Rare 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster Once Owned By Rally Legend Walter Röhrl Is Up For Grabs

Speedsters are already a rare breed, but the two-time world champion and Porsche has given this example, some unique upgrades makes it even more special

by Amrit Balraj on October 9, 2024, 15:00

Something special caught my eye as I was browsing Bring-A-Trailer the other day, a special 911 Speedster with an interesting ownership story. The 1989 911 Speedster is a pretty rare car by itself, with only 823 examples produced. But the interesting thing that drew my attention was who the ex-owner of the car was - Walter Röhrl. That name is instantly familiar to those of us who are enamored with motorsports and the Porsche brand. The man is a two-time former WRC Champion and Porsche factory driver/brand ambassador.

Walter has spent the better part of half a century racing in some of the best racing competitions across the globe. He is also the go-to guy when Porsche wants someone to tear up the Nürburgring behind the wheel of their latest model. So here’s your chance to own a truly special car, currently being bid on at Bring-A-Trailer.

1989 Porsche 911 Speedster, One of 823 units made during its production year.
Was imported to Germany in 2009, under the ownership of Walter Röhrl till 2024.
With functional mods like Bilstein dampers, Cargraphic exhaust, and MAF conversion kit.
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, complete service history, clean Carfax report, and Montana title.
Current bid stands at $165,000
Mileage - 24,000 miles

A Legend In Its Own Right: The Speedster

Rare 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster Once Owned By Rally Legend Walter Röhrl Is Up For Grabs storyboard - image 194469

The 1989 Porsche Speedster, with its iconic fiberglass tonneau and removable windshield, is a sought-after collectible. This one-year-only model, designed as a tribute to the 356, quickly became a favorite among Porsche enthusiasts, with many examples disappearing into private collections. This particular Speedster was shipped to Germany in 2009, where it was enjoyed for many years by Walter Röhrl before being shipped back Stateside, earlier this year. The car is in immaculate condition with its original black paint from the factory, and 16-inch Fuchs wheels which enhance its side profile.

Of course, this being Walter Röhrl’s Speedster, it comes with some carefully curated mods like Bilstein dampers, ECU chip, air intake, and MAF Conversion Kit. All of these no doubt should make it more fun to drive. The Speedster is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter flat-six engine that delivers 228 horsepower to the rear wheels through a ‘G50’ five-speed manual transmission. It comes standard with a black soft top, the Speedster’s signature fiberglass twin-hump convertible-top cover panel, a Blaupunkt cassette stereo, air conditioning, and power-adjustable front seats. With no rear seats, the Speedster is the perfect weekend getaway sports car, if you do decide to take it out after spending close to 200 grand on it.

Lock In Your Bids

Rare 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster Once Owned By Rally Legend Walter Röhrl Is Up For Grabs storyboard - image 194477

With relatively low miles for a car that is 35 years old, the fact that it was owned and cherished by a genuine Porsche legend and WRC champion makes it even more desirable. Enough about the bragging rights, this Speedster’s interior is in stark contrast to its shiny black exterior, with red seats and a four-spoke steering wheel flanked by Porsche’s vintage five-pod instrument cluster. The original window sticker indicates that the Speedster was initially delivered to Anderson-Behel Imports in Santa Clara, California. It also details the factory colors, equipment, and a total price of $72,867. Currently, the bid to beat is $165,000 in the next two days The sale will include a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

While this 1989 Speedster’s value has been further elevated by its famous owner, even without celebrity owners, Speedster models command exorbitant prices. To give you some context a 1989 Speedster was sold at Monterey Car Week this year for $210,000. Another Silver Metallic example was not sold at Sotheby’s Motorsports for a final price of $2,55,000, as the reserve price was not met. The Speedster is celebrated for its iconic open-top driving experience, rarity, and flair. This B.A.T auction offers you a genuine chance to own a piece of automotive history, so what are you waiting for?

Amrit Balraj

When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio