The 911 that restored the model's classical look — and the most analogue post-air-cooled generation.
Launched in 2005, the 997 replaced the 996 with restyled bodywork that returned the round headlamps of earlier 911s. The first phase (997.1) ran 2005–2008 with the M96/M97 flat-six; the 997.2 from 2009 introduced direct-injection 9A1 engines and PDK transmission.
The family spans Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4/4S, Targa 4/4S, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 and GT2 RS — a uniquely complete generation that closes Porsche's traditional hydraulic-steering 911 era.
Final hydraulic-steering 911, last generation with widely-praised analogue feel and the most varied GT line-up in 911 history.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 997.1 Carrera / S / 4 / 4S / Targa | 2005–2008 | Not separately recorded | M96/M97 engines; manual or Tiptronic. |
| 997.1 GT3 / GT3 RS / GT2 | 2006–2009 | Not separately recorded | Mezger-engined GT cars; collector premium. |
| 997.1 Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet | 2006–2009 | Not separately recorded | Mezger turbo flat-six. |
| 997.2 Carrera / S / 4 / 4S / GTS | 2009–2012 | Not separately recorded | 9A1 direct-injection engines; PDK introduced. |
| 997.2 GT3 / GT3 RS / GT3 RS 4.0 | 2009–2012 | Not separately recorded | Mezger GT cars; RS 4.0 limited to 600 units. |
| 997.2 Turbo / Turbo S / GT2 RS | 2009–2012 | Not separately recorded | GT2 RS limited to 500 units. |
| Sport Classic | 2010 | 250 | Limited-edition double-bubble roof. |
The models below represent the most significant limited and special edition variants — factory-produced cars that command meaningful premiums over standard examples and warrant specific attention from serious collectors.
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Porsche 911 (997), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Manual gearbox, documented IMS history on 997.1, original paint, no accident history and full Porsche service file.
997.1 M96/M97 engines carry two known risks: IMS bearing failure (resolvable with documented replacement) and cylinder bore scoring, which is only reliably excluded by borescope inspection at purchase; 997.2 9A1 engines are fundamentally re-engineered and largely free of both. Bore scoring affects the Lokasil cylinder walls of 997.1 Carreras — published estimates range from roughly 5% to 10% of cars, with the hotter-running right bank (cylinder 6 in particular) most affected and the 3.8-litre Carrera S generally considered most susceptible. Short-journey use, oil dilution and cooling-system neglect raise the risk, and low-mileage, little-used cars are statistically more exposed, not less. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
997.2 manual Carrera S, 997.1 GT3, 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 and the Sport Classic lead. Standard 997.1 cars with documented IMS history are the value entry point. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-23 | RM Sotheby's Lot 150 | 2010 911 Sport Classic | — | $775,000 Sold |
| 2025-05-12 | Collecting Cars Online (UK) | 2011 997.2 Carrera S manual | 32,000 mi | £72,500 Sold |
| 2025-05-03 | Bonhams The Miami Auction (Lot 32) | 2011 911 Speedster (997) | — | $347,200 Sold |
| 2024-08-16 | Gooding Christie's Pebble Beach (Lot 192) | 2009 997.2 Turbo | — | $156,800 Sold |
Last hydraulic-steering 911, last Mezger-engined GT cars and a defined collector category. 997.2 manual Carrera S, GT3 and Sport Classic should lead; standard 997.1 cars are condition-sensitive.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
