2011 Porsche 911 Type 997 Speedster
Chassis no. WP0CB2A93BS795617

With the introduction of the first 911 Speedster in January 1989, Porsche revived a charismatic model from its past, the name previously having been applied to that most stylish of the many Type 356 variants. Originally conceived as a basic, no frills, entry level version of the 356, the Speedster would later evolve into one of the most lavishly equipped, exclusive, and expensive models in the Porsche range.

Based on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, though normally aspirated, '89 Speedster was launched immediately prior to the introduction of the new Type 964 bodyshell and thus was the last 911 model to feature the 'old style' body. The latter was reworked by chief stylist Tony Lapine, incorporating numerous references to the original 356 Speedster as well as a pair of controversial 'camel hump' cowlings behind the seats that concealed the stowed-away manual hood.

Following the Type 964's introduction in August 1989, it took Porsche a couple of years to reintroduce the Speedster to the 911 line-up, the Type 964 version being announced in October 1992. Based on the Carrera 2, it looked very like its immediate predecessor but unlike the latter was not initially available with the wide 'Turbo-Look' body style. With the Type 993's introduction in 1994, the Speedster once again disappeared from the 911 catalogue, only to be revived a few years later as part of Porsche's 'Exclusive' programme of strictly limited edition models.

This policy of offering the Speedster via the Exclusive programme continued on the succeeding Type 996 and Type 997 iterations of the 911, the latter arriving in 2005. As an homage to the first Porsche Speedster of 1954, it was announced that only 356 would be built. This new Speedster featured the wide body of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet but was rear-drive only, being powered by the 402bhp engine of the Sport Classic. Porsche's PDK seven-speed dual-clutch automatic was the only available transmission. Porsche claimed a top speed of 305km/h (190mph) and a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of 4.4 seconds, making the Type 997 Speedster one of the world's fastest convertibles.

The Speedster's signature double-bubble hood cover was retained for the Type 997, while the wide Fuchs-style wheels and front/rear bumpers and valances were other Sport Classic carry-overs. There was leather in great abundance in the interior, with even the smallest details trimmed in that material, while Porsche claimed that, once familiar with the procedure, the owner could deploy the hood in under two minutes. Despite shedding various components and adding aluminium doors and carbon brakes, the Speedster ended up weighing almost exactly the same as the C2S Cabriolet, thanks to its wide body and generous level of equipment. "The result is that it drives very much as you'd expect, offering flashing performance, admirable body rigidity and superb steering, chassis balance and poise," declared Autocar.

The Speedster offered here was built for the North American market and delivered new to Quebec, Canada, remaining there for some five years before returning to Germany in 2016. Subsequently converted to European specification, the Porsche is currently registered in Germany where it has had only one owner. Finished in white with black leather interior, this exceptional Speedster has covered only 3,174 kilometres from new and is presented in commensurately superb condition. Accompanying documentation includes sundry bills; a summary of its Canadian history; German registration papers; and a Vehicle Inspection Report rating the car as excellent in all areas.

Depending on their country of residence, prospective purchasers should consult with the local registration authorities regarding the registration of this vehicle or speak to a Bonhams specialist for further advice.

Please be advised that due to the limited number of kilometres recorded on the odometer, this Lot may incur VAT liability upon registration in the EU. The VAT payable will be the rate prevailing in the country of registration.