Porsche 991 Speedster

At its heart lay an uprated version of the familiar 4.0-liter flat-six motor, albeit with the fitment of new throttle bodies and higher pressure injectors now boosting power from the 493 horsepower of the GT3 to the formidable 502 horsepower, at some 8,400 rpm, of the new Speedster. Maximum torque also improved marginally from 339 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm in the GT3 to 346 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm for the Speedster. To ensure the Speedster remained suitably engaging to drive–and hence worthy of its illustrious name–the GT3’s superb six-speed manual was the only transmission offered.

However, in contrast to previous Speedster models, the new version was anything but compromised, and was viewed almost universally as the high note on which the 991-series deserved to bow out. Spectacular performance of zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph, rendered the Speedster only marginally slower than its GT3 counterpart, while features such as rear-wheel steering, Carbon Ceramic brakes and a mechanical limited slip differential not only ensured huge roadgoing capability but also that it remained resolutely a driver’s car. Furthermore, stowed beneath an exquisitely crafted carbon fiber rear deck (its “double bubble” form a fitting tribute to its ancestor of some 30 years before) was a first for a Speedster: a fully functional, if manually operated, convertible roof.

In an oblique and respectful reference to Porsche’s first year of production, just 1,948 examples of the 991-shape Speedster were produced, of which this stunning version is number 498. Finished in the classic Porsche color of GT Silver, its already formidable specification was augmented by the fitment of a front axle lift, long-range fuel tank, Chrono package and LED headlights. Furthermore, the incorporation of Porsche’s Heritage Design Package–at a cost of almost $25,000–afforded the car a more distinguished Black and Cognac leather interior, not to mention original style Porsche emblems and gold, italicized Speedster logotype; the latter a further tribute to a model which had broken new ground some 65 years previously.

Originally delivered to the consignor via The Porsche Exchange of Highland Park, Illinois in 2019, the car has a recorded odometer reading of just 122 miles at the time of cataloging, and consequently presents in virtually as delivered condition. Impeccably styled, formidably capable and embodying some 70 years of Porsche history, it also significantly represents a car of tremendous collector potential, in which the spirit of the original Speedster assuredly lives on.