Air-cooled Porsche 911s have become quite collectible over the past several years, with rising demand and high values to match. Debuting in 1989, the 964 chassis introduced mechanical improvements to the suspension, along with smoother body styling for ’90s buyers. With a healthy mix of vintage 911 and modern updates, this series is an appealing prospect for many Porsche enthusiasts.

At the top echelon of 964 hierarchy is the 911 Turbo, with a widened body and seriously boosted 3.6-liter flat-six motor. They were never common in the first place, so even fair-condition examples can top $100,000 per Hagerty (as of this writing). However, one very special and exclusive 964 build recently brought far more on a UK-based internet auction site called Collecting Cars.

This unassuming Porsche 911 Turbo is truly one of a kind

From the time it was ordered, this 911 Turbo was destined to stand out, due to its unique options list and a very prestigious original owner. The Sultan of Brunei is a renowned car enthusiast and ordered this 964 from the factory in Horizon Blue Metallic with Marine Blue interior. As if the standard Turbo’s 355 hp wasn’t enough, he also chose the rare X88 powertrain upgrade, which cranked horsepower up to 380 hp. Reportedly, it’s the only 964 Turbo ever produced with these exact options and colors.

After serving its royal duties in Southeast Asia, the car was transported to the UK in 2003, where it was taken in by another famous owner. According to Collecting Cars, it was owned up until the recent auction by Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button. Amazingly, despite being 27 years old, this 911 has only covered 19,283 total miles since new.

Under 20,000 miles and headed for a new home

Aside from small stone chips and minor seat wear, this Porsche 911 appears to be in excellent condition. Unsurprisingly, with such distinctive provenance and specifications, it also attracted strong interest when listed with Collecting Cars. By the time it sold on Sept. 2, 2021, the 964 Turbo had collected 99 bids from potential buyers, with a final bid of £317,464 pounds sterling. With the exchange rate applicable at the time of this writing, that equates to just over $439,000.

Chris Harris explains what it’s like to drive this incredibly rare 911 Turbo

Part of the allure of an air-cooled Porsche 911 is a driving experience unlike any other. As explained by Chris Harris in the video, power is ample but delivery is old-school and laggy. The engine sound is also rather subdued compared to some modern sports vehicles. That said, the bassy engine note of the 964 generation flat-sixes remains and is accentuated nicely by the X88 quad-tip exhaust.

Final thoughts

From the road, it would take a truly discerning mind and set of eyes to realize just how exclusive and valuable this 911 Turbo is. Most would dismiss it as just another old Porsche. But the values on air-cooled 911s remain solid in general, and incredibly strong in this case, because that’s part of the charm. Cars that are truly unique and fun, without being over-the-top in the styling department, are becoming harder and harder to find.