth a punt

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 30 January 2014 / Loading comments

We know the

will be a superb little car, but it's not the Cayman enthusiasts are really craving, is it? What everyone who loves the Cayman wants is a proper flagship, a GT3-lite. The 400hp Carrera S 3.8 engine, a bit less weight and some big brakes should do the job perfectly.

Nope, don't want it. Left-hand drive...

What we also know is that such a car will never be made as Porsche don't want its junior sports car being a fair bit quicker than the 911. But then why only be a fair bit quicker when you could be a whole lot faster?

Alright, going to a race-spec Cayman may be overkill and not really fair but would you just look at it? The first-gen Cayman was never the prettiest thing in the world and yet with a proper racing stance, some BBS rims and a Martini stripe it looks exquisite.

Inside is just as fabulous, with everything required for racing beautifully prepared and not a whole lot else; a full cage, OMP seat, Momo wheel, fire extinguisher and a manual 'box. Lovely.

Martini and BBS a match made in heaven

Its pristine appearance becomes easier to understand when this Cayman's spec and history is revealed. A Belgian car built for a customer in the Middle East by GPR Pino Racing, said customer decided on the car's completion 'to go single seater racing instead'. Who wants to race a poxy Cayman anyway? Regardless, it has been laid up in storage having only run for 3.5 hours from new. The rumoured cost was c.£85K, making its £37,995 asking price seem something of a steal.

Immerse yourself in the spec and that original cost becomes easy to understand. Perspex has replaced most of the glass, the doors are carbon composite, the brakes are from a 997 GT3 and the suspension is by Eibach springs with three-way adjustable Moton dampers. It even has an airjack system installed for speedy pit stops. This isn't a budget track conversion by any stretch.

The Cayman is apparently eligible for all manner of championships which would surely be a joy to race in with this. If budget allows it would undeniably make a fantastic track day toy as well. Still hard to justify? A Cayman R could still set you back £45,000 so there's already some money saved towards a trailer and tow vehicle there. See you in the pitlane!

PORSCHE CAYMAN S
Price: £37,995
Why you should: A gorgeous little racer for a huge amount less than the build cost
Why you shouldn't: There must be used 911 Cups round as well...

See the original advert here