The final iteration of the air-cooled Porsche 911 Turbo, particularly the rarer S model, is anticipated to command significant prices at auction. This specific 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S, a near-twin to a Guards Red Porsche 911 Turbo S once owned by Michael Jordan and featured in ESPN’sThe Last Dancedocumentary, is now available on Bring A Trailer, a platform owned by Hearst Autos.
Only 176 units of the 911 Turbo S were originally sold in U.S. specification, making it a highly exclusive vehicle. The S designation brought notable enhancements over the standard Turbo model, including larger turbochargers and corresponding cooling and engine management adjustments to accommodate increased boost. This resulted in a power output of 424 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
This particular example, a 993-chassis model, is presented in classic Guards Red with a black leather interior and has 24,000 miles on the odometer. It comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and despite its low mileage, underwent a comprehensive overhaul in 2023, which included the replacement of various perishable belts and seals, ensuring its readiness for the road.
While some might view the investment in a car occasionally likened to a Volkswagen Beetle as unconventional, the air-cooled Porsche era has consistently driven the collector-car market, with exclusive models fetching substantial sums. The 993-chassis Turbo S, being the last of its kind, is particularly valued.
As of the time of writing, the current high bid for this 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S stands at $650,000. This amount is sufficient to purchase two modern, well-optioned 911 Turbo S models. The auction is set to conclude on September 18, and given the initial interest, it is expected that the final sale price could reach new heights for the model.
Although there are more sport-oriented 911s available for track use, the Turbo S excels as an ultimate all-weather grand tourer. It is also considered a literal investment vehicle, representing a type of car no longer in production, with its value likely to appreciate even with minimal driving. The report also notes that last week, a Ferrari 550 Maranello formerly owned by Michael Jordan cropped up for auction, which prompted a car-spotting rewatch of ESPN’s The Last Dance documentary. Among the sweet rides seen on screen was a Guards Red Porsche 911 Turbo S, a connoisseur’s choice made by His Airness.