MotorMartin has been informed recently of the following exciting news, especially of interest for those of you with a healthy fascination with that most Germanic of supercar, the Porsche 911, as Porsche fans descended on the iconic Silverstone Circuit on Saturday, 21st October to bid on 59 of the finest Porsches up for auction at the third annual Porsche Sale.
Organised by friends of MotorMartin, Silverstone Auctions, and in collaboration with the world’s biggest car club, Porsche Club GB, the auction featured a wide range of Porsches from an entry-level 2003 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 2 Tiptronic estimated at £18,000 – £22,000, right up to an exquisite 1998 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo S estimated at £245,000 – £285,000.
Rather understandably, one of only 26 built in right-hand drive, the Turbo S is one of the most desirable and powerful versions of the vaunted 993 generation as it was the last iteration of the air-cooled 911 era. Experts in all things classic, Silverstone Auctions confirmed to MotorMartin that high performance versions rarely come to market, and with only 36,210 miles on the clock, this 450 bhp Porsche in Ocean Blue and a grey leather and carbon fibre interior represented an incredible opportunity to acquire one of the finest of the finest in 911 history.
The Porsche Sale also had something of a rock star theme, with two 911s coming to market previously owned by some of the biggest heavy metal stars of the eighties. Glenn Tipton, lead guitarist of Judas Priest, selling his 1985 Porsche 911(930) Turbo SE which he had owned and cherished from new. A special car in its own right, it also holds a place in rock history as the inspiration for the platinum-selling album ‘Turbo’, and the hit single ‘Turbo Lover’, both penned by Tipton. The cosseted Porsche was estimated at £180,000 – £220,000.
Another rock guitarist, this time from cult band Whitesnake, also presented his Porsche at the sale, this time a Dark Metallic Blue 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Supersport Targa with an estimate of £48,000 – £54,000.
One of the rarest cars on offer was a 1992 Porsche 911 (964) RS Touring, one of only six UK-supplied right-hand drive models in black and with a black interior. This formidable machine has a detailed history and has featured in several specialist magazines and road tests. The RS Touring was estimated at an incredible £185,000 – £210,000.
“I’m very impressed with the range and depth of cars on offer for the Porsche Sale. Our consignors have put together a fantastic catalogue,” commented Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions to MotorMartin before the sale. “Now in our third year with this sale, we are proud to be associated with Porsche Club GB and in addition to the auction, the club is putting on a fantastic series of events, including a Porsche Experience Centre track day for members. So with the auction and other attractions, it will be a great weekend for Porsche fans.”
Sporting Porsches were also in evidence, including a superbly built 1973 Porsche 911 2.8 RSR FIA Historic GT race car crafted from an original 1973 911T. Faithfully created to match the specification of the super-rare RSR homologation special, this raw and powerful 265 bhp machine was estimated at £80,000 – £100,000.
A full range of front-engined Porsches were also present, with a very rare 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT estimated at £30,000 – £35,000, and a remarkable 1987 Porsche 924 S with only 6,600 miles on the clock estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.
And if all that was not enough, you could also pick up a Porsche Tractor! The 1962 Porsche ‘Standard J’ Tractor arrived fully restored in red and cream, and had an estimate of £13,000 – £15,000 making it a relatively inexpensive and somewhat quirky entry into Porsche ownership.
To view the full list of cars offered and there eventual selling prices at the auction MotorMartin recommends you visit www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-porsche-sale-2017/view_lots
Where will you go?