One of the most iconic versions of the evergreen Porsche 911 is the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 and that's the very car that seems to have inspired a new variant of the current model called the 911 Sport Classic set to be launched at the
Frankfurt Motor Show.
Most obvious of the retro cues are the modern interpretation of the black 'Fuchs' five-spoke alloy wheel and a gorgeous fixed rear 'ducktail' spoiler. However, there are substantial styling revisions elsewhere. The mechanicals are based on that of the Carrera S, but the rear bodywork has been adopted from the 44mm wider
Carrera 4, to which a new bumper and restyled lights have been added. The nose also features a new bumper, while the bi-Xenon headlights come with a black surround.
New side sills and a 'double-dome' roof are also included, while all versions of the Sport Classic will be finished in 'Sport Classic Grey' with subtle stripes running the length of the car. A bespoke car cover is provided to every buyer.
Rather than being just a styling exercise by Porsche's Exclusive department, the Sport Classic also features a power upgrade and chassis modifications. The Carrera S's 3.8-litre flat-six has been fitted with a variable resonance intake manifold, an updated exhaust and a carbon fibre air filter housing (the latter more for show than go) and power has been increased by 23bhp to 402bhp. Top speed is 187mph and the 0-62mph sprint takes 4.6 seconds. Despite all the updates, the Sport Classic retains the Carrera S's 26.6mpg combined cycle economy.
Along with the wider rear track, the Sport Classic's ride height is dropped by 20mm, has a limited slip differential and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The Sport Chrono Package Plus is also included in the price and a six-speed manual gearbox, with reduced lever travel, is the only transmission available.
Porsche has gone a bit mad on the interior too, using woven leather for the first time and a new carpet material. There promises to be a lot of other bespoke features. We'll see more of those at the 911 Sport Classic's debut in
Frankfurt later this month.
Where's the catch in all this? There are two: the price is £140,049 and Porsche will only make 250 examples for sale worldwide.
