I have an opportunity to acquire a Gemballa 997 turbo (2009 3.6), but the dealer isn't a specialist and doesn't have much information about the modifications to the car, so I was wondering if the 6speed community could help. Firstly what sort (if any) of premium would a car like this command over a standard 997 turbo? And secondly was the Gemballa GT conversion a standard set of changes (bodywork, engine, wheels, suspension, etc), or was it just a shopping list where you could tick what you wanted, so I would have no way of knowing what was included and what was left out? Would appreciate any other comments.

Some pics:

 

Gemballa is an after market parts and tuner. They did produce a complete 997 package. I believe that they called it "Avalanche". It consisted of after market body panels and a tune. It appears, from the pictures shown, that the car you are interested in does not have the complete body package, but does have the rear spoiler (wing). Without an invoice of all the mods installed or a complete list from the previous owner, it is virtually impossible to tell what was done to the car.
Premium is a moot point. Most buyers are looking for low mileage stock cars, so after market mods could actually be a detriment to the sale price.

 

Full conversion like this was offered as a package and sold directly as a Gemballa model. Their motor and body mods are extremely expensive. Not necessarily worth it, but very well done. Just check for the original msrp. I bet this car was over $200k.

 

Actually I think this is an interesting one. It actually appears to have the full body kit associated with the package - front spoiler, rockers and wing. I believe these tuner cars are completely redone and given new serial numbers from Gemballa. You'll note the car doesn't have any porsche badges on it.
Assuming op is in south Africa. Don't know how the car got there, but for sure it will be one of a kind!

 

I agree - probably one of a kind.

 

It seems that Uwe Gemballa was murdered in south Africa in 2010. The plot thickens!

 

Apparently involved in money laundering, and got too deeply involved. I think a couple of investors have taken over the company and Gemballa name.

 

Just looked this up on google.

A report in the South African Mail & Guardian suggests that Gemballa was executed because of a dispute with Radovan Krejcir, a billionaire and Czech national wanted in his home country to face charges including murder, counterfeiting, abduction and tax evasion. According to the report, Krejcir was allegedly bringing money into South Africa in Gemballa cars, but one car arrived without its cargo.

Possibly explains why there are Gemballa cars in South Africa. The dealer is getting the cars original documentation for me, I'm now very interested to see the details.

 

Nothing like an international crime conspiracy to drive the value up!

 

Wow.. This made me google Radovan and read up on him. Quite the character.

If I bought this car, it would be hard to resist the temptation of tearing it up, looking for a secret stash!

 

The thought crossed my mind as well!

I do like the look of the body kit and the black 20"wheels, but the premium they are asking over a standard car doesn't justify it. However if it is a genuine Gemballa factory conversion with suspension and engine upgrades I would be very interested.

 

Post some more pics! You can see the y pipe on the motor, so there is definitely some mods there. The Gemballa motor build is to 650hp and they don't do it like US tuners; they typically do much more including the heads and valves. The motor package is probably in the 10s of thousands, if it was done. In the interior, are the porsche badges gone?
No surprise they want a huge premium for the car. Don't think we can really compare prices here, but how big is the premium?

 

It's around 20% in percentage. In cash about $15-20K


Taking the car for a test drive tomorrow, so I'll check the interior, but it looks pretty standard. Will post a few more pics then.

 

Although I've seen a couple of articles on a Gemballa 997 GT550, which looks closer to this in terms of body kit and was a (you've guess it!) 550hp engine. I think the 650 version had a more extreme body kit.

 

It looks great bro though sorry to say but this isnt an original factory gemballa (i used to have one thats why im saying this) it looks great though