2021 | Porsche 911 Speedster

Before Porsche's GT-badged coupes and mid-engine supercar offerings rose to fame, an open-top 911 variant quietly carried on a cult appeal all its own. Absent since production of the 356 Speedster (1954-1958), a rag-top offering returned based on 1989's 3.2 Carrera. Sans back seat or insulated cabriolet top, a minimal manual cloth roof stowed under its sculpted clamshell tonneau. Though Speedster configurations runs moonlighted in both 993 and 997 generation 911s, production never crested 1000 units. Model year 2019 yielded a fortunate turn for the now-historic special, as Porsche committed to a run of 1,948 in homage to the manufacturer's 70th anniversary. 

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With 502 horsepower on tap, the new 911 Speedster (991.2) was billed as a roofless GT3 meets 911R for the street. Naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive, and solely available with a six-speed manual transmission, the limited production wonder shot to thrill. Shading carbon bucket seating, the convertible top offered no one-touch operation in keeping with a deliberate purpose and connection to its past. Standard equipment included rear-axle steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Stability Management, and a mechanical-locking rear differential.