A Mezger-Powered, Manual-Shift Time Capsule with Less Than 8,300 Miles On The Clock
If you’re hunting for the ultimate Porsche 911 Turbo, one that speaks to your heart rather than the stopwatch, then the 997 generation has got to be it. This is because it was a significant generation that marked a turning point for Porsche in several ways. The 997.1 Turbo debuted in 2006, and production ran until 2009. While the 997 was most noted for bringing back round headlights over the controversial 996’s fried-egg units, crucially for fans of analog 911, it retains hydraulic steering and packs a race-bred 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine (M97.70) with variable geometry turbochargers. Derived from Porsche’s 911 GT1 Program, it produces 480 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
After ‘09, Porsche introduced the 997.2 Turbo, bridging some major mechanical changes, including a new 3.8-liter direct-injected flat-six (MA1.70) that put out 500 horsepower, up from the 480 hp on the outgoing 997.1 Turbo. However, as a non-Mezger powerplant, it lacked the racing pedigree of the old 3.6-liter mill. While the 997.2 Turbo was still available with a manual, the more potent Turbo S, which was introduced in 2010, was available exclusively with a PDK. Porsche did away with the stick altogether on the 991 generation of Turbo models.
As a Turbo S was never available on the 997.1 and no Turbo S has ever been equipped with a manual, it makes the 997.1 Turbo, the final Mezger-powered 911 Turbo to ever feature a manual transmission, a pivotal moment in Porsche history. So while the 997 retains several aforementioned analog features coveted by enthusiasts, it also packs enough creature comforts to pass off as a modern classic. Throw in all-wheel drive and you have a versatile, near-200 mph sports car with year-round usability.
997.1: The Last Porsche 911 Turbo To Feature A Manual Transmission
This low-mileage example (seen above) with just 8,298 miles is a 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo finished in GT Silver metallic over a black leather interior. The 997.1 Turbo already has a lot going for it, but this particular car comes equipped with several desirable factory options. Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), a sport chrono package, premium Bose audio, and heated/ventilated seats are just a handful of the long list of options on this vehicle.
So, to sum it up, the 997 bridges two worlds. Classic proportions that purists love while retaining the raw mechanical connection that’s gone missing in modern 911s. The 997 truly remains the sweetspot for enthusiasts, because after it came electric steering, PDK-only Turbos, and even more software and tech. With this particular car, with its Mezger engine, single-owner status, and a rare spec, you’re looking at a blue-chip collectible.
Image Source: Grand Prix Motors
