The Sport Classic is Porsche’s homage to its most famous and long-standing model: the 911. Its rear spoiler apes that of a 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS, its wheels those first made for the 911S in the Sixties. The dark shades around the headlights recall the 1974 RSR Turbo race car, and even the name Sport Classic has been chosen to remind us of the 911SC that was produced from 1978-84. The result looks like a new 911 that’s unearthed a suitcase full of its grandfather’s clothes and is trying them on for size.
The inside is more successful. There is leather, not just on the seats and dash, but covering details as small as each louvre on every air vent. Luxurious leather trims the doors while Sport Classic logos are everywhere from the chromed, illuminated kickplates to the seat backs and the rev counter.
Underneath the skin, the 3.8-litre engine from the standard Carrera S gains 23bhp while the chassis benefits from bespoke suspension, ceramic brakes and a limited-slip differential. In fact, it doesn’t feel that much faster than a normal 911, but its responses are sharper and the handling better than all its stablemates, save the track-oriented GT3. This 911 is not just about its looks, for by any measure it is a fine car to drive.
The most notable aspect of the Sport Classic, though, is its price. At just over £140,000 it is more than twice the cost of a Carrera S and almost £40,000 pricier than the 500bhp Turbo. Moreover, there are no options: forget a paddle-shift gearbox, four-wheel drive or a different paint job. Porsche won’t even let you choose the colour of the interior. Brown is all there is.
How can this be justified? Simply by the fact that Porsche will make only 250, just 32 of which will come to the UK, all pre-sold before a single car has been delivered. They will go not to diehard driving enthusiasts, but collectors prepared to pay a steep price for a Porsche five times more exclusive in terms of numbers built than a Carrera GT. To them it will be more than worth it. To others, a 911 GT3 and a Mercedes-Benz S-class, plus the change, may be a more appealing option.
Porsche 911 Sport Classic
Engine 3800cc, six cylinders
Power 408bhp @ 7300rpm
Torque 310 lb ft @ 4200rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Acceleration 0-62mph: 4.6sec
Top speed 187mph
Fuel 26.7mpg
CO2 250g/km
Road tax band L (£405 a year)
Price £140,049
Verdict The most exclusive 911, priced accordingly
Release date January
