Porsche 911 Sport Classic: A Stuttgart Legend
There are a select few cars that really get my heart pumping, the Sport Classic being one of those cars. Allow me to write about it.
Occasionally, car manufacturers will announce the arrival of a new baby, set to get the legs dancing of an avid enthusiast. The leading car maker for this has always been Porsche - who, obviously, don’t want their frankly outstanding history to be forgotten. In recent years, there has been the elegant 991 Speedster, the fire-breathing 997 GT3 RS 4.0, and perhaps the most charming - the 997 Sport Classic. Launched in 2009, critics were quick to argue that the Sport Classic was just a Carrera S with some unnecessary add-ons - the Carrera S being the ‘sponge cake of 911s’. Despite this, 911 fans went absolutely mental for it, and this was all thanks to the staggeringly-beautiful design of the thing. Fun fact, all 250 cars were sold within 48 hours, which says an awful lot.
That beautiful frontal design we all know and love
The Sport Classic was offered exclusively in ‘Sport Classic Grey’, featuring a double pinstripe running down the silhouette. The car also features design aspects from the 2.7 RS, a double-bubble roof from the Carrera GT, a ducktail rear spoiler, and even enlarged Fuchs-style alloy wheels as seen on 911s from 1966. This isn’t a car to set lap records, this is a car to remind people what a sublime history Porsche holds dearly, that is what they are celebrating with this piece of art. The Sport Classic also comes as standard with the wider body seen on the Carrera 4S, but with RWD and a limited-slip differential to maximize grip on Great Britain’s country roads.
Inside, the masterclass design is fluently continued - with new clock faces, a new gear lever, new seats, and even updated door cards. Oh, and the interior is plastered with ‘Expresso Nature Brown’ leather. Brown leather in a 911? That’s a strong yes from me. It would be impossible to seat yourself in a Sport Classic and not want to touch everything that surrounds you. Even today in 2021 - 12 years after the original launch - the entirety of the design is completely and utterly mesmerizing to the eye.
997 interior - very refreshing
Out on the road, the Sport Classic doesn’t disappoint. Equally, it doesn’t amaze. It’s the standard 911 driving experience we all know, but with a few enhancements to remind you that you’re driving a 250-unit vehicle. As standard, the Sport Classic is kitted with the sport chassis pack, which includes an LSD, a lower ride height, and an extra 22bhp - resulting in the 3.8 flat-six engine producing 402bhp. There is no PDK option either, its 6-speed manual transmission or go home. In addition to all of this, the exhaust system has been improved to create a more retro-like exhaust note, similar to 911s from the 1970s. One last thing - the brakes, Porsche assembled the Sport Classic with carbon-ceramic brakes. They are quite powerful, but lack the initial bite you receive from steel brakes.
One last time... just look at it!
You could discuss the 188mph top speed and 4.6 second 0-60 time all day, but to really appreciate the Sport Classic, pull over. Pull over, and just look at those wheels, look at that ducktail spoiler. Spend your time obsessing over it, like a child when they complete their most-prized Lego set. In a world where numbers are a key factor, and power is ever-so-important, appreciate the simple things - appreciate the Porsche 997 Sport Classic. It’s a magical set of wheels.
Thank you for reading. I take no responsibility for those who are now looking at 911 Sport Classics on Collecting Cars and PistonHeads.
************
Daniel Achterhuis is a 16-year-old freelance motoring journalist, YouTuber, and presenter of The Piston Podcast. He aspires to be a professional motoring journalist in his later years and to be around cars as much as possible. You can contact Daniel by emailing him directly at danielachterhuis@gmail.com
Join In
Comments (15)
These are becmong more and more popular.
Rightfully so.
The 997 Sport Classic is great, but the 991.2 Touring still takes the title.
I couldn’t agree more, the 991.2 Touring is a honey of a car.
Its beautiful, more 911s need ducktail wings
Especially the gt3 touring
That would be dreamy.
Is this the greatest 911 of all time? @tribe
Nope
what is, in your opinion?
A great read as always, Daniel. I do love a Sport Classic. I’ve only ever seen one but I’d love to drive one👀
Thank you. Driving one would be quite the experience!