28Jul
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- Josh Barnett
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Between the end of 2004 to 2012, the 997 generation reigned supreme, with 23 different models released in less than a decade. Including Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa versions, there were 40 different Porsche 911s for customers to choose from; it’s not hard to see why this was the most popular neunelfer ever.
The Porsche 997 generation literally catered for every taste with amble options of Carrera, Turbo and GT3 machinery (along with a smattering of incredible Rennsport variants). But, which are our seven favourites? Read on to find out:
7) Porsche 997 Carrera S
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (2) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
After missing out an entire generation, the ‘Carrera S’ badge returned to Porsche’s line-up with the launch of the 997. It may not have been as spectacular as some of the models that followed but it was incredibly popular with Zuffenhausen building over 40,000.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 Carrera S head over to Data File.
6) Porsche 997 Sport Classic
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (3) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Built to celebrate 25 years of Porsche Exclusive (the successor to the Sonderwunsch programme), the Sport Classic was the perfect highlight of all the skills learned by Zuffenhausen’s bespoke department, with ducktail spoiler, double bubble roof and Fuchs alloys the obvious highlight.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 Sport Classic head over to Data File.
5) Porsche 997 Turbo S
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (4) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The Porsche 997 Turbo S was built as a run-out model and was, in fact, the last 997 generation 911 to roll off the production line after the 2011 launch of the 991. With 530bhp and PDK, it is still phenomenally fast today although, with only 2,000 built, finding one is a tough ask.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 Turbo S head over to Data File.
4) Porsche 997.2 GT3
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (5) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Like the 996, the second generation 997 GT3 was the perfect successor to the Gen1 model. Everything about the Porsche 997.2 GT3 is perfect, from the way it looks to the way it drives. Without the Rennsport accoutrements, the GT3 is a viable day-to-day 911 with more track performance than most will ever need.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997.2 GT3 head over to Data File.
3) Porsche 997 Carrera GTS
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (6) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The C4 version of the 997 GTS may be the better year-round bet, but the rear-wheel drive 997 Carrera GTS is the purists’ choice, especially when paired with the 997’s delectable six-speed manual gearbox. Prices have stayed remarkably static in the last 12 months, which is no surprise as this is a truly excellent 911.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 Carrera GTS head over to Data File.
2) Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (7) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Any list of 997s wouldn’t be complete without what many people to consider the best 911 ever built: the GT3 RS 4.0. As close as you can get to a Cup car for the road, the 4.0-litre Mezger-powered Rennsport is the ultimate track tool. Yet, with prices swiftly heading north, many no longer see their natural habitat.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 head over to Data File.
1) Porsche 997 GT2 RS
![Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (8) Total 911’s top seven Porsche 997s ever built - Total 911 (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
205mph and a Nordschleife lap time of sub-7m20s. The Porsche 997 GT2 RS is the fastest production 911 ever built. It’s possibly the maddest Rennsport to ever roll out of Andreas Preuninger’s esteemed workshop and, with only 500 built, it’s an even rarer find than the GT3 RS 4.0 above.
To see all the specs on the Porsche 997 GT2 RS head over to Data File.