JC actually likes the car.

fast forward to about the 6:50 mark.

http://www.dpccars.com/car-videos-10/11-16-10page-Jeremy-Clarkson-The-Italian-Job.htm

also, some really nice video of the 458, 599GTO, Lambo, etc.

 

I agree with JC that the Porsche is an acquired taste. For the avg person, it's an ugly car, with it's frog eyes, wide rear, low stance. I used to think it's one of the ugliest cars on the road. Like JC, just an overrated VW beetle until I drove one. It then became prettier and prettier. Now that it's in my garage, I can't help but look at it all the time and admire it. I knew it would be a matter of time before he like it. You can tell he was trying really hard not to like it the past couple of years.

 

I couldn't agree with you more. When I was younger I looked at Porsche's as deformed VW, but over time, I began to view Porsche's as something more than just a car, they are a work of art. So unique, from the sounds of that boxster engine revving up; to the odd, yet beautiful shape of the 911. After driving a few different models, I would put Porsche right up there at the top. After driving one, you get hooked and its hard not to love them.

 

I actually fell in love with them as a kid, I just loved how its sounded and looked. I still remember my first ride in one when i was about 12.

I had posters on Porsche Turbo's on my wall.... it was not till i drove one that i knew i wanted a gt3 and not a turbo..

 

Yep, turbos are fun and all but a NA Porsche is what's for me.

 

I guess i have grown up around and in a 911 since i was a baby, i simply love the 911, always have and always will, to me its the definition of a sports car.

 

I always thought they were good looking cars. Were getting a little stale till the 993 came out (I thought that was gorgeous), it was "meh" with the 996 except the turbo and then the 997 came out looking just spectacular.

Never would have thought I would end up with a 997 GT3. The GT3 has been a dream car for me. And to my eyes the Gaurds Red just looks spectacular.

 

I would add that (no offense to anyone intended) if you take a 996/997 C2 standard with no options and base 18", in silver, the car looks pretty bad in today's > $100k sports car market. You add a few simple things such as 19's and a rear wiper, PASM, LED tails, and maybe a bumper lip, it's a whole new car.

...change it to a C4 and it really pops.

 

Couldn't the fact that the 997 GT3 isn't the same 911 that Clarkson hasn't liked in the past have something to do with it as well? He never says that though.

Regarding the looks, I've never been a fan of 911's, but the 997's and especially the GT3 have changed that. I think the GT3 is a great looking car.