Stuttgart - Desirable used Porsche 911s are selling for record prices even though the modern version is not in short supply.
Instead of ordering a new 911 from the showroom, wealthy enthusiasts around the globe are paying big money for cherished, second-hand 911s, Germany’s Autobild motoring gazette reports.
The sought-after versions of the iconic car are often rare model variants with the signature flat-six engine.
One pristine 911 R2.7 Touring made in 1973 recently sold at Sotheby’s in Florida for 891 000 dollars (R12m), a record sum for the variant.
Experts say the hype is similar to the one around classic Ferraris, although their prices later dwindled in the wake of the last financial crisis. Some buying may be fuelled by the weak euro.
During the same Florida sell-off, a pretty 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 European MFI, a model sometimes called the poor man’s Carrera, went for 308 000 dollars (R4.18m). Well-restored in Sweden, the car has 83 000 kilometres on the odometer.
The sum paid was twice that given in classic car price listings which are regularly updated. The premium is down to the car’s rarity – only 508 of the MFI were built by the Stuttgart factory.
Turbocharged editions of the iconic Porsche in fine fettle have also been gaining value fast.
Also at Florida auction house Gooding, a 1996 Porsche 911 “993” GT2: changed hands for 973 500 dollars (R13.2m). A 1997 Turbo S with just 24 000km on the clock found a buyer for 440 000 dollars (R5.97m).
Experts said the 253 000 dollars (R3.43m) paid at the US branch of Bonhams for a run-of-the mill 1970s 911 Turbo underscore the trend. The high prices are simply the result of unusually high demand.
DPA