The Daily Vroom
Good morning, Vroomers!
Today's edition of The Daily Vroom is steeped in Porsche excellence. For those who might not share the enthusiasm (though, truly, how could you not?), there's plenty to dive into with yesterday's dazzling performance figures from one standout company – I'll let you guess who!
MARKET LEADERBOARD
💰 The figures shared below don’t count any other sales such as car seats, memorabilia etc… All online auction sites are analyzed to put this leaderboard together.
I only include websites that have sold 5+ cars in the chart below.
BaT hit triple-digit sales yesterday, which is always a thrill to witness. Deep down, I believe they're capable of achieving much more, and it might sound wild, but I reckon they're aware of it too. Other platforms are certainly in the race for bigger numbers as well. The last stretch of 2023 witnessed a bit of a market cooldown, yet from the looks of it, 2024 seems to be showing signs of a bounce-back, although we all understand the ebb and flow of markets.
The online auction scene was buzzing, raking in a cool $6.4 million in sales just yesterday, with a hefty slice of the action coming from Porsche transactions, making up 13.4% of the total. Bearing that in mind, we're spotlighting some standout Porsches ending today – including two that I personally can't get enough of.
YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES
To view each listing, click on the cars.
Why Is This 997 GT3 RS Not Getting More Love?
I've been riffing a lot about how certain cars grab the spotlight and how some cars are not getting the views they deserve. Clearly, those with a celebrity in the driver's seat or tangled up in some newsworthy saga see a lot of action. But, from my point of view, there's this one machine that hasn't quite caught the wave of admiration it deserves, with so far only 5,000 views!!
We're talking about the best of the best here – its roar, its aesthetics, the sheer ecstasy of taking it for a spin; it's got the whole package. Dive in for the love of driving or the promise of a solid investment, and you're looking at zero regrets. With everything it brings to the table, including just 12k miles on the clock and a high bid of $175k so far, this beauty's final tally is bound to turn heads. And rightfully so.
So, what's this unsung hero? The 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Not just any Porsche, but a rare breed with only 410 units gracing the U.S. Powered by a formidable 3.6-liter Mezger flat-six engine paired with a six-speed manual, it's a beast with 415 horsepower at your command. With top-tier features like Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, a limited-slip differential, and adjustable coilovers, its performance is unmatched.
But it's not all about what's under the hood. Its black and orange exterior, carbon-fiber rear wing, and 19" orange-finished wheels are a visual feast. Slip into the cabin, and the black leather and Alcantara sport seats, coupled with the Sport Chrono Package, speak volumes of its luxury.
Having received nearly $12,000 in recent upkeep, this ride isn't just a feast for the eyes or a thrill to drive; it's in prime condition for the long haul.
This 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS embodies what it means to be the crème de la crème – whether it's the unmatched driving experience or its potential as an investment, it truly has it all. With a spotless history and all documentation in order, it's a standout example of automotive brilliance.
Auctions of the day
While the 997 GT3 RS above stands as a pinnacle of motorsport engineering, offering a visceral driving experience and precision handling, the Porsche Carrera GT occupies a distinct realm of automotive mastery. Its blend of exquisite design and technological supremacy not only challenges the GT3 RS's prominence but also captivates the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Both are jaw-dropping cars!
The Carrera GT scene has been quite busy recently, showcasing a Carrera GT that garnered $1.2m on Collecting Cars with 9k miles in March 2024, alongside another with 7k miles achieving similar figure on BaT in February 2024.
Interestingly, cars with lower mileage—a 2k-mile model, highest bid at $1.25m on PCarMarket and a 3k-mile version, highest bid $1.37m on BaT—didn't find buyers, hinting at a mileage-price correlation where sellers' expectations for higher bids on lower-mileage models may not always align with market willingness. Makes total sense here with the calibre of car we are dealing with.
This context becomes particularly relevant when considering the car in question, a Carrera GT with 4,200 miles. Given its mileage and the discernible trend, a selling price around the $1.2m mark appears to be on the conservative end, especially considering this very car's previous sale for $1.32m just six months ago on PCarMarket.
A Closer Look:
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Current Bid: At $1,030,000, anticipation mounts as the auction draws to a close.
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Mileage: Shows 4,200 miles, placing it in a unique position within the
current market spectrum.
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Highlights: The vehicle is not just any Carrera GT; it boasts a 5.7-liter V10, a six-speed manual transaxle, and is finished in a striking GT Silver Metallic. This particular model also carries the history of a notable sale price of $1.32m six months ago.
Given the nuanced interplay between mileage and price, and reflecting on the car's previous sale, it's clear that this Carrera GT's auction represents a pivotal moment.
Potential buyers are likely weighing the car's provenance, its relatively low mileage, and its condition (there are a few questions on this) against their willingness to meet or exceed past valuations.
As such, this auction doesn't just test the market's current temperature; it also highlights the enduring legacy and coveted status of the Carrera GT.
One interesting aspect is the views. This auction up until now has ‘only’ received 19,000 views compared to the previous two auctions (in Jan & Feb) on BaT that had 47k and 63k views!
This 2007 Porsche 911 Targa 4S, is a standout with its Guards Red paint and black interior. It's got the gears to stir your soul, thanks to a 6-speed manual transmission, clocking in just about 42,500 miles. Boasting a single California owner since it rolled off the lot, this ride's Carfax report is as clean as they come, with no accidents or funny business on the mileage.
What sets this Targa apart, especially in Doug DeMuro's eyes, is its seamless blend of performance and daily drivability. The 997 generation brought back the oval headlights and punched up the power, with this Targa model throwing in a bit of flair with its power-sliding glass roof and all-wheel drive grip. Factory fitted with 19-inch Turbo wheels, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and a sport exhaust system that adds a symphony to the drive, it's an unmodified testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess.
And let's talk about that sport exhaust – it's an absolute blast. Paired with its rare manual transmission, it's a peach of a car that's been babied by one owner in a warm climate, dealer-maintained for peace of mind. It’s a rarity that commands attention (and a bit of a premium too), given its one-owner history, relatively low mileage, and a bundle of desirable options. From its leather-swathed cabin to the Bose sound system cranking the tunes, it's a nicely optioned vehicle that doesn't just look great in your garage—it feels right on the road.
Recent TLC includes a round of fresh struts for the Targa hatch and lids, alongside other maintenance deeds like a timely oil change, spark plug replacements, and more detailed in its service records. With 2 keys, the original window sticker, and a stack of service records, this car’s got everything a Porsche enthusiast could dream of.
Given its one-owner pedigree, a spotless maintenance record, and that it's kept its original form (yes, MANUAL), this 2007 Targa 4S is a no-brainer for those in the market for a Porsche that combines rarity, performance, and history. This thing is an absolute gem. It has 30,000 views so far!
Alumni Catchup
Below are the top 5 Alumni sales yesterday. The arrows in the diagram below show whether the vehicle sale has gone down or up in value.
One Alumni car that didn't make it onto this list is a Euro-spec 1992 Ferrari 512 TR, snagged back in 2019 for a cool $125,000. Just yesterday, the owner waved off an offer of $200,000. Since taking ownership, they've not only done the hefty engine-out timing belt service in July 2021 but also swapped out the fuel injectors and spruced up the driver’s seat and center console. You'd think an extra 2k on the odometer and a hefty $200k bid would seal the deal, right? But, no dice. The seller hinted they were on the fence, suggesting they might circle back to the top bidder—potentially leaving BaT out in the cold, fee-wise.