BACKGROUND
Seemingly forever, the 911 has been Porsche’s ‘Top Dog’ for ultimate sports car performance, while those models below could only gaze through the glass ceiling. Sure there was the odd exception, like the limited, lightweight-ish 987 Cayman R and the more focussed 981 Cayman/Boxster GTS, but pure GT status was always dangled, but never delivered on.
But ‘boom’ in 2015 Porsche smashed the glass ceiling with the launch of the Cayman GT4 and things were never quite the same again. And in a seemingly contentious move, supply was drastically limited, thus ensuring immediate cult/rarity status. Then as now with current limited supply Porsches, the GT4’s rarity meant that some unscrupulous folk that did manage to get hold of one, were soon flogging them at a hefty profit.
Hardcore from the outset, the Cayman GT4 was initially available as a six-speed manual only, Porsche having seemingly learned from the hoo-hah of the PDK only 991 GT3 debacle. Engine wise the GT4 got a Powerpack enhanced 3.8-litre, flat six, with 380bhp. Performance was a given, with a top speed of 183mph and 0-60mph in 4.2 secs.
Very much track focussed the GT4 featured the 991’s uprated front axle and a sports PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set up, that kept the chassis/damping pinned down, but not quite at the expense of ultimate ride comfort. Although for on-road masochism, there is the ‘Sport’ setting. Save it for the track only, we say.
Further enhancing the chassis, were 20in, lightweight wheels, booted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. Griptastic in the dry, but be wary in the wet…
YELLOW PERIL
There’s a headline figure here and unlike most headline figures – say those of the BHP variety – it’s not very big. And yes, you read it right. This Racing Yellow Cayman GT4 has just 85 – delivery only – miles showing on the clock. To all intents and purposes, this is a new car.
It is part of a collection of cars belonging to Robert Gant. That’s the same Robert Gant of well-known Porsche historic specialists, Gantspeed in Lincolnshire who has now retired from the industry. Supplied new by Porsche Leicester, its status must surely be unique.
Spec wise it’s all there, from the Porsche Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes to the 918 carbon, fixed back bucket seats and carbon interior package. Track focussed it may be, but it’s not without creature comforts. Two-zone automatic climate control features, as does Porsche Communication Management and Sound Package Plus. And needless to say it’s fully manual.
A prisoner of its mileage? Well certainly some its value is in its low mileage status, but we say that any new owner could add miles without significantly affecting its value. After all this is a nine year old car, with a lot of catching up to do.
ON THE ROAD
Full disclosure, and in deference to this car’s mileage, these driving impressions are based on our experience with Porsche’s 2015 press fleet Cayman GT4, which in Racing Yellow and with PCCB brakes, was a dead ringer for this very car.
One of the best mid-engined chassis set up at any price point and a lesson in mid-engined dynamics from Porsche’s uber talented engineers, you feel as though you’re sat right at the pivot point of the chassis. Pin sharp steering wriggles with feedback and there’s never any doubt as to what the front end is doing, while grip from the rear is prodigious.
Ride is taught, with iron fist damping keeping the body firmly under control, but never is it harsh.
Power? Plenty thank you, but its useable allied to the Caymans size. Oh, and the gearbox is a delight.
And we feel it is worthy to note here that although now replaced by the 718, there are many who prefer this earlier edition for its simplicity and purer driving experience.
IN SUMMARY
Every time Porsche launces a new model, it offers further technical development over the model it replaces, often due to ever tightening legislation. Since the launch of the 718 GT4, opinions have been divided as to whether it actually offers a better driving experience than the original 981 GT4 it replaced. One thing is for sure, if you are in the original 981 camp, then the option of a new example has long gone. But what about if the next best thing appeared, a delivery mileage example that has been gently looked after and covered just 85 miles from new? Throw in the fact it will be fully serviced by Porsche at time of delivery and has a great spec too, we believe that sounds pretty tempting! A rare opportunity to buy the first of the GT Caymans and experience one of the best driver’s cars at any price. It deserves to be used, so promise us you will?
