The Market for the 996.1 GT3

October 10, 2022

25 years. That’s the timeline for importing dream cars we never had the chance to enjoy here in the United States and the 996 GT3 is slowly creeping up on that mark. Although that makes me feel a bit old, it also makes me feel a bit excited. Two more years and 996 GT3s are eligible for importation.

Now, this is usually something the JDM market reacts to as R33 and soon, R34 GTRs become eligible. But the Porsche market reacted as well as ROW 964s became available. Non-sunroof 964’s from Japan, prices started to creep up a few years before their 25th birthday. 964 Carrera RS’, even more so.

So are we about to see an increase in prices for 996 GT3s? Aside from the steady incline we’ve seen post-pandemic, I’m not 100% sure. Although the 996 is starting to have its “heyday”, it is still considered by some to still be the bastard child of 911s due to its headlights and first-of-its-kind water-cooled engine.

But the case for the 996.1 GT3 is a strong one. Of all GT3 (non-RS) variants, it’s the rarest with only 1,868 units produced. It’s a true homologation special and it’s the lightest of all GT3 as each generation has put on some pounds since.

Only time will tell, but I for one, am anxiously waiting to get behind the wheel of a 996.1 GT3.