Why the Porsche 997.1 Carrera S is Special? 

The 997 is also one of, if not the best overall 911 body style. It’s the sweet spot for size and classic v modern style.

Couldn't agree more. The 997.1 is truly sensational. It has everything you could want in a small, responsive and soulful package. A genuine, usable sports car. Interestingly, the 3.8S engine is more powerful than any GT3 engine (even the 992) up to 4,500rpm. And how much time do you spend above 4,500rpm on the road? And don't forget about the risk of the intake getting coked up with carbon on the DFI engines!

I bought mine new 16 years ago. I've owned several Porches, and this one with a manual is my favorite. Best car I've ever owned.

These are so raw and the perfect size

This video by Basheer pretty much sealed the deal on my (new to me) 2006 997.1 C2S manual. This 911 is now my Goldilocks driver and shares space with my 2001 gated manual 360 Modena. I must have watched this about a dozen times, and can relate to all the subtleties that Basheer mentions about the 997.1 experience. Awesome review, you have genuine passion and a great knowledge of the 911. Subscribed from Australia.

Joey called from the 90s, he wants his clobber back =)

Basheer, you guys delivered my 2005 997.1 C2S two years ago this week. The smile I had on my face when I first drove it is there today - absolutely love it and it's going to stay with me. You are totally right - the 997.1 is the 911 sweet spot and definitely the one to have 👍👍

I’ve had my C2s 997 cab for 10 years, it makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel. A real drivers car, very engaging and still turns heads where ever she goes.

A totally easy man to listen to, a calm manner of speaking that's uber easy on the ear unlike some of the other more graphic talking from overseas the english reviewers are some of the best & have to put in a mention for chris harris, it's a thumbs up from me for an all round pleasant review.

And the 997.1 can now be completed with the pccm+, which refreshes the interior and the experience. Love my 997.1 C2S.

Saw this description when you first posted. Second viewing confirms what it is like to listen to an enthusiast. Lovely, Thankyou.

I love my 997.1 C2S. As you said it’s the last of the analogue 911’s before they started to put to much tech in the 991 and above, Beautiful Flat six makes a fantastic noise. I love it…

I have one...with PSE, sports chassis, sports suspension, sports steering, sports chrono, manual gearbox.... absolutely love it... its a completely manual-mechanical yet fluid driving experience.... great vid !

Great review! Thank you! I had a 997.1 Carrera 4S in 2014 for a couple of years- fabulous car! So sad to see it go 😢 I would love to have another one ❤ Now subscribed 🙂👍

I just bought a 997.1 c4s cabrio. Absolute stunning car and the feelings you are talking about is exactly the same feeling i get everytime i drive it. Fantastic car and preview. Hi from Ireland. Stephen 👊

I totally agree. That's why I hold on to my Carrera S since I picked it up at ZUF in 2007.

Really well done video. It gives someone, who hasn't driven one, a glimpse into what you can experience if you're aware and using all your senses. Truly a magnificent work of art.

Bought my low mileage Carerra 2 almost 2 weeks ago, driven the hotter and newer Porsches, but this is the classic sports car for me. What a driving experience, punches above it’s weight.

My Lisboa, Portugal, friend allowed me to test drive his 2006 997 Carrera 4S. I could not get over how quickly we reached 90mph (144kph) from a standstill. I just stepped on the gas and didn't "floor it." I have a greater appreciation for people who desire to purchase this vehicle. Just my 1967 Mustang, no room in the back seat for adults, only kids

I have owned a 997 C2S Cabrio manual for 16 years now. It has only 28k km on the clock. My brother bought now a 992 targa GTS brand new. The new one is truly gorgeous and insane fast, but the old one still has incredible charm. I love driving both around :)))

Makes me want to get one of these so badly

Love my 997.1 C2S for every reason you listed. Well done

Great video. I just bought a 2006 997 Carrera 4S. Very pumped!!!

Spot on mate. 2007 C2S 6 speed checking in with just over 100,000 mi and running like a top. Personally I like to keep it under 3,000 RPM until temperature is up to 200° f before romping on it to help minimize scoring issues. Otherwise the car is an absolute gem to drive for all the reasons listed. After the 997, the 911 platform really does start to get too big. The 997 gives you enough modern amenities that it's a comfortable car while still maintaining the raw purpose of a 911 sports car. My 2007 is specked with the 19 in Carrera Sport wheels, Bose, Sport Chrono, Sport steering wheel, etc along with a full exhaust and intake system upgrade. This is a forever car for me so I will slowly keep tinkering away and upgrading bits as I go making it a bit of a subtle sleeper. Cheers.

Don't forget the 987.1 boxster, so much of the same analogue, soul and character of its bigger brother. In a brilliant little package.

V happy with my 997.1 C4S in Forest Green Metallic with full Tan leather interior. Upgraded to PCCM+ in January and made a huge difference. Only one former owner from new with 30k miles on the clock.

I've only driven the 997.1 4s and I loved it

Such an awesome review! I have a 997.1 C2S (‘05) with more than 105k miles, still going strong. My quad exhaust tips are all of the same size as compared to one big and one small tip on this one. Do you know if it’s because of the sport exhaust option?

I had a couple of 997s years ago and liked them both. I did prefer the 3.6 as it did not have PASM, which to me was either too soft in high speed bends, or too stiff in sport. I like the power in the 3.8 but the IMSB (non-replaceable for all but the very early 997s) and the bore scoring issue now make these cars a non starter for me. I would get a 996, do the IMSB and enjoy it.

Basheer can you please comment on the bore scoring problem with the engine design in the 997.1 models?

The last non-direct injected engine is the 2.9 9A1 in the 2009 987.2 Cayman Base

Thank you, I have confirmed that I will never sell my 997.1 4S, I’ve had it since new (2008).

Future collectible! I think 997.2 Manual Coupe S models will be the big ones 📈

Love my guards red with aerokit 997.1 C2S. Even think I might have a couple short clips of it on my channel. People ask me all the time if it is new, lol.

Very well said! I have driven every 911 generation and most trim levels (I work for a Porsche specialist), and still think my 997.1 C2S is special! 100% agree sound is more soulful than the 997.2. My favorite pure driving 911 driving experiences still are the 964 RS for air cooled cars and 997 GT3 RS 4.0 for water cooled, but you can’t live in those every day like a 997 C2S!

I really enjoy my 2006 997.1 C2 S...so much fun. (4.0 ltr., SOUL headers and 200 cell cats, Fister mufflers)

I couldn't agree more! I feel that you and I are in love with the same car. I own a 2006 CS, 6 speed manual. Most fun car I've ever owned. Mine is red guard and has 110 K miles, and you'd never guess it. A real head turner and a car with a soul! I think when the motor dies, I'll just put a new one in. I do have a question: a friend of mine installed a cold air intake in his, is it really worth it? Any pros and cons? Thank you!

I totally agree. There is just something about the 997.1 The engine sounds great. Nothing like it. For me though the suspension is so firm-maybe I am just getting on a bit.

great cars and I love them. An american such as myself would love them even more with a v8 or v10 or v12 twin-turbo option I understand they know what they are doing but I LOVE THE V8 POWER SOUND ETC.

Congrats Basheer. Hi everyone. I just bought one 997.1 GEN1. The car has no exhaust with flap control and i am thinking about changing the exhaust system. what are the advantages and disadvantages? Thanks and have a good time.

I've got the exactly same spec'd out one but Porsche Cayman S 987.1 version (manual of course). The finishing and everything is identical to your specs which include those sports seats plus, Sports Cronos pkg, PASM and Sports wheel. I consider these options to almost mandatory but sadly, it's not the case when ordered. You can find these specs more on 911 but not Caymans cause they're considered the poor man's version. However, for some unknown reason, my previous original owner spec'd it out to $88k Canadian in 2006. Which is like 911 pricing. The only complaint I have is mine has 59,000kms and if I keep driving it daily, it'll accelerate the depreciation. So I've put it into storage but I miss my drive like an old girlfriend. I do insure the car when I have something to do on the Porsche and start up the engine regularly. You are so right when you step on the throttle, even at neutral, I could feel the back of the car press down with it. No other car like it.

what year was the porsche in this video?

Does it have aftermarket exhaust ?

I know this 997.1 carrera s could match the bmw m3 v8 in a sprint because I was in it and the experienced driver that driven it challenged the 911 and could not beat it.

For me the 997.2 is the one:).

I’m currently trying to sell my 997 Carrera s . Anyone know any good forums etc she’s on autotrader but no luck as yet. Had it valued and definitely advertising 1/2k less that I was told. 05, 30,000miles. Stunning car. Again any advice?

Was waiting the whole video to hear that M97 sing, didn't happen 😢

What a beautiful spec…. Especially without the sport chrono

NICE

Don’t forget the sticky buttons you get with 997.1 it’s always objective but 997.2 is more comfortable, better built, higher quality interior finishes and more reliable without the overhyped bearing issues ... just my personal opinion having owned both

What do u think if a 997.1 that has 158k miles for $17k

It's 3.8l. I think I hear you say 2.8. Not sure how non direct injection could make the throttle feel better

So why don't people keep there porsche long I'm look at 2020 carrera s most with 3 owners

So you prefer indirect injection… right.

Man-you-al transmission Man-wel transmission ...

Ticka Ticka Time bomb tra la la. Couldnt agree with you any less. Gen 2 car is simply superior in every respect. For one you get a nights sleep!!

The centre console is so ugly that it is a deal breaker for me.

I know all 911s are the last of something, but “the last of the non-DFi engines” is very, very weak “last of” argument. 🤔

It's great, but my 997.2 Carerra S is better lol