Bridging the gap between classic and contemporary, the 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 2S (997 generation) represents a sweet spot in the 911’s evolution – and this particular example, with less than 30,000 miles on the clock, is a pristine gateway into that world. For the passionate driver, the 997 delivers an experience few modern cars can match: hydraulic steering that chats to you in every corner, a sonorous 3.8L flat-six that sings all the way to 7,000 rpm, and a sleek silhouette that echoes the air-cooled icons while looking every bit a modern supermodel. Dressed in a likely classic Porsche hue (perhaps Arctic Silver or Guards Red) with a manual gearbox, it offers purity of control – a trait increasingly rare in today’s paddle-shift era. The interior is an exercise in Teutonic luxury: tight-fitting panels, high-quality leather, and the perfect driving position. Unlike the rawer classics, this 911 also pampers you with amenities like climate control and Bose audio, making it as comfortable on a Brisbane commute as it is thrilling on a spirited run through the Adelaide Hills. In Australia, high-end Holdens and Fords never reached this level of refinement or global prestige. The 997, on the other hand, was born from generations of Le Mans wins and engineering evolution, meaning it carries an air of motorsport credibility wherever it goes – whether that’s a dinner at the Quay or a track day at Phillip Island.

Why it’s special: In collector terms, the 997 Carrera 2S is increasingly viewed as a modern classic, especially when equipped with a manual transmission and in original, low-mileage condition like this one. Its significance is heightened by being the last of the smaller 911s before the model swelled in size and switched to electronic steering; many purists consider it the end of an era. For an investor, that narrative – “the last analogue 911 feel” – combined with this car’s low usage, makes for a compelling value proposition. It’s new enough to be reliable and old enough to have nostalgia attached. As values of earlier air-cooled 911s climbed beyond reach, enthusiasts turned to the 997, and we’ve seen its prices firming up accordingly. This example could be tucked away as a future classic or sparingly enjoyed on special occasions with minimal depreciation risk. It offers something few other assets can: the ability to delight its owner physically and emotionally while potentially growing in value. In a market where Australian-made performance coupes fade into obscurity, the Porsche 997 shines as a superior machine with an investment-grade pedigree, making it a wise addition to a well-rounded luxury portfolio.