Is the Porsche 911 a good investment?

The thesis

The 996 Turbo is the unloved bargain of the 911 world—420 hp, bombproof Mezger engine (no IMS), AWD, and supercar performance for mid-market money. Manual examples are rare and increasingly sought. The 996 has shaken off 'fried egg' stigma and is now recognised as the last analogue, hydraulic-steering turbo 911 before the 997.2 went PDK-heavy. Values firming as collectors re-appraise the bloodline.