Why Would Someone Turn Down $726,000 for a Porsche 911 S/T?
Imagine having the chance to almost triple your money on a car—then saying no. That’s exactly what happened when a Porsche 911 S/T, one of just 1,963 ever made, crossed the auction block and failed to meet its reserve, even after a jaw-dropping $726,000 high bid. The original MSRP? $291,712. If the seller bought at sticker price, they walked away from nearly $435,000 in potential profit. So, what gives?
What Makes the Porsche 911 S/T So Special?
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just another 911. The S/T is a unicorn, blending the heart of the GT3 RS—a 518-horsepower naturally aspirated flat-six—with a featherweight build and a manual transmission. It’s the kind of car that makes even seasoned collectors do a double-take. Porsche capped production at 1,963 units, a nod to the year the original 911 debuted. That alone makes it a blue-chip collectible.
But exclusivity is just the start. Each S/T is custom-built, and the example in question was loaded with options. The owner splurged on the $23,220 Heritage Design Package, which adds retro Porsche crests, unique stitching, two-tone leather, and special decals. They didn’t stop there—another $23,920 went into a bespoke green paint job, plus extras like a Bose surround sound system, aluminum pedals, and the must-have $350 chrono package. All in, this car is likely a true one-off.
Why Didn’t the Seller Take the Money and Run?
It’s easy to think the seller made a mistake. After all, $726,000 is a life-changing sum for most. But the world of high-end car collecting plays by different rules. For some, the S/T isn’t just a car—it’s a rolling piece of Porsche history, and the market for these ultra-rare models is notoriously unpredictable.
There’s also the possibility the seller paid well over MSRP to begin with. In recent years, limited-run Porsches have routinely traded hands for double or even triple sticker, especially when demand outpaces supply. According to Hagerty, the collector car insurance and valuation experts, rare modern Porsches have seen values climb by as much as 30% in the past three years alone. So, if the seller bought during peak hype, they might not be leaving as much money on the table as it seems.
How Does Mileage Affect Collector Car Value?
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike many garage queens, this S/T wasn’t just trailered from show to show—it’s got 787 miles on the odometer. For most cars, that’s nothing. For a limited-edition Porsche, it’s enough to make some collectors pause. Ultra-low mileage often commands a premium, especially when buyers are looking for “delivery miles” examples to stash away as investments.
That said, 787 miles is hardly excessive, and some enthusiasts argue that a car like this was built to be driven. In fact, a growing segment of the collector market is starting to value cars that have been enjoyed—albeit sparingly—over those that have never turned a wheel in anger. It’s a subtle shift, but it’s there.
Are Rare Porsches a Good Investment?
If you’re thinking about jumping into the rare Porsche game, it’s worth considering the bigger picture. While some models have delivered spectacular returns—think Carrera GT, 911 R, or the 918 Spyder—others have plateaued or even dipped after initial hype. The S/T’s combination of limited numbers, manual gearbox, and motorsport pedigree certainly checks all the right boxes for long-term appreciation, but nothing is guaranteed.
According to a 2023 report from Knight Frank, classic and collectible cars have outperformed many traditional investments over the past decade, with an average annual return of 8%. But the market is cyclical, and timing is everything. Sometimes, holding out for the next big wave of demand pays off. Other times, it’s a waiting game that never quite delivers.
What’s the Real Value of Driving Your Dream Car?
There’s another angle here that’s easy to overlook. For some owners, the real joy isn’t in flipping a car for profit—it’s in the experience. The sound of that flat-six at full tilt, the feel of the shifter sliding into gear, the way the car dances on a winding road. You can’t put a price on that. And maybe, just maybe, the seller decided that the S/T’s best days aren’t behind it, but still to come.
The big takeaway? Chasing the perfect car flip isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week—maybe it’s driving your car a little more, or rethinking what “value” means to you—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.