While a manual 992 generation of Porsche 911 is on the way, it’s surely going to prove a very rare car. More so than ever, the current 911 feels designed around an automatic gearbox, from the layout of the interior to the configuration of the drive settings to the way it actually goes down a road. For what the 992 now is, and what it’ll be used for, the automatic is the perfect fit – it is, let’s not forget, a great PDK as well.
A manual, naturally aspirated 911, if it happens, will be in the GT3, and that’s going to jolly expensive. Don’t be surprised, either, if a PDK suits the road racer vibe rather nicely, too.
What this means, then, is that early 991s are starting to look oddly traditional as the march of technological progress continues to evolve the 911. And isn’t that why the classic 911 boom has got so big – a desire to return to the original 911 ethos?
Now, obviously, a 991 isn’t going to drive like something from the 70s. Or 80s. Or 90s, actually. However, there are a few crucial 911 bits to it that have now been discarded, and flaws tend to be looked on a lot more fondly once a car is out of production. Remember not every single 911 has been absolutely perfect from the factory, believe it or not…
So while early 991s were dismissed for the extra stability afforded by its longer wheelbase, GT-like refinement and iffy electric steering, the arrival of a successor will make those points seem less noteworthy – a more refined, more cosseting 911 is now here. The steering will always remain a sticking point though, given the 997 did a better job with hydraulic and the 992 has a much better electric system, but then you can’t have everything.
Think instead about what this sort of 911 does offer. These are the last Carreras to come as standard with a manual gearbox and a naturally aspirated, rasping flat six, which makes them pretty significant in the history of 911s. It probably won't feel any quicker than a Cayman T now, what with the 718’s turbocharged torque, but – again – as an experience there’s a lot to be said for needing revs. Furthermore, as a Carrera 2, this is about as basic a 991 as there is, and quite interesting as a result.
And while the seven-speed manual wasn’t at its best here, dodgy 911 gearboxes haven’t stopped their success in the past. For all those who believe the rear-engined Porsche evolution has surpassed where it needed to be, this is one of the last examples of the original formula – without turbos, without four-wheel steer, without an automatic gearbox and without all that much power. Remember a 996 of 15 years earlier would have had just 50hp less.
This Carrera isn’t going to be to all tastes, lacking the very best classic driving experience and the most modern performance, but through an odd combination of the old and new it has a certain charm and intrigue. It’ll take a long time for the 991 to represent bargain 911 motoring – if indeed that ever does happen – with cars like this at £50k, though strong residuals do of course benefit those selling in future as well.
Alright, so it largely looks like we’re recommending a 911 that isn’t that cheap, isn’t the most exciting and won’t be remembered as an icon of the breed. It remains worthy, however, and more interesting than most, for its specification, genuine rarity and timeless powertrain appeal. It might seem odd to say it about a car just a few years old, but this 991 really is the last of its kind. One day they’ll be raved about – perhaps…
SPECIFICATION - PORSCHE 911 CARRERA (991.1)
Engine: 3,436cc flat-six
Transmission: 7-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 350@7,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 288@5,600rpm
0-62mph: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 180mph
MPG: 31
CO2: 212g/km
Price new: £71,449 (before options)
Yours for: £49,750
See the original advert here
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