Here is a sweet one right here on RL...

https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...m-quality.html

 

This sums it up nicely.

 

Where's the line between a car that's merely appreciating, and a "collectible" one, then?

I do agree, though -- I think those semantics tend to derail value discussions.

 

In my experience one leads to the other over time. There is never an exact turning point, perception just gradually changes.

 

Hey guys check this beauty out...

​​​​http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/962559-2001-porsche-996-twin-turbo-rare-rain-forest-green-metallic.html

 

Really really glad that interior isn't grey...

 

Green over tan. That is one sweet car.

 

You have asked the ultimate question. What I offer is my opinion and nothing more.

Although the current generation can ask the question about collectability, only future generations can answer it. We're trying to answer the question a little more than 10 years after production of the 996TT ended. IMO, the 996TT is an appreciating asset, appreciating because it is desirable now.

Only collectors determine collectability. I think two key reasons driving future collectability are rarity and historical significance. It's the historical significant part that might limit 996TT collectability. I don't see the historical significance yet. Maybe future generations will. Take for example the Porsche 904, only about 100-125 made, but historically significant to the marque, and with a rich racing history. This car was $7500 when new in the mid 60's. Ten years later you could have picked up one for less than $20k. Today, they sell from $1M to $2M. if people in the mid 70's knew then what they know now, would they have been selling for $15k? I think the answer is no.

So why would someone want a car in their collection. I think historical significance of the model, and of a particular car, play an important part. I think the marketing phrase "last of the air cooled" is an attempt by the market to tie historical significance to the 993. We'll know in another 20 years if that is successful and it is truly a collectible or an appreciating asset. I know that if I wanted a 904 for my collection (and I had a collection LOL), I'd take a 60k mile example that had participated in or won key races like Targa Florio and maybe even had a dent in the fender from brushing up against a Shelby cobra over a pristine 20k mile example. I think it's the historical significance that will limit the 996TT. That doesn't mean they won't go up, I think they will; I just don't think people will have it on their waiting list to add to their collection. I hope I'm wrong. But I'm not going to let my TTS sit hoping for big profits in 30 years. I'll drive mine. Again just my opinion. By the way, the Shelby Cobra 427, produced during the exact same time period as the 904, is also a $1M+ car for the same reasons.

Carrera GTS 904 sale for example

http://www.rmsothebys.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1071869

 

While I agree with you, I think the 996TT has definitely some significance that can be pointed out.

- First water cooled turbo.
- End of the Mezger era

Too be honest, I think the significance to the Porsche brand of the 996TT was higher then the 904. What the 904 has over the 996TT is rarity.

 

I was mainly talking about racing history, the fact it was designed by Butzi Porsche, etc. But I agree with your point. I'm waiting to see if future generations will agree with us and reflect it in the price. But one point I'll make is the Mezger engine continued past the 996 to the 997 but I get what you're saying.

 

My showroom quality 2003 996TT for sale. I picked it up just several weeks ago to hold on to for possible investment/flip/trade purposes, but something has caught my eye and the wife says it goes before anything happens.

https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...m-quality.html

 

I think the 959 was the first water cooled turbo.

 

but that green over black would be pretty awesome too!

 

Natural grey leather FTW.
Seriously.

 

Well in that case I stand corrected, nothing special about it.

I somewhat expected these 2 comments when I wrote it.
The 944 turbo was also an earlier "water cooled turbo", but like the 959, I do not consider them of the 911 series. So let me rephrase it: First water cooled 911 series turbo.

As for the 997.1 (not the .2) this is virtually the same engine as in the 996 turbo, so I consider them together.