I have been reading up on Porsche Launch Cars. For MY05, my car has all the features (I think). Is there anything on the car that would say if it is or isn't? Also what number in production, if it is? Would those cars increase or hold their value? What's the significance of launch cars? 0-60 better??? Thanks for the input!

 

Best I recall, the big giveaway for the 05 launch car is black/black with ceramic brakes (yellow calipers). Full leather and sports chrono comes to mind also and I'm sure there's more. No difference in 0-60 though since HP and engine was the same as any other -05 C2S.

 

I do have all of the above. How's the value of those cars?

 

Same as any other comparably equipped 997.

 

There should be a "Launch" option code listed for your car so you should be able to determine if your car is actually a "Launch" car.

These cars were the first delivered to dealers with some desirable options already included. There is nothing special about these cars like build number plaques , special options otherwise unavailable, special colors or trim, etc. A customer could order the exact same car (color, options, etc) from Porsche after the launch cars were sold.

The launch car had some expensive options which could increase the car's value. On the other hand, they are the oldest 997s which could affect value. Plus they could have the more problematic but easily replaceable IMS bearing (which may or may not make it more valuable).

 

I considered for a few weeks a Launch 2005 997 C2S car and had it inspected. At the end, I just gave up for multiple reasons:

1) The IMS bearing potential threat (same engine as the 996).
2) The Ceramic brakes: awfully expensive if you have the bad luck to chip/damage the rotors.
3) These cars were typically used by Porsche Dealer representatives and by potential customers and may have been abused.
4) You should never buy a first year production car.

In the end I decided to add a couple more dollars and went with a 2006 C4S with which I am very happy.

Yves

 

IMS retrofit, steel rotors when the carbon ceramics wear out, and you're good to go Not sure it's worth anything extra being a launch car but it sounds like a mighty fine car just the same. You can use the VIN decoder service to see the original build sheet with all the options.