Introduction
Porsche's production figures are generally very high compared to some other exclusive sports car brands. The venerable 911 passed the 1-million-mark years ago, and other models follow its example. Ferdinand Porsche's vison was never to sell just a few overpriced supercars to a couple of lucky owners but to produce sports cars available to a wide range of customers. However, occasionally, an obscure Porsche model is hidden from the general public and produced almost in secrecy. Whether it is a homologation special, semi-racing model or special-order car, those vehicles are never advertised, and the average Porsche customer doesn't have a clue that they exist. You might think that the 2011 911 GT3 4.0 RS is a rare car, with only 600 made, but compared to the vehicles on our list, it is just too common. So, let's introduce you to the world of mythical Porsches with (almost) single-digit production numbers.
Porsche 911 ST (1969-72) – 24 Examples
The modern 2024 Porsche 911 ST is a greatest-hits compilation of 992-series models, with production limited to 1,963 examples. However, its predecessor was a bare-bones homologation special with a meagre weight (800 kg), upgraded engine, and race-tuned suspension. Interestingly, the M471 package was offered through any Porsche dealer, with differences in circuit and rally racing specs. However, due to the steep price, only 24 customers ordered this model, and it was quietly discontinued in 1972.
Porsche 911 964 Carrera 4 Leichtbau (1991) – 22 Examples
The legendary 959 was the definitive Porsche model of the 80s with its advanced technology, turbo power and insane performance. Since it wasn't a sales hit, the R&D department was left with a lot of parts that they didn't know what to do with it. Then somebody got a great idea to combine the new 964 Carrera 4 RS with the drive train from 959 and some bits from a successful rally programme. The result was barely street-legal Carrera 4 Leichtbau. It was swift, stripped of any luxuries, with a 300 hp engine and sublime performance. However, it was ahead of time, and only 22 people realized how great this car was.
Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion (1997) – 25 Examples
The FIA GT Championship was the big deal in the mid-90s, and Porsche wanted to return to Le Mans. The company had the racing cars developed, but they needed a limited run of street models to homologate them for the series. So, in 1997, Porsche produced 20 911 GT1 Strassenversion, which were called the 911 but had almost nothing in common with the standard Carrera. Interestingly, the FIA required 25 cars, but Porsche produced 20 street versions and five prototypes.
Porsche 911 R (1967) – 19 Examples
The 1967 Porsche 911 R was the first factory racer in 911's history. The company was very serious about racing and envisioned it as a competition unique with the best that Porsche could offer. It meant an engine from 906, special suspension, extremely lightweight body, plexiglass windows and Fuchs alloys. The 911 R was swift and successful in racing, and some customers even ordered an advanced fuel injection system instead of Weber carburettors. However, the car was pricey, and 24 vehicles were eventually delivered – 5 entirely racing models and 19 street-legal.
Porsche 924 Carrera GTR (1981) – 17 Examples
The Porsche 924, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, was never a fast or particularly interesting car. However, its evil twin, the 1981 Carrera GTR, was a fire-breathing monster almost too aggressive for the street. In the early 1980s, Porsche wanted to participate in the GTP class in Le Mans, so they turned the ordinary 924 into a land missile by adding a heavily turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 375 hp, which could propel the little 924 to a top speed of 180 mph! Out of 17 made, 9 were race cars.
Porsche 911 964 Speedster Widebody (1989) – 15 Examples
The Speedster body style is an incredibly cool variant of the 911. Inspired by the legendary 356 Speedster of the late 50s, this model combines a low windshield, two seats, and the purest driving feel. The 964 Speedster could be considered a sales hit, and despite its $65,000 price tag (in the late 80s), Porsche managed to sell close to 3000 copies. However, for those who wanted a really special Speedster, the company offered an option of Turbo widebody, and only 15 customers decided to go for it.
Porsche 911 993 Turbo S Cabriolet (1995) – 14 Examples
The Porsche 911 993 Turbo S is already a scarce car in its standard form, with less than 350 made. But its convertible version, with just 14 examples ever leaving the factory, is on another level. In fact, this was a special-order car, and not many Porsche fans even knew this variant existed. It had the same engine, suspension, and performance as the coupe but a fold-down top and a higher price tag.
Porsche 911 991 Club Coupe (2012) – 13 Examples
If you think that super-rare Porsches are only classic models, you are wrong since the company introduced a special version of the 991-generation 911 produced in only a dozen examples. The 2012 Porsche 911 Club Coupe is a commemorative model based on the standard 991 Carrera but with unique colour and design touches. It was released to mark the 60th anniversary of founding the first Porsche Owner's Club in 1952.
Porsche 911 993 Speedster (1995-98) – 2 Examples
Even though the 964 Speedster proved to be a solid success, Porsche decided not to offer such a version on the 993-generation car. However, this doesn't mean they didn't produce it. They did, on just two occasions. One was in 1995, when the dark green 993 Speedster was presented to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche as a birthday gift, and the other was in 1998 when comedian and world-famous Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld took possession of the silver one. Apparently, he was so mesmerized by the looks of the 993 Speedster that he used all of his celebrity connections and a large chequebook to make Porsche build him another one.
Porsche 911 996 Classic Club Coupe (2022) – 1 Example
The 996 Classic Club Coupe is one of those cars you are not sure it exists. This is not only because it is produced in a single example and sold for $1.2 million but also because it represents the pinnacle of Porsche Sonderwunsch's (Special Order Department) bespoke philosophy. This car was constructed for Porsche Club Of America using a 1998 Carrera body, a 996 GT3 engine, special suspension settings and unique exterior details. It has been finished in a particular shade of blue colour with distinctive wheels and a "whale tail" rear spoiler. The 996 Classic Club Coupe is basically a one-off factory restomod that answers the question of what is the ultimate 996 911 ever made.
Honourable Mentions
Porsche 911 964 Turbo Cabriolet (1991) – 4 or 9 Examples
Some say that the 964 Turbo Cabriolet is so rare that factory archives don't even have a photo of it. This might be the case since most of the vehicles produced by Porsche's Porsche department weren't official models, and the company didn't want to market those versions to a broader customer base. However, it is an honourable mention because nobody knows how many were actually built. The estimates vary between 4 and 9 cars.
Porsche 914/8 (1969) – 2 Examples
With just two examples ever made, the mighty 914/8 would be at the top of our list. However, despite being a road-legal vehicle, it was never intended for production or offered for sale. The 914, with its race-bred flat-eight engine and 300 hp, was a frightful car to drive and made solely for test purposes. This is a shame since it could be a real competitor to the Ferrari 512 BB, which had a flat-twelve engine and similar power.
