As Porsche is preparing to send off the current 991 generation of the 911 with a new Speedster version, it’s time to remind ourselves of the last time a 911 Speedster was on offer.
This is the 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster, the rarest of the 997 family and arguable one of the most collectible modern Porsches today.
It features the characteristic double-bubble tonneau cover that expands over where the rear seats in a 911 would normally be and hides a model-specific soft-top that’s also manually operated. Other differences include a lower by 77mm windscreen to match its unique profile.
Porsche made just 356 units of the 997 Speedster as a nod to the original 356 Speedster, so it’s easy to see why these cars are demanding close to $300,000 today.
Unlike the upcoming 991 Speedster, which is expected to feature a proper GT3 powertrain, the 997 model uses a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six engine fitted with the era’s Power Kit option, offering 408hp and 420lb-ft of torque. All models came with the seven-speed PDK transmission as Porsche didn’t offer it with a manual.
Porsche’s Speedster models always focused more in the driving experience with the roof down, rather than outright performance and this one fits the bill perfectly. Doug DeMuro takes us for a tour around the 2011 911 Speedster on the video that follows.