The $400,000 Porsche 997.1 GT3 RS: A Collector’s Dream
Photo from bringatrailer.com
A Record-Breaking Sale: The 997.1 GT3 RS Market Reaches New Heights
The Porsche 997.1 GT3 RS has always been a highly desirable collector’s car, but recently, the market witnessed something extraordinary—a 7,000-mile, one-owner 2008 GT3 RS sold for a staggering $395,997 on Bring a Trailer.
This isn’t just an impressive sale—it’s a game-changing moment for Porsche collectors. It signals that the first-generation 997 RS is officially a blue-chip Porsche investment, joining the ranks of the most sought-after GT models.
But what makes this particular GT3 RS so valuable?
• Low mileage: With just 7,000 miles, this RS is practically showroom fresh.
• Rare spec: Ordered after the standard allocation period, making it even more exclusive.
• Manual gearbox: A six-speed transaxle paired with a Mezger engine — Porsche perfection.
• Preserved yet upgraded: The new owner whant made one crucial modification—a high-performance exhaust upgrade featuring Dundon Motorsports’ 997.1 Street Headers.
This sale isn’t just about a record-breaking price—it’s about how well-preserved, well-optioned, and properly modified examples are shaping the future of the 997 market.
The Mezger Masterpiece: Why the 997.1 GT3 RS is Special
The 3.6-liter Mezger flat-six under the hood of the 997.1 GT3 RS is one of Porsche’s most celebrated engines—an evolution of the motorsport-derived Mezger block that powered the Le Mans-winning GT1 race car.
This Green (J5) 997.1 GT3 RS wasn’t just well-preserved—it was perfectly optioned for performance. But one key upgrade made it stand out even more: the installation of Dundon Motorsports’ Street Headers.
Dundon Motorsports Street Headers: The Ultimate Upgrade for the Mezger Engine
For a track-focused Porsche like the 997.1 GT3 RS, unlocking the full potential of the engine requires optimizing exhaust flow and response. That’s why the owner of this car made a smart choice—installing Dundon Motorsports’ 997.1 Street Headers.
Why Dundon’s Street Headers Matter:
✔ Better exhaust scavenging → More power, improved torque curve.
✔ Weight savings → Reducing rear-end mass for sharper handling.
✔ Sharper throttle response → Enhanced driving feel and control.
✔ Refined Mezger sound → Amplifies the naturally aspirated scream without excessive drone.
This $400K sale proves that performance modifications—when done right—don’t hurt value. They enhance it. A properly tuned GT3 RS with carefully selected upgrades is now just as desirable (if not more) than a fully stock, untouched example.
But this isn’t the first time a Dundon-enhanced 997.1 GT3 RS has made waves in the Porsche world.
A Pattern Emerging: The Dundon-Enhanced GT3 RS Experience
This isn’t the first time a Dundon-equipped 997.1 GT3 RS has made waves.
Meet Daryl, a long-time Dundon Motorsports customer who has used his Green 997.1 GT3 RS as a platform for performance development. Instead of pursuing an expensive 4.0L engine build, he chose a smarter, more efficient path—Dundon’s bolt-on power upgrades.
Daryl’s Performance Upgrades:
— Dundon Resonance Intake Manifold – More efficient air intake at high RPMs.
— Dual-Cone Carbon Airbox – Maximized airflow for better response.
— Dundon Headers & Titanium Muffler – Increased power and weight reduction.
The Results:
🔥 +75 HP at 8,000 RPM – A massive gain without opening the engine.
💪 +42 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 RPM – Stronger acceleration and mid-range punch.
🎶 Enhanced exhaust note – Unleashing the full Mezger soundtrack.
Daryl’s build showcases that the 997.1 GT3 RS isn’t just a collectible—it’s a performance platform with untapped potential.
🔗 See Daryl’s full experience in our blog post: Read Here
🎥 Watch the video of his car in action: Watch on YouTube
What This Means for the Future of the 997.1 GT3 RS
The $400K sale of a near-stock 997.1 GT3 RS with Dundon’s Street Headers and the success of customer builds like Daryl’s prove a key point:
The 997.1 GT3 RS is a collector’s car, but it’s also a platform for ultimate driving performance.
— Low-mileage examples will continue to command sky-high prices.
— Tasteful, performance-oriented modifications (like Dundon’s upgrades) can enhance value.
— 997.1 GT3 RS owners who optimize their cars for track performance aren’t just making them faster—they’re future-proofing them.
For those lucky enough to own a 997.1 GT3 RS, now is the time to decide:
💰 Preserve it as an appreciating investment?
🏁 Or transform it into the best-driving RS possible with performance upgrades?
If you’re in the second category, Dundon Motorsports has the expertise and proven results to take your GT3 RS to the next level.
Photo from bringatrailer.com
Final Thoughts: The 997.1 GT3 RS Market is Heating Up—And Dundon is Leading the Way
Between the $400K record-breaking sale and our work with customers like Daryl, one thing is clear:
The 997.1 GT3 RS isn’t just an incredible driver’s car—it’s an appreciating asset that can also be the ultimate track machine.
And whether you’re a collector looking to protect your investment or a driver looking to unlock every last bit of performance, Dundon Motorsports is the key to making your 997 GT3 RS the best it can be.