Is the Porsche 911 a good investment?

The thesis

The 997.1 Carrera S (3.8L flat-six, 355 hp, manual) is the naturally aspirated, hydraulic-steering 911 from the mid-2000s. It offers the classic 911 experience with modern reliability (no IMS bearing issues like 996) and sits comfortably within your £25,000–£55,000 budget. Manual examples are sought after, and the 997.1 has not yet appreciated to the degree of GT3 models, making it an early-cycle opportunity. The 997.1 Carrera S is a usable, dependable daily driver with strong Porsche heritage and global liquidity. Forum discussions suggest values are stable to rising, and the market is beginning to recognize the 997.1 as the last of the hydraulic-steering, naturally aspirated non-turbo 911s before the 991 generation's electrification of steering and move to turbocharged engines.