Porsche took our breath away when it unveiled the
911 Speedster concept last week at its 70th anniversary celebration. And it may
even put it into production, but we’re just speculating. So for now, at least,
if you want to get your hands on a 911 Speedster, you’ll have to look to the
second-hand market – to examples like this rather splendid one that just so
happens to be coming up for auction this summer.
A two-seat version of the 911 Cabriolet with a
chopped-down windscreen, the Speedster is something of a rarity among 911s. The
first version emerged in 1989, based on the original 911. The second came in
’93, the third in 2011.
The example you see here is one of just 936 examples
made as something of a swan song for the 964 model. It was based on the Carrera
2, but with a smoother nose and tail, a lower windshield, a cowled rear deck
(where the cramped rear seats would otherwise be), and an electric rear spoiler
that rose at speeds above 50 miles per hour. It packed a 3.6-liter flat six –
still air-cooled in those days – sending 247 horsepower to the rear wheels
through a five-speed manual.
It left the factory painted in Guards Red, with
matching hard-shell seats, tri-tone interior, and black soft top. It was
delivered to a customer in California, who has kept it ever since – something
of a rarity in the fast-moving market for second-hand 911s, especially of such
rarity. That owner has put just 1,500 miles on it over the course of the past
quarter-century, and is now putting it up for auction. RM Sotheby’s will sell
it off to the highest bidder at its sale in Monterey come this August, and it’s
sure to sell for a pretty pfennig or two.
