Porsche first introduced a turbocharger to a production sports car in 1974 with the unveiling of the first 911 Turbo model (internal type number 930) at the Paris Motor Show.

The application of turbo technology was a direct transfer from Porsche’s highly successful motorsport programs, specifically the 917/10 and 917/30 race cars of the early 1970s. This groundbreaking move ensured the new 911 Turbo was one of the fastest cars on the road at the time, and the technology has remained for the companies fastest accelerating road cars.

With the advent of water cooling of the Mezger engine in the 3.6 996 Turbo, Porsche ensured the performance envelope could be pushed further than the air -cooled era cars, as well as meeting ever tightening emission regulations. Indeed, by the time the 997 Turbo was launched in 2006, power was up to 473bhp. Whilst the Mezger engined cars have their followers, the 997.2 Turbo launched in 2009, moved the game on again, with its new twin turbo 3.8 litre DFI unit producing 500HP. Probably more impressive, was the 650 Nm of torque (700Nm on over boost) from as little as 1950 RPM, which ensured this new 911 Turbo was still one of the fastest accelerating cars money could buy. Another interesting addition to these Generation 2 cars, was the replacement of the ageing Tiptronic gearbox with a new patented unit named Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK for short. A manual would still be available of course. However, the PDK transmission was seen as a game changer, as it combined the ease of driving of the outgoing Tiptronic, but was able to change gear faster than a human with a manual. Certainly, a novelty when new, it unsurprisingly outsold the manual version with ease and was the only transmission available for the Turbo S when that was launched in 2010, which makes a manual 997.2 Turbo a rare find today, particularly when fitted with the option of centre lock wheels and PCCB brakes from the Turbo S, which brings us neatly to the special car below.

This Example

Supplied new by Porsche Center Sutton Coldfield on 30/01/2010, and with its current keeper since 29/01/2018, each owner has enjoyed the car for around eight years. This manual example was ordered in Candy white with the following specification.

• Park Distance Control
• VTS Preparation
• Alcantara Rooflining
• Bi-Xenon & Dynamic Cornering Lighting
• Active Seat Ventilation
• Heated Seats
• Multi-Function Steering Wheel in Smooth Leather
• PCM2
• Centre Lock 19 Inch Turbo Wheels
• Silver Coloured Instrument Dials & Instrument Cluster
• Silver Coloured Stopwatch
• Dynamic Engine Mounts (PADM)
• Automatically Dimmable Interior & Door Mirrors
• Rain Senso
• Heated Door Mirrors
• Headlamp Washers
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Rear Window Wiper
• Electrically Adjustable Comfort Seats
• Ceramic Brakes (PCCB)
• PASM Electronic Damper Control
• Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
• Six Speed Manual Transmission
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring
• Air Conditioning
• LED Daytime Driving Lights
• DVD Navigation
• Sport Chrono Plus Package
• Electrical Sliding Roof
• On Board Computer
• Voice Control System
• BOSE Sound Package
• Door Entry Guards in Stainless Steel with Logo
• Porsche Crest Embossed in Headrest
• Aluminium Doors

Having covered just 19,000 miles with only 2 owners from new, this 997 manual Turbo presents in close to new condition throughout.

Our Thoughts

Whilst a PDK equipped car may have the edge on outright acceleration, we are unashamed fans of a good manual 911, and let’s be honest, with the 0-60mph dash still coming up in mid threes before powering on to a top speed just shy of 200mph, performance is hardly shabby.

Yes, the performance is still impressive today, but it’s the overall driving experience that stays with you for longer. Unlike a new 992, compact dimensions ensure this car can be placed on your favourite A or B roads with ease. Also, unlike modern manual Porsches, its not hampered with longer gear ratios, sometimes with 7 gears to meet emission requirements, instead it has a snappy 6 speed unit which is a joy to use, with every shift offering real progress and the power being effortlessly deployed through the intuitive AWD system to the tarmac below.

Peak 911? Ever tightening legislation has guaranteed there will never be another like it and this immaculate low owner example, with its unique specification is a very special car, and certainly one we don’t expect to be with us for too long.