Cars to watch in 2022: the experts’ choice

The halo effect of the forthcoming GT4 RS has reignited interest in the 987 Cayman R, produced between 2011 and 2012. The flagship Cayman boasted 10mm lower suspension, lightweight aluminium doors and a 320hp naturally aspirated flat-six. “They’re still relatively cheap,” says Adam Daniell of JZM. “For £40,000 to £45,000, they offer 85 percent of the GT3 experience – and more smiles per mile than almost anything else. Find one with the right spec – manual gearbox, bucket seats, sports exhaust and air-con – and it will always sell.”

Keeping the analogue theme, Adam says the 2009-2012 997.2 GT3 remains highly sought-after. Prices start from £100,000 and stretch to £160,000 upwards for an RS, plus anywhere between £450,000 and £600,000 for the hallowed RS 4.0. “They’re the end of an era: the final three-pedal car with a Mezger engine.” 

JZM has also seen strong demand for the 1996-1998 993 Turbo, “the last hand-built Porsche”, priced from £130,000 to £160,000. Adam’s verdict: “I’m not convinced they will go up massively in value, but they’re a good place to put your money”.

 

Greig’s first tip is the 2012-2015 991.1 Carrera and Carrera S. “They have all the tech you’d want in a daily-driver but are equally special to have as your weekend toy. GT3 excepted, they’re the most modern naturally aspirated 911.” Reckon on paying between £50,000 and £75,000. 

 

Next up are both iterations of the 996 GT3, built from 1998 to 2005 and noted as “one to watch for investment”. Prices start from £70,000 and aren’t affected by track use if the car has been maintained properly. “A very driver focussed 911, which was built in very low numbers,” says Greig.

 

Lastly, expect keen interest in the Cayman GT4 – following the lead of the hotly anticipated RS version. “A 981 GT4 could cost £70,000: half what you’d pay for a new GT4 RS,” reckons Greig, “and crucially you can actually buy one.” RPM Technik’s range of Porsche-approved Manthey upgrades make the GT4 altogether more capable, too. For instance, the £26,400 Manthey package for the 718 model (aerodynamics, suspension, brakes and set-up) offers RS-baiting pace without affecting the factory warranty.

The original 1996-2004 986 Boxster has always represented a budget route into Porsche ownership, but Jamie Tyler of Paragon thinks now is its time to shine. “Finding a good early Boxster is tough,” he explains. “They became very cheap and some fell into the hands of people who could just about stretch to owning one, but hadn’t realised that servicing can be costly. There is something alluring about an early Boxster with amber lenses and 17-inch wheels, though. Porsche built lots of them, but we think nice examples will become collectable.” Usable cars start from £7,000.

Jamie also names two 911s as cars to watch in 2022. First, there’s another nomination for the 996 GT3, particularly the 1998-2000 Gen1. “They are incredibly rare, with only 106 UK right-hand-drive cars… and very few left that haven’t been damaged, over-revved or written off.” 

Then there are 993 Carrera models, sold between 1993 and 1998, and priced from £40,000. “We think with all the hype around 964s, including some of the mega-expensive Singers, the last of the air-cooled 911s has been slightly forgotten about. It’s also now a bona fide classic car,” Jamie says, and there’s no arguments from us there.