2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Speedster

Porsche celebrated its 70th birthday in 2018, and they chose to mark the occasion with the introduction of their latest 911 Speedster model–based on the incumbent 991-generation platform–at that year's Paris Motor Show. Additionally, its introduction coincided with the conclusion of the 991 series and the transition to its incoming 992 replacement. Its shape and mechanical specification benefitted from the GT3 model, employing its engine and transmission, chassis, and suspension. The carbon fiber hood and wings were sourced from the limited edition 911R.

The 4.0-liter flat-six motor was given new throttle bodies and higher pressure injectors, which helped boost power from the 493 horsepower of the GT3 to 502 hp at 8,400 RPM. 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. The GT3's six-speed manual was the only transmission offered. Zero to sixty mph took 4.0 seconds, and top speed was achieved at 193 mph.

Mechanical sophistication of the Speedster included rear-wheel steering, Carbon Ceramic brakes and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Beneath the carbon fiber rear deck was a 'first' for a speedster - a fully functional, if manually operated, convertible roof.

A total of 1,948 examples of the 991-shape Speedster were produced - an oblique and respectful reference to Porsche's first year of production. This particular example is number 498 and is finished in the classic Porsche color of GT Silver. It was given a front axle lift, long-range fuel tank, Chrono package and LED headlights. Additionally, it was specified with Porsche's Heritage Design Package–at a cost of almost $25,000–afforded the car a more distinguished Black and Cognac leather interior, original style Porsche emblems and gold, italicized Speedster logotype.

This Porsche was delivered to its current caretaker via The Porsche Exchange of Highland Park, Illinois in 2019. It has been driven 122 miles since that time.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024