8 brilliant Porsche 911s in the Bonhams|Cars Miami sale

1996 Porsche 911 Turbo GT2

Estimate: £600,000 to £750,000

This race-spec 993 GT2 – one of just 43 built – was developed by the competitions department in Weissach. It’s a pure customer-spec competition special from an era when international GT racing exploded in popularity.

As such, every element has been reworked when compared to the 911 Turbo road car of the time. Out went a load of weight and in came rivetted-on wheelarch extensions, added aero and extensive upgrades to the suspension, brakes and engine. That air-cooled flat-six is arguably the pinnacle of its kind and produces 450PS.

This example has never been raced in full competition having previously been road registered in Japan and the UK and retains its original matching-numbers engine. It’s a rare opportunity to acquire a 993 GT2 that hasn’t been worked hard in competition.

1991 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3

Estimate: £300,000 to £380,000

With so many 964 generation Porsche 911s having been given the restomod treatment (and we’ll come to one of those next), it’s always nice to see one in its original big-bumpered glory. This Turbo 3.3 is said to be one of only six finished in Rubystone Red and also comes with heated power seats, power windows, electric sunroof and a limited-slip differential.

Despite having been specified in a way that’s easy to live with, this example has covered just 59,645km in its three-and-a-bit decades. That’s modest for a car with such all-round ability as a 911 Turbo.

The kilometre odometer reflects the fact that this car was initially sold new in its German homeland before finding its way to the United States.

1990 Porsche 911 Classic Turbo Reimagined by Singer

Estimate: £1,300,000 to £1,700,000

OK, a Singer isn’t strictly a Porsche but there’s no denying that this delectable ‘reimagining’ will be a strong temptation for 911 enthusiasts. The Sun Valley Commission is the first Classic Turbo Services car offered for public sale. 

The 964-derived bodyshell features lightweight carbon-fibre body panels that have mildly tweaked in shape while maintaining the original 930’s character. The Dirty Oak Green Metallic paint is complemented by ivory leather ‘tombstone’ seats and all the detail enhancements expected of a Singer. There’s also a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six Mezger engine to enliven the whole thing.

It has covered just 267 miles and has an estimate comfortably into seven figures, and represents a chance to jump an ever-growing waiting list.

1995 Porsche 911 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks

Estimate: £900,000 to £1,000,000

Another 911 in the sale that’s not in the form it left the Porsche factory is this 993 Speedster. Built by Gunther Werks, this example is known as the Buenos Aires commission and is one of a sold-out run of 25 examples. Each one is bespoke, the one finished in black with contrasting dark bronze for the centre-lock wheels. 

Gunther Werks claim that extensive use of carbon-fibre means the Speedster weighs less but is stiffer than a standard 993. Wide arches lend the classic ‘bath tub’ shape an aggressive demeanour that’s backed up by the black-on-black detailing. Carbon-fibre is very evident in the open cockpit.

As well as the comprehensive restyle, Gunther Werks has also reworked the suspension and fitted a Rothsport Racing 4.0-litre flat-six engine that has been comprehensively upgraded. Claimed power output is 435PS (329kW). The Buenos Aires is offered with just five miles on the odometer.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster

Estimate: £250,000 to £290,000

The second Speedster in the catalogue is this factory example. It’s Porsche’s fourth official Speedster, the first being the 356 of 1953. As a nod to that car, Porsche built 356 examples of the 997. Where the original Speedster was a back-to-basics affordable version of the 356, by 2011 it had become one of the more expensive members of the Porsche model range. 

The Speedster is easily identified by the double-hump rear styling and shallower windscreen. It had almost every 911 option ticked as standard, including PASM, PDK, Sport Chrono Plus, PCCB brakes and a limited-slip differential. 

This example is number 196 and has an ownership history that took it to Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. Carrera White paint is contrasted by a black interior with a chequered detail on the seats. The odometer shows just 2,028 miles meaning this a very fresh example of this rare 911 groove.

1988 Porsche 911 Turbo Flat Nose

Estimate: £210,000 to £240,000

The first 911 Turbo Flatnose (or Flachbau) was originally built as a one-off for a wealthy client, and took its inspiration from the Group 4 racing 935. That special build prompted others to desire the same look, and Kremer offered a conversion service for owners before it was offered by the factory’s Special Wishes (Sunderwunschen) department adopted the Flat Nose from 1981. It eventually became an official Porsche option, coded M505, in 1986. A high price ensured its rarity.

The example being offered by Bonhams|Cars has spent most of its life in dry states (Arizona and California) and has records back to 2015 that show regular dealer servicing. Recent work includes an engine-out service. Many imitation 930 Flat Nose 911s have been built with varying degrees of success, so this represents an opportunity to take ownership of a rare original US-supplied car.

1965 Porsche 911 2.0

Estimate: £190,000 to £230,000

The oldest Porsche 911 in the catalogue is also the one that (jointly) has the most affordable estimate. That does nothing to diminish the desirability of this slim-hipped coupé with its delicate chrome detailing. It looks exquisite. It’s a very early example, too, the 911 having been launched as the 901 in 1964.

The first owner of this Champagne Yellow car was a resident of California and it came with the rare options of a Webasto heater and a Blaupunkt radio. It came from the factory with black leatherette upholstery. 

This 911 spent a few decades living in Europe where it was restored between 2016 and 2023 before returning to the United States last year. Compared to the later cars in the auction, this 1960s car has a wonderfully pure form.

1978 Porsche 911 3.3 Turbo

Estimate: £190,000 to £230,000

It would be tempting to say this 930 Turbo is the epitome of 1980s excess, but it was ahead of that decade by two years. The flared wheelarches and tea tray rear wing looks nonetheless became synonymous with the buy-low-sell-high era. This Zuffenhausen-built car is from the first year of 911 Turbo production.

The Turbo’s more relaxed character took the 911 to a different market, but still offered lightning performance thanks to that forced induction version of the air-cooled flat-six engine. This one has barely been troubled with use, having clocked up just 5,824 miles. 

It was supplied new via the renowned Brumos Porsche dealership in Jacksonville, Florida and has spent more recent years in Texas. With such light use over the decades, the interior and other details look original, and many of the original factory decals are still in place to complete the timewarp appearance.

Photography courtesy of Bonhams|Cars