15 Classic Porsche Unicorns (Plus 3 That Will Delight You)
Some Porsches are special, and then there are unicorns—the ultra-rare, nearly mythical models that collectors dream of owning.
These aren’t your everyday 911s or Boxsters but the cars that pushed the limits of engineering, defined an era, or were simply produced in such low numbers that spotting one in the wild is like seeing a shooting star.
From legendary race cars to obscure road-going variants, these 18 classic Porsche unicorns stand as testaments to the brand’s relentless pursuit of performance and innovation.
1. Porsche 356 Carrera GTL Abarth (1960-1961)
A rare collaboration between Porsche and Abarth, this lightweight racing version of the 356 was designed to dominate endurance racing. With an aluminum body by Abarth and a 1.6L four-cam engine, it was an aerodynamic masterpiece.
Only 21 were built, making it one of the most elusive 356 variants. Today, it stands as a symbol of engineering prowess and racing heritage, enticing collectors with its unmatched racing pedigree and rarity.
2. Porsche 911R (1967)
Long before Porsche revived the name in 2016, the original 911R was a track-focused, ultra-lightweight version of the classic 911. Only 20 were built, featuring fiberglass panels and a 210-hp flat-six from the Carrera 6 race car.
It set the blueprint for all future high-performance 911s. The 911R is revered for its pure driving experience and remains a highly sought-after model among collectors.
3. Porsche 917K (1970-1971)
Arguably Porsche’s most famous race car, the 917K (Kurzheck) dominated endurance racing, particularly at Le Mans. With a monstrous flat-12 engine producing up to 620 hp, it became a motorsport legend.
Surviving examples are some of the most valuable Porsches in existence. Its legacy continues to inspire the brand, embodying the spirit of victory and engineering excellence.
4. Porsche 914/6 GT (1970-1972)
While the standard 914 was a quirky mid-engine roadster, the 914/6 GT was a different beast entirely. Equipped with a 2.0L flat-six from the 911T, it was built for racing and competed successfully at Le Mans.
Only 46 were ever produced. Its racing credentials and rarity make it a prized possession among classic Porsche collectors who value its unique position in Porsche history.
5. Porsche 959 Sport (1987-1988)
The Porsche 959 was a technological marvel, but the ultra-rare “Sport” version took things even further. Stripped of luxury features and packing 515 hp, it was lighter and faster than the standard model.
Only 29 were made, making it one of the rarest supercars of its era. Collectors cherish its blend of cutting-edge technology and exclusivity, a true icon among Porsche aficionados.
6. Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion (1997)
Built to homologate the 911 GT1 race car for Le Mans, Porsche had to produce road-legal versions. The result? A mid-engined, twin-turbocharged monster that looked more like a prototype racer than a street car.
Only 20 were ever built. Its radical design and performance make it a coveted collector’s item, blending racing heritage with road-going capability.
7. Porsche 356B Carrera 2 GS/GT (1962-1963)
One of the fastest and most exclusive 356 models, the Carrera 2 GS/GT featured a 2.0L four-cam engine and lightweight body modifications. It was essentially a race car for the road, with only a handful built for privateers and enthusiasts.
Its performance and rarity have elevated it to legendary status among classic car collectors, representing a pinnacle of Porsche’s early engineering.
8. Porsche 904 Carrera GTS (1964-1965)
A stunning race-bred coupe, the 904 Carrera GTS featured a fiberglass body and was powered by Porsche’s legendary four-cam engine. It saw great success in motorsports, and with only 106 built, it remains a highly coveted collector’s item.
Collectors prize its combination of beauty, performance, and racing heritage, making it a shining example of 1960s sports car innovation.
9. Porsche 911 SC/RS (1984)
This rally-bred 911 was a homologation special built for Group B competition. With a stripped-down interior, lightweight panels, and a 255-hp flat-six, it was ready for dirt, tarmac, or anything in between.
Only 20 were built, making it a true rarity. Its rallying success and exclusivity continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, celebrating its adventurous spirit.
10. Porsche 928 Club Sport (1987-1988)
While the 928 was known as Porsche’s grand tourer, the Club Sport version stripped out weight and sharpened the handling for a more driver-focused experience. 19 were produced.
They remain some of the most desirable front-engine Porsches. Collectors appreciate its unique approach to performance, offering a distinct flavor of Porsche’s engineering craftsmanship.
11. Porsche 550 Spyder (1953-1956)
Made famous by James Dean, the 550 Spyder was a lightweight race car that dominated in motorsports. With just 90 built, this mid-engine roadster remains one of the most sought-after Porsches ever.
Its combination of performance, style, and history makes it a jewel in any collection, symbolizing the golden age of motorsport and design.
12. Porsche 968 Turbo S (1993-1994)
A hidden gem in Porsche’s history, the 968 Turbo S was a high-performance version of the 968, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 305 hp. Only 14 were made making it one of the rarest transaxle Porsches.
Its rarity and performance ensure its desirability among collectors, highlighting Porsche’s flair for creating unique and powerful machines.
13. Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.3 (964-Generation) (1992-1993)
Before the arrival of the 993-generation Turbo, Porsche produced a handful of these 3.3L Turbo S models, featuring increased power and weight-saving measures. With only around 80 built, it remains an overlooked gem.
Collectors value its unique position in the Porsche lineage, offering a distinctive blend of performance and exclusivity that sets it apart.
14. Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight (1973)
The holy grail of classic 911s, the 2.7 RS Lightweight was the ultimate expression of Porsche’s philosophy—lightness, power, and precision. With its iconic ducktail spoiler and 210 hp, it’s one of the most collectible 911s ever made.
Enthusiasts revere its purity and performance, making it a must-have for serious collectors of vintage sports cars.
15. Porsche 934/5 (1977)
A rare cross between the Porsche 934 and 935 race cars, the 934/5 was built for American racing series and packed over 600 hp. Only 10 were ever made.
They remain some of the most unique Porsche race cars in existence. Its raw power and limited production continue to enchant collectors and motorsport enthusiasts.
16. Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Clubsport (1987-1989)
Porsche’s answer to the track-day enthusiast, this lightweight version of the Carrera 3.2 ditched unnecessary luxuries to save weight and enhance performance. Only around 340 were made making it a rare find today.
Collectors and driving purists appreciate its focused approach to performance, offering a pure and engaging driving experience.
17. Porsche 993 GT2 (1995-1998)
Before the modern GT2 RS, there was the original 993 GT2—a turbocharged rear-wheel-drive monster built for homologation. With wide fender flares, a massive rear wing, and 430 hp, it was as intimidating to drive as it was to look at.
Its formidable presence and performance make it a legend among collectors, representing a pinnacle of 1990s sports car engineering.
18. Porsche 911 Speedster (1989, 1993, 2011, 2019)
While multiple generations of the Speedster have been produced, each remains rare and highly collectible. The 1989 G-series Speedster, with 2,104 built, was a low-production icon with a distinctive chopped windshield and no-frills driving experience.
Collectors treasure its unique style and driving purity, making it a captivating addition to any collection focused on Porsche’s heritage.