2011 Porsche 911 Speedster Speedster

Porsche's formula for their Speedster models have always been sporting thoroughbreds stripped to their essence where performance and style reign supreme and non-essential creature comforts are removed. The G-Series and 964 Speedsters from the 1980s and 1990s had lower and raked windscreens which helped differentiate them from their cabriolet siblings. The Speedsters often had a fiberglass humped rear deck and a manual convertible top, along with a few other cosmetic or mechanical changes. The 997 entry, however, was given several obvious modifications. It was introduced in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show and the basic architecture was sourced from the recently debuted Carrera GTS. This special model was developed to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Exclusive Department. They had two-wheel drive, a wide body, and Porsche's Powerkit-equipped 3.8-liter flat-six producing just over 400 horsepower. The Speedster was outfitted with nearly every option available in the 997 range. Standard features included carbon ceramic brakes, PASM suspension, and Sport Chrono package. The $204,000 base price came with a dizzying array of exclusive items including a 60 mm lower windscreen, Fuchs-style wheels, black smooth-leather seats with blue checkered pattern and Speedster stitching, numerous painted interior details, and a unique aero kit along with black stone guards on the rear quarters.

The weight of the heavily-optioned Speedster was kept in check, partly due to its manually operated soft top and aluminum door skins. Speedsters were also given a unique cylinder heads and intake system along with Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transaxle.

This particular example was purchased from Porsche dealer Manhattan Motorcars Inc. in New York City by Jerry Seinfeld. It is car number 009 of 356 examples produced and one of just 100 imported for the United States Market. It was specified with Porsche Exclusive Customization Packages DZM and DZP and is finished in Pure Blue, a color developed specifically for the Speedster and the only shade available on the model other than white. Currently, the odometer shows just 4,844 miles.

The car had a sticker price of $226,690, which was roughly twice the cost of a standard 997 Cabriolet in 2011.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2016