19/11/2020
As far as exclusivity in Porsche goes, it used to mean that the model was not only very, very limited, but rather only available to a select group of people. In more recent times the 911 R has been a perfect example of this in that it was only available to those who purchased the 918 Spyder, known as VIP clients, and it was limited to 991 units. While exclusive is a relative term, in my eyes a car which is produced to nearly 1000 units isn’t all that exclusive.
Now, let me explain. The 997 generation brought about many truly exclusive cars, some of which included the Sport Classic along with the first of its kind GT3 RS 4.0 and the legendary GT2 RS. On the high end, with the GT3 RS 4.0, 600 numbered units were produced, but on the complete other end with the Sport Classic, only 250 numbered units were produced. Many of those exclusive, and limited, numbered models were brought about in the 991 generation, but not many were as limited as the Turbo S Exclusive Series.
Only 500 Turbo S Exclusive Series were ever produced along with 200 Cabriolet models which would come along a little later on, but even combined they were still one of the most limited models produced. Of course, you had some outliers like the 60th Anniversary Club Coupe, but you only had to be in the Porsche Club of America to be offered one. The Turbo S Exclusive Series was first offered to those VIP clients, and then offered to the general public. While some may agree or disagree with that method on selling limited models, I prefer it from the standpoint that it adds another special layer on top of that numbered plaque. You had to be someone to be able to own that car, and just seeing one meant something but, of course, it does have its downsides.
This then led to many flippers alike who were in fact VIP clients that would option their build slots to the max, and then as soon as the car was delivered listed it for sale. They did this as it was very lucrative for a certain period of time, but with these models going from more “exclusive” to mass produced models which just happen to be numbered, that's quickly falling out.
Photos are courtesy of , text by