Porsche’s top five rarest models

Porsche has named its top five rarest and most prized models over its rich history, with each of the exclusive sportscars – most of which are homologation specials – produced in fewer than 100 units.

Coming in at number five is the 964 Turbo S released in 1992. Just before the Porsche 911 switched to the 993-generation, Weissach engineers released 86 units of their final fast model, with 265kW of power from the 3.6-litre turbo flat six-cylinder, plus 18-inch alloys, carbonfibre body parts – incredibly exotic for 25 years ago – and a unique Speed yellow hue.

Around 11 years earlier, and coming in at number four, is the 924 Carrera GTS released in 1981. Just 49 red examples and a single white model were produced as Porsche’s homologation special – primed for the Walter Rohrl era of WRC – had its Audi-sourced 2.0-litre turbo wicked up to 180kW, providing ample performance in the 1060kg coupe.

Then in number three comes Porsche’s closest racecar for the road, the 911 GT1 born in 1996. To run at the Le Mans 24 Hour the company needed to build at least 20 production versions – so the Germans made 21 units of the 400kW 3.2-litre twin-turbo flat six at a cost of 1.5 million Deutsche Marks. It boasted tube-frame carbonfibre construction, but despite the 911 name used only the front-chassis of the production 993 with the rear from the 962.

Group B rally homologation rules brought the penultimate rare Porsche to fruition, the 911 SC/RS made in 1984. With aluminium bonnet, doors and bootlid, racing seats and even thinner glass, this most lightweight special also sported 30kW more than regular. Just 20 of the 184kW and 250Nm 3.0-litre flat six-cylinder – complete with 7500rpm redline – rallysport tearaways were produced.

What wins not only for the fact that just 16 were produced way back in 1952, but also perhaps for sheer beauty, is the 356 America Roadster. The curvaceous convertible had the look of a cruiser, but could keep up with larger sports cars of the day and indeed signified the motorsport success Porsche was enjoying in the US – where most were sold. The lightweight version of the 356 used a 51kW 1.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine but weighed just 605kg and had a top speed of 180km/h.