We have already taken a closer look at the Porsche market for 2022 and picked out a few models that we believed tend to be undervalued. In other words, Porsche sports cars that could possibly increase in value, i.e. that would make a good investment. The initial question at the time was: Which Porsche is the best investment in 2022, or will increase in value the most? For 2023, too, we have selected five recommendations for driving pleasure without loss of value, and perhaps even with appreciation.
While the early Porsche 912s have long since followed their F-model 911 siblings up the price ladder, the 912 E is still a bit hesitant. Yet the Porsche 912 E is a very interesting and, above all, rare model. While over 30,000 of the original 912 were built, only 2,090 Porsche 912 E were built for MY ’76. This 90 hp entry-level Porsche based on the G-model was intended exclusively for the American market.
The rare 912 E was born out of necessity. Production of the Porsche 914 had already ceased and the 924 was not yet available in America. So Porsche’s engineers developed a stopgap. It enabled them to offer an economical entry-level sports car. The Porsche 912 E was powered by the 4-cylinder Volkswagen flat engine with 2.0 liters of displacement. This 90 hp unit was also used in the 914. While the 911 models still had to make do with the K-Jetronic until 1983, the 912 E already shone with the more modern L-Jetronic.
Decent 912 E are still available for well under 50,000 USD, if any appear on the market. Many 912 E models have been rebuilt with 911 engines in the course of their lives. That’s one reason why you have to be quick! Especially as a first classic Porsche, the 912 E could be a good investment with manageable maintenance costs. After all, it doesn’t have that many unique parts. It’s a mix of 911 and Volkswagen Type 2. And it is quite a bit cheaper than its predecessor, the 912.
When Porsche’s engine mastermind calls a car his own for a total of 40 years, it says a lot about its qualities. In 1979, Hans Mezger bought a grand prix white Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0. It had previously served as a test car for Porsche. Mezger owned his Carrera 3.0 until his death. These cars were only built from 1975 to 1977, a total of 3,687 times. Compared to 58,000 SC and even 76,500 Carrera 3.2, the 911 Carrera 3.0 thus has absolute rarity value.
But the Carrera 3.0 is also very interesting from a driving perspective. The engine is a modified 911 Turbo 3.0 unit. It comes without the turbo, but with a Carrera RS 2.7 crankshaft and lighter flywheel. Making 200 hp, the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 even gives the legendary RS 2.7 a run for its money. Nevertheless, it lags behind the 3.2 in value. While good Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 with G50 transmission sometimes cost over 100,000 USD, the 3.0 is still well below that. We therefore consider the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 to be one of the best Porsche investments for 2023.
Only 1,287 Porsche 996 GT2s were built in total. 963 of them were produced from model year 2001 until December 2002. The remaining 324 were built between January 2003 and February 2005. Especially the later Porsche 996 GT2s with 483 hp are therefore among the rarest 911s ever. It is also the first Porsche to be supplied exclusively with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB).
Value-wise, the first water-cooled Porsche 911 GT2 is roughly on a par with its successor, the 997 GT2. If you disregard extremely low mileage cars, both are priced well below 200,000 euros – and have been for years! Very surprising, given their production numbers at 1,287 996 and 1,242 997 are almost on par with the 1,270 Carrera GTs. To give you some context, have a look at GT3 RS prices. 996 GT3 RS sell for way over 200,000 USD. 997s trade hands in the mid-hundreds. We therfore think, as a “Modern Classic”, the Porsche 996 GT2 is an excellent investment. After all, it is not only rare and looks exotic, it is also damn fast!
There are some cars that have never become cheap in the course of their lives. This undoubtedly includes our next investment tip for 2023 – the Porsche Cayman GT4 (981c). When it was presented in Geneva in 2015, it was welcomed with open arms. Experts had already said years earlier that the Cayman’s chassis could handle more power. But they also suspected that Porsche didn’t want to position it too close to the 911.
In 2015, Porsche dared to implant the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated 991 Carrera S engine with 385 hp in our fourth investment tip for 2023. Garnished with a big rear wing and a 6-speed manual transmission, the car was an immediate success. Hence, the first Porsche Cayman with a GT-badge was initially only available at a premium above its sticker price.
By 2020, the market had gradually eased, with an average market value below 100,000 USD. In the past year, however, the 981 Cayman GT4 was already listed at an average of around 105,000 USD. So the trend is clear. In view of the upcoming electrification of the Cayman, we believe the first Porsche Cayman GT4 is a worthwhile investment with a driving pleasure guarantee.
According to U.S. comedian Jerry Seinfeld, to understand the myth surrounding the Porsche brand, you need to drive three cars – a VW Beetle, an early 911, and a 356 C. And Seinfeld should know. After all he is a passionate Porsche collector. At times, he owned more than 50 of them. It quickly becomes clear why the 356 C in particular is one of his favorites. The 356’s last stage of development, still shines today as an absolute driver’s car. It handles beautifully and still is a usable everyday sports car.
To understand the myth surrounding the Porsche brand, you have to drive three cars – a VW Beetle, an early Porsche 911, and a 356 C.
Jerry Seinfeld
Technically, the 356 C was a big step for Porsche. Disc brakes all around were high-tech in 1963. With its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, it offered solid performance – thanks to 123/124 Nm of torque. The beautiful interior is still an absolute heartbreaker today. If you consider its historical significance, you have to put the Porsche 356 C on a par with the 993.
And so the price for these vehicles, which were very affordable for a long time, still seems relatively low. On average, one of the 16,685 356 C/SC would have cost around 105,000 USD last year. We think, the Porsche 356 C/SC is thus convincing in terms of its driving performance, its appearance, its relevance and its price. These cars are unlikely to get any cheaper.
Even if it is possible to generate a profit with some Porsches over their holding period, this should never be the primary motive for purchase. In addition, these vehicles need exercise. Otherwise, expensive stationary damage can be the result. Moreover, a ride in a classic sports car brightens not only one’s own day, but also that of passers-by and other enthusiasts. Happiness increases when it is shared. That’s why we believe that the greatest return is always the fun you have with the car.
© if not marked else: Porsche AG
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