9WERKS Radio : The Porsche and Car Podcast
‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.
The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy and obsessive Porsche enthusiast & magazine junkie Max Newman @maxripcor, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.
9WERKS Radio : The Porsche and Car Podcast
I Bought James May’s Porsche 997.2… By Mistake!
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What happens when a late-night browse on Collecting Cars goes “wrong”? In this episode, the 9WERKS team – Lee Sibley and Andy Brookes – sit down with former co-host Max Newman to hear the unbelievable story of how he accidentally became the next custodian of James May’s 2010 Porsche 997.2 Carrera S.
From the “fussy” cleaning brush included in the sale to the nerve-wracking moment the hammer fell, Max reveals the reality of buying a celebrity-owned 911, the “purist” spec that tempted him, and why this particular Carrera White 997.2 might just be the perfect daily-driver 911.
Key Discussion Points
- The “Accidental” Bid: Max walks us through the auction process and the moment he realized he was the high bidder on a piece of Top Gear and The Grand Tour history.
- The James May Spec: Why “Captain Slow” chose a manual gearbox, Carrara White paint, and a rare limited-slip differential (LSD).
- Provenance & Detail: A look at the car’s impeccable service history at Porsche Centre West London and why James May included his famous cleaning brush in the sale.
- 997.2 vs. The World: Why the Gen 2 997 remains a “sweet spot” for enthusiasts, blending analog feel with modern DFI engine reliability.
- Living with a Legend: Max’s plans for the car—will it be a “garage queen” or stay true to the 9WERKS “Driven Not Hidden” mantra?
The Car: 2010 Porsche 911 (997.2) Carrera S
- Engine: 3.8L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Six (DFI)
- Power: 380 hp / 310 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (with optional LSD)
- Exterior: Carrara White
- Interior: Ocean Blue Extended Leather
- Key Options: 19-inch Carrera Classic wheels, PASM, BOSE Sound System, and PCM 3.0 with Extended Navigation.
Links & Resources
- Find your next Porsche: 9WERKS Marketplace
- Follow Max Newman: @maxripcor
- Follow 9WERKS: @9.werks
- Sponsor: Special thanks to Heritage Parts Centre. Use code 9WERKS10 for 10% off your order.
If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.