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Many consider it the best drivers car Porsche ever produced. It's no wonder prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

Undoubtedly, the Porsche 911 R is one of the greatest sports cars to roll out of the Stuttgart factory. If the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the ultimate track-focused machine, to automotive aficionados, the 911 R is highly considered one of Porsche’s finest sports cars ever produced for the road. Pure and uncomplicated.

Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor International Show, Porsche revived its ‘R’ moniker for the 991. Moreover, the 911 R prices skyrocketed soon after they left showrooms. Arguably, it's the most accomplished 911 of them all. Yet, it embodied the qualities of the classic 911 R of 1967. The ultra-lightweight, road-homologated race car of the '60s, created by Ferdinand Piech, entered the Targa Florio and special rallies. Only 20 examples of the classic 1967 911 RS left the Zuffenhausen factory. What’s more, weighing only 1785 lbs, it remains the lightest 911 ever made by Porsche.

The special edition 2016 911R was masterfully developed by the Porsche motorsport division and limited to only 991 units. Joining the range of high-performance Porsche’s with naturally aspirated engines, the 911 R was, essentially, Porsche’s response to purists who were not quite satisfied with the new PDK transmission in the 991 GT3 and GT3 RS models. Not only did Porsche’s 911 R come with a superb manual six-speed gearbox, but it also seems the engineers extracted all the qualities from its hardcore driving machines and distilled them into the 911 R package. It’s true to say the 911 R is a masterpiece that goes above and beyond all expectations.

Porsche’s primary focus when developing the 911 R was driver enjoyment. Therefore, weight reduction and performance became a priority. At the time, this was the lightest road-going Porsche available. Indeed, the 911 R was for customers who weren’t concerned about achieving the fastest lap times around the Nürburgring, but for those who wanted driver engagement and respected the analog nature of the car.

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The 911 R came with the brilliant four-liter naturally aspirated flat-six power plant as fitted in the 991 GT3 RS. Arguably, one of the greatest production engines. What’s more, the fabulous high-revving engine produced a ferocious 500 horsepower and 338 lb-ft of torque. With its 8,500 rpm redline, the engine sounds were nothing short of sensational. Gone was the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, fitted to the GT3 cars. Instead, the 911 R came fitted with a specially developed short six-speed manual transmission to provide optimum driver satisfaction. Moreover, the six-speed manual gearbox saved 20 kg over the PDK. Weighing only 1370 kg, the 911 R was surprisingly around 50 kg lighter than its GT3 RS stablemate.

In addition to the twin titanium exhaust system, the 911 R came fitted with a retractable rear spoiler as on the Carrera models, a bespoke aerodynamic diffuser, and a front splitter under the body, providing incredible down force. Similarities with the Porsche GT3 RS included; those mammoth carbon-ceramic brakes, bespoke rear-wheel steering system, a mechanical differential, hardcore sports suspension, and 245 section tires at the front and massive 305’s at the rear, for ultimate traction.

The 911 R is more reliant on driver input, with the rewards at the upper part of the rev range. What’s more, the full-fat 911 has blistering performance with a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds. Flat-out, the 911 R was a 200-mph weapon. The mechanical chatter from the engine, communicative steering, and chassis balance remains part of the car's DNA, while the evocative, raw soundtrack from the titanium exhaust is simply mesmerizing. The six-speed short-shift gearbox provided an interactive driving experience. No doubt, the PDK is more clinical but most suited for shaving milliseconds off lap times. This is possibly the biggest distinction between the 911R and the GT3.

Those drivers who are not preoccupied with lap times will find the 911 R a machine that can satisfy at every level. Not only will the 911 R cover ground at a phenomenal pace, but it also provides the most visceral driving experiences of any Porsche.

Unequivocally, this became the ultimate lightweight, analog race car for the road that embodied the original virtues of Porsche motorsport.

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Visually, the 911 R resembles a 991 GT3 without the huge rear spoiler. Keeping with the same design as its legendary predecessor, Porsche included colored graphics over the central section of the vehicle in either red or green.

With the main focus on saving weight, Porsche used a carbon hood and front wings, a magnesium roof, plastic rear windows, and rear screen. In addition, sound insulation was drastically reduced. Porsche engineers managed to strip the car of weight wherever possible. Porsche even removed the air-conditioning, sat-nav, and audio system. The minimalist cabin featured an amalgamation of modern and retro design. The carbon fiber backed leather seats came with pepita tartan trim capturing elements of the classic 911s of the 1960s. Ergonomics were excellent, as expected, with familiar 911 dials and switchgear.

This exclusive 911 is one of the most sought-after Porsches ever built. Due to high demand, Porsche offered most of the 911 Rs only to exclusive buyers. Prices of the car doubled overnight, and some customers were flipping them for big money, which was hardly surprising considering its limited production run.

Finding a used example is not easy. Ironically, conceived as Porsche’s ultimate drivers’ car, most 911 Rs, were rarely driven by their owners. Rather, they were kept as safe investments. It’s true to say, its legendary predecessor has some influence over the 911 R’s value. Indeed, a few classic 1967 Porsche 911 Rs have sold for almost $5 million each!

According to Classic.com, the average price of the 2016 Porsche 911 R is around the $381,000 mark. Though, some sellers have been asking for over half a million dollars! Prices will, no doubt continue to rise of this pure authentic driver’s machine.

Waheed is an automotive writer and enthusiast with a vast knowledge of the motor industry. Having acquired a passion for cars at a very young age, he knows pretty much all there is to know about classic German sports cars.