My passion for Porsche began in the early 80’s when I was just a teen. My neighbor had a wealthy friend stop by with his Guards Red 911 and I fell in love with it – and I was hooked for life! (Just like many of you!) Ever since then, I’ve been an active Porsche enthusiast and have owned numerous Porsche vehicles.
Many of those vehicles I wish I still had today. Somehow I knew they would be way more valuable in the future, but unfortunately, I was not a rich kid and had to sell one before I could buy another. I had an uncanny ability to pick hot cars and buy future collectables. Take for example some of the early 911’s I’ve owned. I had a beautiful ’73 S coupe with sport seats, a ’72 S with the one-year only oil filler door and a superb example soft window Targa. And although I wanted a ’73 RS, the higher price tag was just out of my reach. Imagine a time when a 1973 911 RS could be had for under $60K!
This was the early 90’s. A time before water cooled Porsche engines, the introduction of the internet, and huge increases in old 911 prices. Over the years, I can remember many times when I said to myself “This car is only going to go up in value.” Now, looking back, my intuition was correct. Those ’86 911 Club Sports and the 993 Turbo S’ are beyond the stratosphere.
And here we are once again. While I’d love to have a 911 R, the 911 GT3 with the Touring Package is one of those cars I think has a lot of potential to be the one. The name “Touring Package” harks back to an equipment variant of the 911 Carrera RS from model year 1973 and like the earlier 911 R, it combines traditional 911 GT3 styling with that of the standard 911.
Although Porsche has never officially stated how many GT3’s were produced with the Touring Package, I can assure you it’s a pretty low number. Most buyers opted for the large rear spoiler. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the big spoilers too, but there is something classy about the rear lid of the Touring Package and what lies beneath.
The powertrain and chassis are identical on all 911 GT3 vehicles with manual transmission, including the Touring Package. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder flat engine with four-liter displacement is taken from racing cars such as the 911 RSR and 911 GT3 Cup. The engine is characterized by its 9,000 rpm redline, which is truly extraordinary.
With the exception of the rear, the body of the GT3 remains unchanged in the variant with Touring Package. This means it has large air intakes in the specially designed front end, as well as the air outlet that is typical of the 911 GT3 model, located in front of the luggage compartment lid.
The appearance from the side of the vehicle is dominated by the forged alloy wheels with central locking. At the front, 245/35 ZR 20 tyres are fitted on nine-inch wheels, while at the rear 305/30 ZR 20 tyres are mounted on twelve-inch wheel rims. The tyres create a powerful impression as the body of the new variant is 44 millimetres wider at the wheel arches than the 911 Carrera. Lowering by an additional 25 millimetres further emphasises the width of the car.
I think any of the cars Porsche is producing to be a “Collectible” such as the new Speedster and 911 R are easy choices for future value. They will always command a premium – but they are ridiculously priced to start!
But the purity of a GT3 Touring or even a 911 T may be the cars that future Porsche enthusiasts will lust after. That’s what my gut is telling me.
