The Porsche 911 Sport Classic is a limited-edition supercar paying tribute to the iconic ’70s racer. With only 1250 units produced, it’s no surprise that this sold-out vehicle comes with a hefty price tag of £214k. While some may view it as style-over-substance, the Sport Classic boasts unique features that make it a standout in the 992-generation 911 lineup.
H2: Core Elements of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic
The Sport Classic is built on the 911 Turbo specification, resulting in the car’s signature Christina Hendricks hips. The engine is also borrowed from the Turbo, but Porsche has detuned the twin-turbo 3.8-litre flat six from 572 to 542bhp, with a loss of 110lb ft of torque. The manual gearbox and suspension are familiar, and the cabin can be recreated by spending enough on a Carrera S. However, the green-hued tacho referencing the phosphorus of the original 1964 911 is unique to the Sport Classic and adds to its aesthetic appeal.
H2: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Dynamic Character
It’s worth noting that the Sport Classic is not a product of Porsche’s GT division. Instead, it’s a creation of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, which focuses more on matters of style. Despite this, the Sport Classic has its own authentic dynamic character and is possibly the most rewarding road-centric car in the 992 generation. It feels sweet on the road due to Porsche’s removal of the front driveshafts from the Turbo donor chassis. This results in a delicate nose and a sledgehammer rear, giving the Sport Classic an old-fashioned 911 handling balance with modern levels of control and finesse.
H2: Brilliant Gait and Engine Performance
The car’s gait is truly brilliant, with a softness at the leading axle that makes it plush on any road. The body control is outstanding, strict but never severe, and with a buttery feel on corrugated roads. The 3.8-litre Turbo unit in the Sport Classic has a noticeable turbo lag that adds to its character-enhancing assets. It fizzes with induction roar at the top end in a way that the Carrera’s 3.0-litre motor doesn’t. The engine’s peak of 443lb ft feels just right on the road, enough to rotate the Sport Classic through bends with a little weight transfer on the way in.
H2: Styling and X-Factor
The Sport Classic’s styling is a standout feature, with cartoonishly big Fuchs alloy wheels, gold lettering, houndstooth upholstery, and a Carrera 2.7 RS-esque ducktail. Whether you love it or consider it chintzy overkill, the Sport Classic has an old-school swagger that becomes apparent once you’re behind the wheel. It may not do much that a judiciously specified Carrera S wouldn’t do, but it has an X-factor, both dynamically and aesthetically.
H2: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Porsche 911 Sport Classic may seem like another limited-edition supercar with a high price tag, but it boasts unique features that make it a standout in the 992-generation 911 lineup. Despite not being a product of Porsche’s GT division, it has its own authentic dynamic character and is possibly the most rewarding road-centric car in the 992 generation. Its styling is a standout feature, with an old-school swagger that becomes apparent once you’re behind the wheel. Overall, the Sport Classic has an X-factor that sets it apart from other supercars in its class.
