This late ’90s Porsche 911 just set an auction record

A 1-of-1 1998 Porsche 911 (996) has just gone under the hammer at auction for record price of $US1.2 million ($NZ1.9 million), the highest anyone has ever paid for a 996-generation 911.

The model in question is called the ‘Classic Club Coupe’, a special edition one-off that was created by Porsche Classic under its Sonderwunsch programme, the brand’s arm for special request vehicles, for the Porsche Club of America (PCA).

In a way, you could call the car a restomod since it originally started life as a standard 911 Carrera and was subsequently modified in the image of the later 911 Sport Classic (997) released in 2009, as well as the new generation model (992).

The Classic Club Coupe features Sport Gray Metallic paint, the same found on its inspirations, alongside a double dome roof, all-important Fuch-style rims and a ducktail spoiler. Adding to the uniqueness is an array of signature PCA blue interior and exterior details.

It has also been fitted with the same chassis, brakes and 280kW 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder engine from the 996 GT3.

The 996 isn’t often the subject of such modification as many consider it to be the ugly ducking of the 911 model line, which can no doubt be put down to its ‘fried egg’ shaped headlights. But when it comes to the Classic Club Coupe, you have to admit that Porsche has done a good job of enhancing it’s overall appearance.

It’s uniqueness is likely the reason as to why the car sold for a record price at the brand’s 75th anniversary celebration auction, where it was joined by other iconic Porsche models such as the 1964 904 Carrera GTS, a 1984 962, and a 1980 911 SC ‘Safari’ Rally.