2009 Porsche 911 (997) GT2

The prospect of combining the most powerful turbo engine in their range at the time, with a manual gearbox and mounting them in a two-wheel drive, lightweight 911 was the inspiration for the, rather special, Porsche 911 GT2. At the same time, Porsche upgraded and modified the suspension and brakes, and increased the engine output whilst lightening and removing interior components, to create the ultimate driver's version of the 911 at that time. This recipe has been used with the 993, 996 and 997, and, no doubt, will be used in future versions of their iconic 911.This car is the GT2 version of the Porsche 911 (997), introduced in 2008 and produced until 2012. The engine uses twin variable geometry water cooled turbochargers producing a serious 523bhp and 500 lbs foot of torque, resulting in a maximum speed in excess of 204 mph and a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds!For the first time, it's loaded with the electronic goodies enjoyed by lesser models, though PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and PSM, in particular, are tailored to its unique character. As with the 996 GT2, its development has not been shaped by the demands and regulations of a race category and at first glance, it looks quite tame, just another iteration of the high-performance 911 with its gaping-mouthed, more ground-hugging nose, and different biplane rear spoiler. However, the longer you look and the more you contemplate the numbers, the more menacing the new GT2 seems. Initially, you don"t notice the slightly nose-down rake or the fact that the wide, Turbo rear arches are brimful of rubber. Step closer, and you can see that those rear tyres are 325/30 ZR19s – for reference, a Lamborghini Murciélago wears 335s – and then that they"re lightly-treaded Michelin Pilot Sport Cups.That new rear spoiler is a bit special, too. Like the 993 GT2's, it's hollow and the intakes that sit in the air flow deliver pressurised air to the engine, contributing to its greater output over the Turbo. Look closer and you can see visual evidence of the 145kg weight reduction over the Turbo; the standard-fit PCCB brakes, the new tilt-back carbon-shell seats, the lack of rear seats, and a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium. Out of sight, there's a new aluminium rear suspension subframe and, of course, the weight penalty of four-wheel drive no longer applies.This left-hand drive, 997 911 GT2 was purchased new by a collector in Dubai on 8th October 2009. It remained there with one owner until 2015, when it was imported into the UK. All duties and taxes have been paid, the UK registration process was completed by the current owner in October 2015, and it now forms part of his significant private collection.Finished in sparkling Carrera White with a Black Alcantara and Leather interior, this desirable 997 GT2 has covered over 29,000 miles from new and the bodywork still presents superbly. It is fitted with a 'factory' interior carbon pack, rare carbon backed bucket seats, and the rear cage is designed to be easily removable. The black leather interior is consistent with the indicated mileage and the car is supplied with all its original books and manuals. Our vendor has entrusted the car to marque specialists JZM and Charles Ivey Ltd. in recent years and there are also invoices in the history file with Porsche Centre Swindon, from 2015, when they also carried out the 'Porsche 111 Point Check', and the report is available for inspection.997 GT2 models have traditionally held their value exceptionally well and are regarded as seriously collectable amongst Porsche fans worldwide. Given the results we"ve achieved for similar cars in our recent auctions, this GT2 looks a very attractive proposition.