James May Porsche 911 Carrera S for sale: Captain Slow’s Manual 997.2 Hits Auction

Once in a blue moon, a car listing appears where the story behind it is almost more compelling than the car itself. Now, James May has decided to part with his 997.2, and the James May Porsche 911 Carrera S for sale has just appeared on Collecting Cars. This well-maintained, six-speed manual 911 has been in “Captain Slow’s” custodianship since he ordered it new 15 years ago.

The car is a desirable example of the 997.2—widely regarded as the sweet spot of the naturally aspirated, water-cooled 911 range—and its value is already surging past typical market prices.

Here is a breakdown of the unique specification, the meticulous service history, and the premium being paid for its provenance.

A Porsche That Speaks for Itself

This particular 911 is all about enjoyment and analog purity, not outright intimidation. It is a one-owner vehicle with a highly desirable specification.

Feature	Specification	Note
Model	2010 911 Carrera S (997.2)	One of the last naturally aspirated 911s.
Mileage	31,294 miles	Consistently driven, obsessively maintained.
Engine	3.8-liter Flat Six (Naturally Aspirated)	Produces 385 hp and 310 lb-ft.
Transmission	Six-Speed Manual	The preferred choice for purist enthusiasts.
Unique Spec	Carrara White over Ocean Blue Leather	A rare and tasteful color combination.
Chassis	PASM, PSM, Limited-Slip Differential	Factory-fitted chassis features for exceptional handling.

The Provenance Premium

Bidding for the James May Porsche 911 Carrera S for sale quickly rose beyond the median market price. The value jump is driven by two key factors:

997.2 Demand: This generation perfectly balances analog driving purity (hydraulic steering, manual gearbox) with modern engineering precision (DFI engine).
Celebrity Provenance: A decade and a half of ownership by one of the most recognizable figures in motoring adds significant value. At the time of writing, the top offer sits at approximately $15,000 above the median price for comparable, non-celebrity-owned examples.

James May Porsche 911 Carrera S for sale — Source: Collecting Cars

Meticulous Maintenance

May’s personal philosophy of mechanical sympathy is reflected in the car’s robust service history. The latest maintenance, performed in May 2025 at 30,793 miles, included extensive work rarely seen outside of a full major service:

Cooling: Both front radiators were replaced, along with all coolant hoses and AC condensers.
Fluids: Fresh gearbox oil, engine oil, and filters.
Consumables: New front tires and wiper blades.

The sale includes all service history, original books, both keys, and even the original order form, making it an exceptionally complete and compelling proposition for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. The auction closes on November 25, 2025.

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