Category: Porsche (Page 18 of 24)

23 FOR 23 FOR UNDER 23: 1981 – 1982 Porsche 924 Turbo (M471)

December 28, 2022 / moto+match

^$20,250 – 22,500

Though much maligned by Porsche purists when it debuted here in the states in 1977 (not without good reason), the Porsche 924 has been going through a period of redemption fortysix years on. The early Audi-based models still don’t get much love but even they can be given some grace as the first “transaxle” cars that Porsche offered to the masses, a legacy that is now their bread and butter with models like the Cayenne, Panamera, Macan, etc.

The car that earned genuine respect, even at the time (perhaps grudgingly by the air-cooled, engine-in-the-back traditionalists), was the 924 Turbo (931 in Porschespeak). By its last years, in 1981 and 1982, its performance was not far off from the 911SC while offering far more precise and balanced handling. It was especially Porsche-like with the M471 option, which included four-wheel internally ventilated disc brakes on five-bolt hubs, mounting forged 16 x 6-inch 928-style alloys, upgraded springs and shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars along with a different steering ratio.

Not that long ago, a 931 would’ve been a bargain relative to their air-cooled siblings, hovering around ^$10K for a well-sorted drive-and-show, ^$15K – 20K for an exceptional example. But now, as the luftgekülts climb toward or surpass the six-figure mark, the 924 Turbo—particularly those from the latter 154-hp years with the M471 pack—has become a get-one-before-it’s-too-late collectible.

PICK OF THE DAY: Nicely Restored 1969 Porsche 912 Targa

December 23, 2022 / moto+match

After a couple years of dormant prices for air-cooled Porsches, the market seems to have been, if not stimulated, mildly awakened in the past year. Early 911s continue to lead the way, but their more “entry-level” siblings like the 912 and 914 have seen the highest gains. This example—at roughly a third of the cost of a similar-condition 911S—looks to have gone through a proper restoration. There’s no mention of a numbers-matching spec, but its late serial number (among the last 100 912 Targas made) coincides with the late-production engine number. It’s a collectible luftgekühlt that you won’t feel bad about flogging around. And the 912, while lacking the engine performance of an early 911, is plenty of fun to flog around. Find this one here at Desert Private Collection, priced right at ^$59,750.

PICK OF THE DAY: Original Porsche 911T

December 7, 2022 / moto+match

As the “entry-level” 911, the 911T was by far the best seller, with around 15,000 units shifting between 1967 and 1973, most coming from the later 2.2- and 2.4-liter years. So while this example from 1970 (first year of the 125-hp 2.2) isn’t particularly rare, it is still a “longhood” 911 that regularly eclipses six figures at auction. Here’s an opportunity to get into a mostly original, mostly solid, mechanically sound early 911 for what could prove to be a bargain price. It would make an excellent driver while the market continues to grow where a future owner might consider restoring to N^o 1 condition. It’s here on Craigslist for ^$69,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: 58,000-Mile Porsche 911 SC

December 2, 2022 / moto+match

A well-kept G-Modell with under 60,000 miles for less than 40 grand. Nothing more needs to be said. Find it here on Craigslist for ^$39,500.

ON THE BLOCK: How to Buy Your Dream Porsche

July 20, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Silverstone, 20 July 2015 – When you’re buying your dream classic car, it’s crucial to arm yourself with expert knowledge – which is why Silverstone Auctions has put together a new buyers’ guide ahead of its sale at the Silverstone Classic this weekend.

Presented by classic car collector, Harry Metcalfe, and filmed at Porsche specialists Autofarm, the video puts a pair of incredible 911s, a 1972 2.4 S and 1991 964 RS, under intense scrutiny before they go under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic sale on 24-26 July*.

Metcalfe, one of the founders of performance car magazine, evo, and most recently best known for YouTube channel Harry’s Garage, shares his years’ of experience in buying and selling classic cars. He shows viewers what to look for when buying a Porsche 911, a model that has seen unprecedented growth in the classic car market in recent years.

Focussing first on the 1972 Porsche 911 2.4 S, Metcalfe walks viewers around the car, looking at tell-tell signs of originality and even how to age the car by its oil filler cover. As probably the best example of its type on the market right now, Metcalfe doesn’t uncover any issues – but points out the importance of original paint and where to spot ‘hidden’ repairs.

With an estimated auction price of £130,000 – £150,000, Metcalfe explains why this original and unmolested example, complete with extensive history and provenance, is a perfect collector’s piece for any enthusiast. The car will go under the hammer on Saturday 25 July.

At the other end of the spectrum, he turns his focus to a 1991 Porsche 964 RS N/GT. This 1991 example, also in the Saturday 25 July sale, was one of the first cars off the production line as the first-ever N/GT (Clubsport) car made. Due to its exclusivity, this 964 RS is a collector’s dream.

Marked out by its roll cage, racing bucket seats and omitted ‘creature comforts’ such as air-conditioning and carpets the car has had a very interesting history, being gifted to Porsche-only endurance racing driver Ulrich Richter. Metcalfe tells the story of this very special car while also looking at ways to check its originality.

Having recently been treated to an engine overhaul as well as a glass-out respray in factory Maritime Blue paint, Metcalfe shows how to look for accident damage including panel gaps and removal of vital stickers marking its authenticity. With an estimate of £230,000 – £260,000, this driver-focussed 964 RS is regarded as one of the most exciting examples offered on the open market.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, says: “It is a delight to be able to present these two iconic air-cooled 911s for sale, alongside many other important Porsches in the Silverstone Classic Sale this week. Condition, history and provenance are some of the most important factors to consider when buying a classic car – and indeed when selling one, too. These examples are testament to why I have enjoyed buying and selling the Porsche marque for many years.

“Harry has worked with us at Silverstone Auctions, since buying his Ferrari Testarossa at last years Silverstone Classic sale. He is a well-respected member of the classic car community and I am humbled that he could take the time to share a fraction of his knowledge in this video. I’m sure you’ll see a lot more from him, as well as a few more high-quality cars for sale in the future.”

For the full list of lots available in The Silverstone Classic Sale, please visit:

www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-silverstone-classic-sale-2015/view_lots

ON THE BLOCK: Steve McQueen’s Last Special-Order Porsche at Mecum Monterey

July 14, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

WALWORTH, Wis. – July 14, 2015 – The very last car special-ordered by The King of Cool—the late mega movie star Steve McQueen—will be offered for sale at the Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey this Aug. 13-15 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa – Del Monte Golf Course. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera will be donated to McQueen’s alma mater, the reform school Boys Republic.

“This car is rich in history,” says McQueen’s son Chad. “This is the last of the McQueen cars, really. That’s known. That’s real.”

McQueen’s untimely death in 1980 at age 50 made this 1976 Porsche 930, chassis 9306800408, the very last of his special-order cars. His insatiable and notorious need for speed and his affinity for fine automobiles meant always having the best sets of wheels, and his Porsche 930 is no exception. Capable of producing 234 HP at 5,500 RPM, the matching-numbers four-speed car came equipped with the rare early production non-intercooled 3.0 liter engine, no. 6860413, with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and was special ordered from Bob Smith Porsche in Hollywood. McQueen specified that the car be delivered wearing Slate Gray with a sunroof, dual mirrors, limited-slip differential and black sport seats. But as fine as the car was when delivered, McQueen had even more in mind for it.

“My dad had little things done to it,” Chad says. “Like on the dashboard, he had a switch put on so it would kill the rear lights in case he was being chased on Mulholland Drive.”

Whether being used to outrun police or not, the 930 was and still is a desirable vehicle, and McQueen wasn’t the only notable owner of this handsome Turbo; it also passed through the hands of other Hollywood successes including movie producer and writer Floyd Mutrux, as well as singer Dean Martin’s son—actor Dean Paul Martin.

Offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, extensive service records, the original owner’s manual, original tools and original sales brochures, this 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo—the last of the McQueen cars—will serve as an excellent centerpiece in the collection of its next caretaker. And not only will the new owner be obtaining a stunning piece of automotive and movie-icon history, they will also be giving back to a school that’s changed the lives of countless troubled youth, including the King of Cool’s.

To view the complete description of McQueen’s Last Special-Order Porsche or to register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com. Bidder registration is $100 and can be completed in advance online or on-site at the auction. The Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey is open to buyers, sellers and spectators with general admission tickets available at the gate for $25; children 12 and younger are admitted free of charge. Portions of the auction will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network with a stream of the entire event presented on Mecum’s website. For more details on the auction, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum auctions, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

ON THE BUCKET LIST: Lovett Porsche 911T Wins 2015 Trans-America Challenge

June 30, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

It was ‘California dreaming’ for Peter and Zoe Lovett when they crossed the San Francisco finish line as overall winners of the Endurance Rally Association’s Trans-America Challenge, as it’s their second long distance rally win this year.

Competing in their 1973 Porsche 911T for the 22-day rally across Canada and America, the Lovett’s also won the inaugural Road to Mandalay Rally back in February behind the wheel of another Porsche.

The pair had been hot on the wheels of the longtime leaders Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown in the 1977 Triumph Stag, constantly in the top three since the off. When the Stag had mechanical problems on day 17, the Lovett’s took the top spot and finished with an overall total of 0:09:07.

In second place was Paul and Sandra Merryweather in the 1974 Mercedes 450 SL on 0:10:05, with Philip and Yvonne Haslam in the 1954 Jaguar XK120 DHC right behind them in third place with 0:10:11.

The 1927 Bentley 4½ Le Mans of Martin and Olivia Hunt won the Vintageant Class, while there were also class wins for Marco Halter and Claudia Engelhardt in the 1963 Ford Falcon Coupe, and David and Jo Roberts in the 1968 Triumph TR250.

Two special ‘Spirit of the Rally’ awards were presented during the prizegiving at the iconic Fairmont Hotel. The first went to Malaysia’s Hok Kiang Sia and Eric Kuan Rong Sia who had battled through the rally in their 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II, the biggest car on the event.

The second went to Richard Martin and Travis Cole who started the rally in a 1936 Alvis Speed 25 but ended up on a recovery truck on the first day. After a few days in a rental car, the crew purchased an unprepared Datsun 240z in Duluth and then set about having parts and spares delivered to each hotel they stayed at to create a rally car by the end of the event. Now a fully prepared rally car, the Datsun will be the car of choice on next year’s Rally of the Incas.

ERA Rally Director Fred Gallagher said: “This has been another superb event with a fantastic mix of cars, crews and driving skills. Our Clerk of the Course Kim Bannister planned a brilliant route which offered iconic scenery, competitive tests and challenging terrain – everything you could hope for in an event such as this.”

Around 40 vintage and classic cars arrived at the San Francisco finish line of the Endurance Rally Association’s second Trans-America Challenge, having crossed 15 states and travelled 9,500 kilometres by its end.

The route has used testing roads and enjoyed spectacular views as it has used America’s roads less travelled, while still finding time to visit iconic locations such as the Battle of Little Bighorn site and Mount Rushmore.

The cars involved range from a 1927 Bentley 4½-litre to a 1977 Triumph Stag, and the crews include the world’s oldest rally navigator – 97-year-old Dorothy Caldwell.

The Trans-America Challenge is the Endurance Rally Association’s third rally of 2015, with two more to follow. The Alpine Trial for pre-war cars takes place early September, while the Sahara Challenge is revived for October as a shakedown for next year’s Peking to Paris. The next Trans-America Challenge will take place in 2018 with an exciting new route.

To find out more about the ERA’s events, visit www.endurorally.com.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche 911 Re-Imagined by Singer Vehicle Design Shown at Pinehurst Concours

April 29, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

LOS ANGELES – April 29, 2015 – While showcasing the rarest of collectible vehicles is always a first priority at any major Concours event, this year’s Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will be the first official Concours in the nation to display something equally as rare – a 1990, 911 Carrera 2 (model 964), that has been fully optimized by Singer Vehicle Design (SVD), demonstrating the creative possibilities within the vibrant world of the classic automobile and noting the first SVD ‘customer’ vehicle to be displayed at a Concours event.

Singer’s philosophy — blending tradition with modernity to re-create bespoke, one-of-a-kind masterpieces to each customer’s desires within perfectly optimized air-cooled Porsche 911s – will be underscored in the highly modified “Virginia” car, to be shown at the third annual Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, on Saturday, May 2^nd at the Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina (www.pinehurstconcours.com). “Virginia” will be displayed within a grouping of notable and historic Porsches preserved by the discerning Durham-based Ingram Collection. A more intimate viewing of “Virginia” will occur at various exclusive evening functions including the ‘Chairman’s Dinner’ during the Concours weekend.

With only a handful of vehicles restored by Singer Vehicle Design residing in the United States, the “Virginia” car, named for its intended geographic home, is a wonderful blend of elegance and luxury sport that creates an entirely new canvas for the brand. According to Rob Dickinson, creative director and founder of Singer Vehicle Design, while each vehicle begins with a classic 964 chassis, it’s the customization aspect that each owner fully engages in that makes each car truly unique.

“Each machine we work with has its own special touches,” said Dickinson. “As an example, ‘Virginia’ is the first of the cars we’ve restored that wears the full ‘Touring’ trim on the bumpers and rockers and is the only vehicle to date where a customer has chosen to align an exterior of metallic Fish Silver paint with Sand-Beige interior leather weave – but the true magic really comes alive visually in the ‘checkerboard’-esque look of the interior – we’ve used a slightly lighter suede to create a truly graphic effect. For us, it’s those nuances, personified by our attention to detail that matter most – because our mantra remains that everything is important.”

Details for the ‘Virginia’ car include a 3.8, 350hp, Cosworth-developed engine, KW suspension, big brakes, roll-hoop, harness-bar, clip-on rear backrests, raised gold rear PORSCHE letters, as well as the ‘Sport’-looking External Oil and Center-fill Fuel caps. Dickinson notes that while these sporty details may be an unusual combination amidst the Touring trim and metallic paint, they blend elegantly with the plush leather-trimmed interior panels. For images, please view: http://singervehicledesign.com/gallery/the-machines/virginia/

While the Singer brand has become synonymous with truly bespoke customization services for automotive enthusiasts, which as Dickinson contends, borders on obsession – it is indeed the uniqueness of each handcrafted vehicle that currently make fans worldwide covet a viewing, while longing for a drive. With limited availability and an 8-10 month restoration cycle, vehicles have more recently been commissioned by Porsche owners in Hong Kong, Moscow, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

“We are streamlining our services to reflect the increased demand for our work,” said Dickinson. But even with recent updates to the Singer facility, Dickinson contends that the unique level of personalization and customization remains. New capabilities enabled to capture additional customer choices include an upgraded 4.0-liter engine developed by Ed Pink Engineering and the forthcoming restoration of a 964 Targa model, to be shown later this year.

Singer Background:

SVD, through its own hand-crafted artistry, restores cars for a global audience and is prepared to remain on the cutting edge for restorative work. Dickinson’s company redefines the magic of air-cooled technology by restoring a vintage icon into a coveted piece of automotive exclusivity.

Working with key Southern California-based partners – such as internationally-renowned motorsport engineers, Ed Pink Racing Engines and Mirage International, together with globally-recognized composite experts, Aria Group – Singer has gained invaluable experience that guarantees world-class standards. Ed Pink, Mirage and Aria share in Singer’s passion for restoring the iconic air-cooled Porsche 911®for its customers.

SVD’s vision involves taking a customer’s existing 964 model Porsche 911 (from 1990-1994) vehicle and performing both restorative work and cutting–edge modifications to update the cars’ performance, aesthetics and modern day use-ability in an attempt to optimize its strengths, while preserving the essence and magic of the original.

“This is a celebration of Porsche’s genius,” said Dickinson. SVD begins with a customer’s car and repatriates the 911 chassis of the early ‘90’s with the most beautiful Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche coachwork from 1964. The goal is to preserve a moment in time for the owner and capture a snapshot of the air-cooled period of the Porsche 911. Dickinson concludes, “The essence of the Porsche 911 is vivid and unique –we’re simply trying to bottle and preserve it for our customer to savor.’’

Pricing and How to Acquire Singer’s Services:

Singer works collaboratively with each owner to restore, optimize and personalize their machine to their specific tastes. A typical restoration takes approximately 10 months to complete.

SVD prices reflect a no-expense-spared content, performance and design philosophy and meticulous standards, with prices starting at $395,000 to acquire Singer’s serves to comprehensively restore and optimize the owner’s Porsche 911®, and typical pricing surpassing the $450K mark.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche Boxster Spyder Premiers in New York

April 1, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Atlanta. Porsche is highlighting the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder. This pure sports car will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new top model of the Boxster range retains the unique and unmistakable character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult status. For example, the classic roadster top is still opened and closed by hand, and the Boxster Spyder is only available with a manual transmission, benefiting both weight savings and driver enjoyment.

Staying true to roadster DNA, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports-car driving experience combined with truly exceptional performance. This includes a firm sport suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera S, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with an output of 375 hp, culminating in a genuine sports car experience with outstanding driving dynamics. It is the lightest model of the current Boxster line, and the most powerful Boxster to date. Taking only 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph, the Boxster Spyder has a top track speed of 180 mph.

The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements reminiscent of legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. Two prominent streamliners that extend down along the sweeping rear lid behind the headrests pay tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s. The manually operated, lightweight top is suitable for everyday use with an electric clasp, while bringing to mind roadsters from the past. The fins that stretch back from the top to the rear lend the vehicle’s silhouette its characteristic design. The front and rear fascia’s also are unique to the Boxster Spyder, and an air outlet is located in front of the forward luggage compartment.

More so than in any other Boxster, the interior of the new Spyder creates an atmosphere that elicits a feeling of pure driving pleasure. The driver and passenger sit in standard Sport Seats Plus, while the new steering wheel with a diameter of 360 mm (compared to 370 mm in other Boxster models) helps ensure the mid-engine roadster can be driven precisely and with great agility.

In line with the model’s traditional roadster character, neither a radio nor an air conditioner is included as standard equipment in order to reduce weight. However, both can be ordered as optional equipment at no cost. Furthermore, the entire range of Boxster audio systems is available for customers to choose from as an option, including the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with navigation.

The new Boxster Spyder will be launched in the U.S. market in October and can now be ordered at dealerships. In the United States, the MSRP is $82,100, not including a $995 destination charge.

ON THE BLOCK: The $1,000,000 Fort Lauderdale Challenge

March 26, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

After a successful haul in our $2,000,000 Amelia Island Challenge, we’re heading south to the Auctions America sale in Fort Lauderdale. Our Petrolhead Godmother continues with her generosity; this time with $1,000,000 to play with this weekend. Using Auction America’s HIGH estimate, choose one or choose several cars (no motorbikes or automobilia) that you would like to bring home. We’ll get started:

Lot 108 — 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
Estimate $30,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $13,500 including premium

Featured in a Pick Of The Day last year, this is an presentable example of a car rarely seen on these shores. While it shows signs of wear and previous body repairs, this Peugeot 504 has had recent paint and is a complete example of a classic Pininfarina styling.

Lot 177 — 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
Estimate $150,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $151,250 including premium

Not much information is in the catalog beyond the history of the V8 as a model, but this looks to be a rather tidy example, complete with books and tools. Although it is an automatic, it would still make for some very pleasant open touring.

Lot 226 — 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
Estimate $85,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $82,250 including premium

Although we aren’t given an odometer reading other than its condition belies the miles, this looks to be an excellent original example of a one-year-only 5-speed 930. Its high estimate would appear to be a bargain relative to other 1989s in like condition (not to mention the 1976 model that runs earlier in the day, estimated at $200,000).

Lot 317 — 1935 Ford Model A “Ratrod’ Pickup
Estimate $40,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $26,000

This is another one of those lots that we’d chase only when Petrolhead Godmother is footing the bill, but that said, it is dandy. Powered by a 350 V8, its steel body has been chopped, stanced, channeled and dropped. Period wheels and tires cover front disc brakes. A very nicely built blend of bootleg-era looks and contemporary performance.

Lot 356 — 1949 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe Sedanette
Estimate $65,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $55,000 including premium

The C-Body Cadillacs of 1948 and 1949 brought together big advances in engineering with the overhead-valve V8 and alluring looks. Here we see the first nubs of Harley Earl’s tailfins punctuating a sleek and graceful body, particularly in the fastback “Sedanette” form. This one form 1949 was a former barn find restored to its current condition with a rebuilt original drivetrain. It’s a positively gorgeous American cruiser that is said to drive quite well.

Lot 472 — 1981 Renault R5 Turbo
Estimate $75,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $49,500 including premium

The Renault R5 Turbo is in many ways an answer to a question no-one was asking. It’s a completely insane answer, yet it makes perfect sense at the same time. Take a pedestrian Renault R5 (what we might remember as Le Car) and transform it into a mid-engined beast that eats supercars for breakfast. This example looks to have been restored at some point to what appears to be a high degree, yet appears to have been used as intended which is to drive the merde out of it. What’s not to love?

Lot 486 — 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
Estimate $425,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid of $320,000

Petrolhead Godmother always says, “if you get thrown from a bull, get right back on.” We missed out on the Lamborghini Countach 5000S Quattrovalvole at Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island sale earlier this month, thus we’re somewhat compelled to try again. This time it’s the ultimate expression of the Countach, the coveted 25th Anniversary model. This one shows beautifully in its classic Italian combination of red on tan. With a recent service and less than 21,000 km, it promises to be appropriately raging.

Lot 622 — 1948 MG TC
Estimate $52,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $37,500

Few capture the charm of early British motoring the way an MG TC does. Future TDs and TFs were already becoming too modern. This one from 1948 has been used sparingly since undergoing an older high quality restoration. It condition remains show worthy, but this little thing begs to be thrown on the open road, only stopping for a picnic. The Clipper Blue finish is a nice departure as well.

We came to a total of $922,000. Buyer’s premiums will put us slightly over the million dollar mark, but once again we’ll err on the side of excess when spending the Petrolhead Godmother’s money. Let us know what your picks are in comments.

For the complete Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2015 results click here.