Friday 2nd October

911 Turbo Cabriolet (997.2) | PH Auction Block

Two turbos, 4WD, PDK and silly speed like a new one - for rather less money

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Clearly there’s only one thing to do when Porsche announces a new PCCM system: look for dream sports cars in the classifieds that you’d fit it to. Never mind that you haven’t purchased the head unit, or really have any intention to - it’s nice to daydream a little. A manual 991 might be cool, or a Boxster that’s almost 15 years old yet still looks fantastic, or a Cayman R - you get the idea. 

But how about something less obvious? There’s choice aplenty, after all, and it would be boring if we were going on about the same thing all the time. So here’s a 997.2, one of the cars now compatible with PCCM, albeit in drop-top Turbo form. The ultimate all-weather sports car, it might be said. 

Think about it. When the sun’s out there’s all the joy of open motoring with space for small humans in the back. And, if a purely subjective take, a better resolved look than some later 911 cabrios, without quite such a big bottom. It’s obviously busy back there, housing an engine and a roof, if not as jam-packed as we’ve become used to with the 992. 

Then, when the rain comes (some rain must come soon), there’s the security on offer from all-wheel drive, a well-insulated cabrio cabin, and a dash that will outlive the sun. Again, if a new 911 feels a bit too much like style over substance, get a load of the buttons in here. It might even be a shame to lose it for CarPlay, in fact… 

And whatever the weather, this is a 500hp, 200mph 911, which is obviously not without appeal. The 997.2 is a notable Turbo for having introduced PDK to the flagship, a transformation from the old Tiptronic torque and technology that’s still used to such devastating effect today. If you want a modern 911 experience with classic dimensions and style, the 997.2 is where it’s at. With that desirability reflected in the residual values. 

This particular Turbo, to be auctioned on PH from Sunday, has covered just 30,000 miles in 15 years, with a condition commensurate with such modest mileage. And while the spec might be a little sombre, that certainly makes it a lot more saleable than some wild individual colour combo. Call it a blank canvas - once the PCCM is in, the bug might bite, and it’ll be Fuchs wheels and Pasha upholstery before you know…

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See the original advert

[Geoffcapes]

Obviously it's a rocket ship. But 500bhp has never seemed so small.

[nismo48]

Geoffcapes said:

Obviously it's a rocket ship. But 500bhp has never seemed so small.

Chicken feed these days

[Frankychops]

The cabs always look so wrong and ugly

[cerb4.5lee]

The 997 is a good shape overall I think(especially the Coupe), but I don't actually mind the Convertible either though. Also...who doesn't actually like a 911 Turbo anyway?

I don't always get mega excited about 911's, but I have always liked the Turbo(and the Turbo S) though.

[Mr Tidy]

I just can't see the appeal of any 911 Cabrio.

[Augustus Windsock]

I’d be more than happy with that tucked up in the garage
I do wonder if the vendor wishes they might have got the underneath vapour blasted and then sprayed a little Lanoguard (other brands are available) on?

[SteeredHydraulically]

how on earth can he forget to mention the only important thing about any 997(.2) ... it is the last model with real (hydraulic) steering and should therefore have some real steering feel instead of feeling disconnected and ultimately boring like all cars today

[cerb4.5lee]

SteeredHydraulically said:

how on earth can he forget to mention the only important thing about any 997(.2) ... it is the last model with real (hydraulic) steering and should therefore have some real steering feel instead of feeling disconnected and ultimately boring like all cars today

You make such a good point here for me. I literally want to wrap my 370Z up in cotton wool and keep it forever, mainly because of the hydraulic steering in it as you say. The electric steering in my F82 M4 is about as communicative as someone who has lost their tongue in comparison for me for sure.

Will anyone ever make a decent electric steering rack? I just can't see it to be honest.

[Super Sonic]

I thought he said "fuchsia wheels"!

[Clad-Hach]

Frankychops said:

The cabs always look so wrong and ugly

Agreed.

[Corkys]

I like that. Whilst not as good looking as the coupe, it still looks good to my eyes. Best of both worlds car.

There is always a lot of hate towards the convertible but mainly by people who haven’t driven them. Most dont need a car that handles any better. Summer fun plus winter secure.

[evojam]

Friend had one of these with a mild stage 1 tune,went like the clappers! think we clocked it at 7 seconds to 100mph and was very quick at the top end.

[cerb4.5lee]

Corkys said:

I like that. Whilst not as good looking as the coupe, it still looks good to my eyes. Best of both worlds car.

There is always a lot of hate towards the convertible but mainly by people who haven t driven them. Most dont need a car that handles any better. Summer fun plus winter secure.

My brother in law has a 2016 model 911 Convertible Carrera S, and I took that to a cheeky 128mph with the roof down, and I thought it was fun to be honest. The PDK was/is absolutely amazing in it as well I thought. He absolutely loves it.

[cerb4.5lee]

evojam said:

Friend had one of these with a mild stage 1 tune,went like the clappers! think we clocked it at 7 seconds to 100mph and was very quick at the top end.

That's what I love so much about the more modern performance cars as well. A lot of cars I've had were great up to around a 100mph, but the quicker ones don't let up past that though in comparison as you say.

[Keith-9fc7j]

SteeredHydraulically said:

how on earth can he forget to mention the only important thing about any 997(.2) ... it is the last model with real (hydraulic) steering and should therefore have some real steering feel instead of feeling disconnected and ultimately boring like all cars today

Username checks out.

[86wasagoodyear]

This is a bingo card of all the worst main spec items that can be on a 911 of any given generation - Turbo (lag), Cabriolet, auto. I love lots of 911s but not this one

[dibblecorse]

86wasagoodyear said:

This is a bingo card of all the worst main spec items that can be on a 911 of any given generation - Turbo (lag), Cabriolet, auto. I love lots of 911s but not this one

What size anorak are you?

[johnkeil4]

I’m with the hydraulic steering comments, that’s a big part of what makes the 997 special. The Turbo cab might not have the coupe’s shape, but 500bhp, PDK and four-wheel drive would still make for a seriously fun car.