Once in a blue moon, a car listing appears where the story behind it is almost more compelling than the car itself. This is one of those. A 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S has just appeared on Collecting Cars, and while the car is desirable in its own right, the owner adds a quiet sort of charm that only one of Britain’s greatest motoring presenters can manage. James May has decided to part with the 997.2 he ordered new 15 years ago, reportedly to make room for whatever curious machine catches his attention next. And with The Grand Tour set for a reboot, the timing almost feels poetic.
A Porsche That Speaks for Itself
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
Take James May out of the picture and you’re still left with one of the greatest modern 911s ever made. It might not be as quick as a brand-new 911 Turbo S, but outright pace was never the goal here. This six-speed manual Carrera S is about enjoyment rather than intimidation. Its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat six produces 385 hp and 310 lb ft, enough to be lively without being overwhelming. Finished in Carrara White over Ocean Blue leather, and sitting on 19-inch Carrera Classics with 5 mm spacers and red calipers, it looks both classic and confident. With active suspension, a limited-slip differential, and Michelin Pilot Sports, it adds to the already great driving experience that made the 997.2 one of the most beloved 911 generations in the first place.
The Details Only Enthusiasts Notice
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
This is not a garage queen, and that works in its favor. The 997.2 Carrera S was never rare, but examples that have been consistently driven and obsessively maintained are becoming increasingly hard to find. May’s car has covered just 31,294 miles and carries a thorough service history. Recently, both front radiators, both front tires, all coolant hoses, the AC condensers, the gearbox oil, and a roster of other mundane serviceable items were replaced. Inside, you’ll find the Bose audio system, PCM navigation, cruise control, and most probably the well-travelled cleaning brush that has become something of a May trademark.
The Provenance Premium
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars
Usually, celebrity-owned cars sell above the average market value, and this is no exception. Even without the famous name attached, a 997.2 Carrera S with a manual gearbox and a spec this tasteful would attract strong interest. Add a decade and a half of ownership by one of the most recognizable figures in motoring, and the price begins to drift upward, at an exponential rate. At the time of writing, 55 bids have been placed on the ex James May 911 with the top offer sitting at £55,997 ($73,241). That figure is already $15,000 above the median price for comparable cars, as per Classic.com. Whether it climbs further will depend on how much the next owner values the story baked into this particular Carrera S.
