evilfij

I am a hopeless convertible guy and really want a speedster, but I did not get a speedy allocation (because I could not swallow the near as makes no difference six figure ADM). If speedy comes down to MSRP or close like 2RS etc., I will probably end up with one if I can find a spec I like. However, I am also considering other options as even at sticker a speedy is near as makes no difference 2x the cost of my GT3T which I will keep and, presumably, a similar drive. I have a 993 C4 6MT cab now which I love and will also keep, but I want a “fast cab.”

I have a list of fast cab alternatives any thoughts on these would be appreciated (in order of most likely to least).

1. 718 Boxster Spyder (or used 981 spyder): dealer is confident I can get a new Spyder at MSRP, but no PTS and no green available and I have this sinking feeling that it will be a GT3 “light” and just not as fun. ~$125k assuming PTS becomes available.

2. 997.1 turbo cab: drove one once, but not in anger as it was slammed on HR springs which I think really ruined it for me. Fast (and can be made faster with RUF or something which I would do). Love the look, but finding one to my tastes (green, natural leather, wood old man spec) has been a challenge. Also worried that the handling will not be there and they sound like an angry vacuum cleaner. ~$100k modded.

3. 964 cab and send for RUF RCT conversion: the only modern air cooled turbo (that’s an oxymoron - to clarify I have driven a turbo Carrera) I have ever driven was a 993 and it was a long time ago, but I was really impressed. My original plan was to send my high miles 993 cab to get a BTR engine, but that is no longer offerred so I thought why not get a 964 cab which is pretty close and spend the money on an RCT conversion. Again, finding one I like is my issue. Plus side is that 964 cabs are very reasonable compared to coupes. ~$125k.

4. Send my 993 C4 cab to Turbokraft or ??? Maybe this is the answer? Not sure on cost or anything really, but I would want a full split case build with new rods etc. so it’s not going to be inexpensive, but probably the least expensive option. Certainly what I would do if I ever need engine work, but I plan to keep driving it for now.

5. Wait for an 07-09 Morgan aero 8 or 09 Exige S 260. Been looking for a decade for the Morgan, and they just don’t exist for sale so I am not holding my breath. I had two lotus and miss them and I suppose I could just buy a non-09 exige S 260 or S 220 or S240, but since I know the 09 is the best, it’s hard to compromise. Plus another lotus may try to kill me which puts a damper on the fun. Id buy either in a heartbeat, but I fear they would just go into the fleet and not get used like I want.

6. 991 cab. 991.1 not fast enough? 991.2 more angry vacuum cleaners? Close in feel to the GT3T but always wanting the GT engine. Maybe I should just accept my station in the Porsche world ... $60-125k.

Any thoughts on the above options greatly appreciated. Or should I just wait for a used speedy?


PS I know Exige are hardtops, you can make an Exige a soft top by simply fitting two small brackets and putting on an Elise soft top. I did it to my 07 Exige S.

mooty

356 speedster ,thx me later
rest car you mentioned meh....
but I am little nutty.

evilfij

Thanks mooty. Drove a 356C coupe, never an original speedy. I actually liked the 912 better than the 356. Both were “not fast.”

NCheok

Wait, patience is a virtue and will always be.

Exige Cup 255 owner here, I will never own another Lotus even if they were given to me for free. Rewarding driving experience when things worked, other times it was just a heap of $hit.

I'm almost being rude to say all British made cars just aren't too reliable or build quality challenges that forever plague them, Macs are not immune to this either no matter how much power they put out or how great they drive.

richk

You don't need to go past #1. I am currently in the same boat.

I was heading towards a 991.2 GTS cab nut I am probably going to get a 981 spyder.

A friend brought a beautiful black one to PECLA saturday for cars and coffee.

There is something very special about the car plus you don't see alot around. Also I like to drive the malibu canyons and I am sure the car is a dream on curvy/twisty roads.

tstafford

What about a 987 Spyder? Prices seem amazing on those for what you're getting.

ClassJ

I would go with the 991.2 GTS cab if the speedster does not work out. While I prefer NA engines, the 3.0 turbo engine has a lot to love.

As far as the 718 spider. It will be a fast fun car but it will not be a missile by any means.

Evo X

I know someone who wants to flip their inbound PTS Jet Green Metallic Speedester if you've come around to the idea of ADM.

Porsche911GTS'16

I have a 991.1 GTS (PDK) and GT3T and it is the perfect balance for me. I think a 991.1 GTS with a manual has advantages over the Speedster. Back seats, automatic drop-top, it is more nuanced (can be sporty or not, depending on your driving mode) while the Speedster is, like the GT3, always in sledgehammer mode. It's got 430 hp and an NA engine which sounds glorious with the top down. I personally am not a fan of the Speedster's rear end. Looks too bulbous to me. I would not pay a half a million dollars or more for it ($300,000 sticker, with all the extras, $150,000 ADM and 9% CA sales tax).

Chris88

I think you would be very happy with a 991 (.1 or .2) GTS Cab. I would. Sort of like a Touring, it would be a lot less flashy then a new Speedster.

tgavem

This, and then add SOUL cats and tune it. Ton of torque and power, really useable in day to day driving and weekend fun.

RS911

If I did not have a Speedster incoming, I would take a hard look at the Spyder. It has now the GT suspension and should be an absolute pleasure to drive. Also, I think it is the deal Porsche has to offer right now.

I have a 991.1 Targa and as much as I enjoy driving it in Southern California, at the end it is not a GT car. I’m always taken back by their differences when I switch between them.

Hope this helps

Jamie140

Please be sure to drive a 981 spyder before deciding.

Dr.Bill

Or look for a 6-speed V10 R8 Spyder. Nothing like the gated manual.

stout

997.1 C4 or C4S Cabrio 6MT with Sharkwerks 3.9.

500 hp, 8800 rpm, AWD traction, mild suspension, PCCB or Movit, P4S or Cup 2 tires, done.

(You may have some arm twisting/begging to do...)