13 years ago, Porsche introduced a limited-run 911 intended to evoke memories of the classic Carrera RS 2.7. It had a subtle gray paint, a duck tail spoiler and a unique hood and double bubble roof. It was called the Sport Classic, and it teased North American enthusiasts with thoughts of what could be.
Not anymore. For 2023, the 911 Sport Classic will arrive in North America.
Just as the 2010 Sport Classic was largely based on the Carrera S, the 2023 Sport Classic is based on Turbo S – however, with its relatively limited 543 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (down 97 and 148 respectively from the Turbo S), it works closer in the specification to the 911 Turbo. Unlike both, however, the Sport Classic will only be available with a seven-speed manual gearbox.
What remains is the duck tail spoiler, the double bubble roof and the unique hood, although each piece this time is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The rear fenders are also unique to the Sport Classic, as they lack the intake located in front of the rear wheels of the Turbo and Turbo S. Instead, air is drawn in from just in front of the spoiler, as in old Porsches.
But while the Sport Classics exterior upgrades are neat, the interior is one masterpiece. Lightweight leather and houndstooth padding, paired with wooden accents, provides a cockpit that finally shows 911 R up. Porsche will also sell you a Sport Classic with plain black leather, but know that if you check that box, I will personally chase you and demand that you say sorry. In this house we respect dog bumps.
The 2023 911 Sport Classic will correct its predecessor’s most serious mistake by coming to the US, but Porsche will only build 1,250 cars globally. The price has not yet been announced, but this is a Porsche with limited driving that includes possibility to purchase a fancy watch. If you are in the market, the price does not matter.