2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic: First Drive Review | Catchpole on Carfection

Henry Catchpole drove the NEW Porsche 911 Sport Classic for Carfection for a road review.
00:00 Epic Intro
00:28 What is the Porsche 911 Sport Classic?
01:03 the price
01:30 Why should you buy the Sport Classic? + Epic roads
03:12 Interior
03:52 Engine and drivetrain
04:26 Key Stats
05:00 Is this as good as a GT2?
05:20 Driving impressions
07:35 The Story of the Ducktail
09:10 Final verdict
10:55 Thanks For Watching
The Sport Classic is the most expensive new Porsche 911 you can currently buy, but is it worth its top billing? We went on a bit of a road trip to a spectacular Austrian mountain road to find out.
A big part of the SC’s appeal definitely lies in its looks and for some the duck tail spoiler, Fuchs-style wheels and heritage interior will be enough to justify the price tag on their own. It certainly garnered attention everywhere we parked and although I would delete (at no cost) the graphics, it really does stand out in a relatively subtle way.
If you think it needs a little more mechanical substance to make it seem worthwhile, then you’ll be delighted to hear that it has a unique drivetrain. Unlike the 997 Sport Classic that was really just a styling exercise this SC has had a much more thorough transformation, with the 3.7-litre engine lifted from the 911 Turbo. However, it gets more interesting because instead of delivering power to all four wheels as it does in the Turbo, in the SC the flat-six simply sends it to the rear. Its figures are 542bhp and 442lb ft of torque which are slightly down on the Turbo however this is because the Sport Classic also sets itself apart with a manual gearbox.
This might sound like a recipe for a bit of a wild child but in fact the opposite felt true on the road. This was an excellent companion for cruising on a long road trip, particularly with an interior that felt a distinctly more luxurious proposition than any other 992 I’ve been in. The down side is that it perhaps didn’t offer quite as many thrills as I would have liked on the really good bits of road at the end of our journey - a manual GTS would have been better for that.
I’m sure what will ultimately ensure that the large price tag is justified is the fact it’s only going to be produced in limited numbers, with just 1250 due to be built. Admittedly that’s five times the number of 997 SCs produced, but even so, with a level of exclusivity guaranteed, the latest Sport Classic is almost certain to be a future classic.
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[@stephen2282]

1m subs after 10 years, gotta admit that is impressive for a car channel that's not backed by a 50yr old magazine... also you gotta admit that henry has played a major role in that upswing of recognition. thanks, henry for sharing the love of cars all these years, hope you stay around for the next 10.

[@ThomasHubik]

I think he is joined Hagerty. This is probably an older video, was still in afterwork, i expect a couple of more being under editing, but i think thats it from here from him. He was with Hagerty on gt3 rs press drive.

[@stephen2282]

@@ThomasHubik yea but do we know if he is going to work exclusively for them, cuz we've seen numerous automotive journalists work on multiple projects at the same time. think that's kinda what Matt Farah does and to a lesser extent what Chris Harris does. and even though carmudgeon is now gonna be under hagerty, I see Jason talks about it as if it's a separate entity.

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@@stephen2282 Hagerty might let him do a few solo projects, who knows. Carfection is finished though. Looks like they wound up in March.

[@michaelfraser5723]

careful, Harry is his mentor

[@GM-fh5jp]

I think Mr. Catchpole's relaxed and pleasant style puts him at the top of the YT car reviewers pecking order. How nice not to have a frantic, in your face kind of video but instead a calm and serene look at a fine car and sublime scenery. Thanks for posting, Henry.

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He's the adult choice.

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Him or Steve sutcliff

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Carfection videos are immaculate in conception and immaculate in its execution as well. Specially love the shot of the wheels at 4:18 where there is a reflection of the scenery. Fantastic piece of art this.

[@MetikalMan]

I noticed that wheel shot tooo.

[@alexliu6992]

So many mr. Catchpole videos on KZbin recently. Really liked your car reviews. Been looking forward to someone like you to review this car properly. Awesome video! Literally created this channel just to leave this message.

[@atcuttyclub]

Congrats on a decade. XCAR OGs represent!

[@endlesswindingroad]

Stunning, both the car and the Kaunertalgletscherstraße (what a word, btw.)! Henry puts the technicalities of the 911 SC in a scene of driving pleasure - outstanding! Bravo!

[@profkluk]

Oh yes, by the way, since I researched that road, the official name is even a bit longer: Kaunertaler Gletscherstraße.

[@ryan_henderson]

If this is the last Carfection video, then what a way to go out. Thanks for the memories 🙏🏻

[@wisruteb]

Superb cinematography as always and a great review too!

[@hensh911]

Ten years of perfection, congratulations Henry and team!😊 One of the very best automotive channels on KZbin!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jakobsifrer]

A truely unique channel. Happy anniversary!

[@avigator]

Actually Henry’s last video for Carfection 😢

[@hensh911]

@@avigator No way! Has he moved exclusively to Hagerty?

[@avigator]

@@hensh911 Unfortunately, yes

[@jacrach]

Another superb vid - thanks Henry!

[@blueisbetter1381]

Always a pleasure to watch and to listen to your videos. Thank you 🙏

[@ducbox572]

What a stunning video. CF is the best on YT right now. You capture the entire essence of the driving experience.

[@alexioflexio8818]

So refreshing Lee honest… So rare to hear anything except a glowing response. And incredibly well produced with beautiful metaphors… Catchpole really is a cut above the rest

[@roadstr_app]

Awesome job as always Carfection team!

[@MrFadjule]

This video, it's cinematography, the timing, the vistas.... Stunning!

[@Misanoblue]

INSANE Henry these days on YT ! Thanks for the content !!!

[@jet688]

wow just binge watching about 911s when i saw the upload. What timing! Always waiting Henry to review cool cars.

[@JiggeeAsia]

All I had eyes for was the magnificent view, the drive was spectacularly breathtaking. Definitely a bucket list road to tear up on! Amazing cinematography!

[@paultucker1272]

11 minutes of perfection. That's Carfection!

[@TheAslakVind]

Henry, I´ve been working in automotive broadcasting for over 2o years. It is so visibly pleasing, and your narration. Great job, a classic.

[@madarauchiha1218]

Very interesting car. I still feel like its pricepoint is a joke and only tolerated because its "limited" should be no more than a turbo S

[@bigd5899]

The pricepoint is good af really. The base turbo which this was at some point is 200k without options. For 80k more than that the sport classic has the turbo s sport suspension, turbo s sport exhaust, lift system, ceramic brakes and a damn rwd conversion. Hella expensive options. As well as the limited run wheels, ducktail and retro trim. On top its so decked out there aren’t even any options you can get for it. a well specced turbo can easily cost you more than one of these because of that.

[@nightnomad635]

If this was a car kept in stock at the dealership, then yes. But Porsche don't build cars for stock. They're all made to order 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tyler9703]

Exactly. This is the same price as a Maserati MC20 for a car that doesnt actually drive that differently to a 130K 911 GTS.

[@juhsztn]

insanely overpriced why does a gt3rs start lower than a sport classic?

[@killerfc909]

The price makes sense, the car will always be worth more than that price. You can't compare this to the price of normal production cars

[@qikqbn77]

Absolutely fell in love with the 997 Sport Classic. In fact, I ordered the 997 Sport Classic ducktail, side skirts and front end for my 997 C4S. The Sport Classic got a lot of backlash for it's $200k price back in the day, considering that mechanically it was identical to a $125k 997 GTS. Only differences were exterior ducktail, bubble roof, and lots of leather and hounds tooth fabric. This New 992 Sport Classic is just as stunning to me, BUT, like Catchpole mentions at the end, the overall experience does not justify the price, when the new 992 GTS is so good and fast. If I had the money, I would get a GT3 Touring instead and figure out a way to slap that ducktail on to the rear decklid. That would be my dream car.

[@kabob21]

Why would you ruin a GT3 Touring with a ducktail when the stock retractable wing is both functional and aesthetically pleasing?

[@qikqbn77]

@@kabob21 Because I love the look of the Sport Classic ducktail. Ruin it? To me it would be an awesome improvement in looks. I hate the look of the 992 spoiler in the up position. Ugly! It's all about the eye of the beholder. I have a ducktail on my Porsche 911 and absolutely love it.

[@Absilon13]

Henry is all about the art of story telling and not to forget the automobiles he drives. Fantastic video carfection cheers all the efforts for the all the masterpieces.

[@carseyeadmire]

Another great video. Love your t-shirt Henry👍

[@bicyclist2]

Beautiful car, very beautiful scenery. I've been a big Porsche fan since riding in my uncles 1960's metallic blue 911 SC Targa back in the 80's. I'm also a big fan of Carfection. Thank you.

[@californiaholtz]

Henry at his best, great episode! Will he continue to be a fixture here at Carfection now that he's joined the Hagerty family?

[@sneakybeach]

It's finished

[@mariusvranceanvirixDerTod]

what do you guys mean by joining Hagerty family ?

[@farishanafiah8461]

@@mariusvranceanvirixDerTod Check Hagerty's KZbin channel. They made a series called 'The Driver's Seat' and guess who's the presenter? It's Mr. Catchpole himself.

[@larssonk22]

Happy Birthday Carfection Great channels, they grow up so fast 🥺

[@michaeltang4219]

I really like your narrative...describing the sensation with figures and data to support rather than spending few mins to read out the spec. Great host, great car and great road!

[@vxyz5219]

Amazing as always.

[@dougsmith4678]

Always love the production level on your videos. Keep it up.

[@MW-te5fv]

well, that message at the end suggest they won't be keeping it up

[@simonweston33]

I think Mr Catchpole jumped ship to Hagerty’s channel.

[@Tuberuser187]

Another great video!

[@1991julez]

Another wonderful piece

[@wessel82]

Amazing video and editing

[@Porkycheun]

Happy birthday Carfection ! 🎉

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

Along with stelvio pass, this road is at the top of the bucket list. Carfection vids are shot so beautifully. @ 2:35 STUNNING!

[@skypaul24]

Bloody hell! This was a gorgeous look video!

[@brunoaraujo2222]

If this isnt one of the best reviews ever i dont know what Im doing in this world, the car, the scenario and the presenter, good job guys, very good!

[@darkchild130]

Never seen a more obvious example of a collector’s car. Flipper’s dream.

[@iwonder1216]

Excellent video!

[@nazhif1]

Those seats are perfect

[@cavalinorampante1]

Happy birthday Carfection🎉

[@newtechgs7471]

Always great to have a new Henry vid. Wild pricing on that thing

[@sachinchaphekar246]

thanks carfection ! I will miss these videos

[@DontPanicDear]

Congrats on the 1m subs 🎉

[@lukewaring2832]

2 installments of Mr catchpole in the same way we are spoilt. Quality as every guys. Thanks for all the effort it shows.. Long may it continue.👀😎🤪

[@greenbluediaries1888]

RIP Carfection. Thank you for the excellent content! Bravo!

[@timmason5230]

Thankyou Henry!

[@petedavis4097]

Congratulations on your ten years of great videos, keep on keeping on

[@JonWhitworth]

They folded and this was their last video

[@philipribchester1994]

You cannot fold this channel, the content is far too fantastic! So consistent, find a way 🙏🏻

[@pkleemola]

Thank you Henry very much. You know what I'm waiting for 😏

[@christ9376]

Stunning scenery, with fantastic camera-work, what a great car to drive there.

[@nigel.w]

Very interesting review.

[@sonkekoster3105]

Great story - thank you!

[@Biomass22]

Good job 👍🏾

[@Lukas-kb5vg]

Such a masterpiece of a video

[@flying0graysons]

What a beautiful film. Henry's mellifluous tones, the stunning scenery, and, oh, the car too. I wish Henry all the success at Haggerty, but I personally prefer the cinematography and feel of his and the rest of the team's work on Carfection.

[@AgriVideos1]

Thanks Carfection, I’ll miss these videos.

[@RobinSingh-lf3iq]

Mr. Henry Catchpole, you are a genius! Lovely review.

[@guywheeler4225]

Beautiful video per usual! Question, was the Super 8 looking footage at the begining from an acutal Super8 camera, or is it a digital filter?

[@princekelechi1766]

You're good at what you do here!

[@richardsholl5977]

Another slice of Catchpole brilliance. 👍

[@joelh8141]

mr. catchpole is a treasure. thank you sir!

[@caclavijo]

Thank you for the video. Beautiful machine. It's super fast car ready to enjoy driving "slow"

[@kiyalami8478]

Henry, all the buzz is around the C8 Z06 right now! Love your work.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Lol. Actually I haven’t seen any (I’m not a Vette guy). I see a lot of Buzz about the GT3RS track day, then the Chris Harris Singer DLS and now this. Lol

[@AndersChanTidemann]

Absolutely lovely all around!

[@mahinth-on-everything]

Stunning, even the watch looks great 👌 what watch is that ?

[@nathanb2100]

Aside from the price, this 911 looks great, especially the wheels 😄

[@stefbacum4454]

Nice Scurfa Diver One there Mr Catchpole!

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review and love the interior trim better do the lottery!

[@michaelscurr9046]

Best car reviews 🤟

[@jon8687]

lovely landscape.

[@paulhelden]

Going to that road next summer vacations in Europe, is so nice

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

Love the amount of effort that’s gone into scripting and filming this. Wow.

[@craigyBow]

Brilliant 👏

[@golfbuddy1969]

The ducktail and lack of side air scoops improves the looks on an already beautiful car.

[@HQBProductions]

Another Henry masterpiece. I wish I could say I had that car on order but new health problems mean I could not use it properly. Henry…enjoy these cars in whatever version you prefer and savour every moment because one day, something comes along and the dreams are ended…keep fighting for that dream..don’t let it get away too soon.😐

[@ducbox572]

RWD GTS with PDK is 90% of the car for 50% of the price. Option it up with PTS paint and Exclusive interior and it's also a special car.

[@antoniobortolotti6223]

I saw it live at my dealer in Varese today, for a client. Stunning!

[@talalalmashaikhi4318]

Soo much on love with this 911.

[@manuelllaneras1313]

Fantástico Henry! Congrats 👏👏👏

[@-1..]

No holes on the body no cloud touching wing...no nostril dents...clean simple seamless..curvaceous...flow...what a jaw dropping duck.

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

My favorite car reviewer by a country mile.

[@g3whg247]

another epic, inspiring a road trip or two

[@DIVERSITY_MEDIA]

Perfection. Was soo excited to see wat they would have do for 60

[@thedalillama]

I drove that road over the summer. Worth it!

[@jkldeer]

Lovely review as always Henry, I would also prefer a GTS! What's that new watch on the wrist?

[@UltimateAccuracy]

Scurfa Diver One. Looks like the 500m version. Nice.

[@jkldeer]

@@UltimateAccuracy Fantastic spotting!! Thanks for the tip! Though I must say I miss seeing the Speedy in his videos haha

[@RayoAtra]

very cool. It doesn't quite give me the fizz like the 09 does but still dope. This is basically if you already own a few 911's

[@TS-wp3wt]

Henry, alps, and a Porsche…. That’s a hell of a combo!

[@michelmichel6292]

Another good video from Henry 😃

[@christopherprose3881]

The best Porsche for my money........ now I just need more of it.

[@ashley_neal]

Freaky timing, as I've just finished playing with the Porsche Configurator 😂

[@mabitselamaubane4097]

Pleased to see you with Carfection Sir Catchpole

[@Rob-cv3vh]

Lovely video, thanks Henry and all of the production team. A gorgeous car that's not built to be a missile that's all about numbers, bragging rights and flames. Hopefully enjoyed by those of us that enjoy being far away from civilisation whilst we perfect our toe heel double de-clutching. If you're comparing the numbers of this with x or y it's not the car for you.

[@nurminius]

You are true motorhead, Henry. Love yaaaa bro :)

[@toto-wolff]

This video is lovely. But that is your standard, so no surprise🤩

[@samueldowney2806]

Nice car, but epic, gorgeous, stunning scenery! Happy 10th Carfection! hears to 10 more and another 10 and another... Thank you for the most beautiful car videos on YT.

[@DDd-hr6mz]

Welp....

[@sachinchaphekar246]

F

[@bcosVic]

Kudos on the film intro with the 60’s vibe and blurred visuals…..manufacturers should be breaking down the carfection door to do their launch videos!

[@ajfreshkid]

Another superb example of automotive documentation

[@Canadian_Gamer]

This is the Porsche we've all been waiting for.

[@djsaintmichael]

Those wheels are amazing!!!

[@TheKillWizard]

It's beautiful. So beautiful.