9WERKS Radio : The Porsche and Car Podcast

Is the original Porsche actually the best? In this episode of 9WERKS Radio, Lee Sibley and Andy Brookes embark on a total deep dive into the Porsche 356.
To truly understand the DNA of the brand, we get behind the wheel of both road and race-prepared 356s to see how 70-year-old engineering handles the pace of 2026. Is it a fragile relic, or the most rewarding analog experience money can buy?
In this episode, we explore:
Track vs. Tarmac: Driving the lightweight race versions vs. the refined road icons.
The Specialist's View: We sit down with Philip Raby to discuss the current 356 market, what to look for when buying, and why these cars are becoming the "smart money" alternative to early 911s.
Living the Dream: A member of the Driven Not Hidden Collective gives us the unfiltered owner's perspective on maintenance, reliability, and the joy of long-distance 356 touring.
Whether you're a seasoned 356 aficionado or a 911 purist looking for a new challenge, this is the definitive guide to Porsche’s first sports car.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Support the show

The wait is over! In this very special episode of 9WERKS Radio, we take you live to the podium at Porsche Centre Bournemouth for the 2026 9WERKS Awards. Join Lee Sibley and Andy Brookes as we reveal the winners across nine categories, celebrating the very best of the UK Porsche industry. From the Tuthill 911K and Paragon Porsche to RPM Technik and Sir Chris Hoy, this episode is a celebration of the "Driven Not Hidden" mantra in its purest form.
The headline act of the evening, however, was our Guest of Honour: the legendary Grant Larson. In a fascinating and exclusive presentation recorded live on the night, Grant pulls back the curtain on a peerless 35-year career at Weissach.
In this episode, Grant Larson discusses:
The Boxster Beginnings: How a single sketch saved Porsche in the early '90s and the secrets behind the 986’s DNA.
Sonderwunsch Secrets: Grant’s massive impact on Porsche’s "Special Wish" department and the art of modern-day bespoke coachbuilding.
Designing Icons: Insights into the creation of the Carrera GT, the 997, and the recent 992 Sport Classic.
Whether you were there on the night or are catching up from the driver's seat, this is a landmark recording in 9WERKS history.
THE 2026 WINNERS REVEALED:
Best Marketplace Sales: Paragon Porsche
Best Restomod: Tuthill 911K
Best Porsche Servicing: RPM Technik
Best Radio Guest: Sir Chris Hoy
Best Porsche Content: Henry Catchpole
Outstanding Customer Experience: Garage Therapy
Best Event: Porsches By The Lake
DNHC Personality Of The Year: Ben Bailey
Lifetime Achievement Award: Grant Larson
Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Support the show

Should you stick or should you twist? In this week’s episode, Lee and Andy dive into the mailbag to solve some pressing "car-nundrums" from our DNHC members. We explore the psychological and financial battle of deciding when to invest further into your current Porsche and when it’s finally time to move it on for a new experience.
Beyond the dilemmas, we turn our attention to the current trends within the 9WERKS Marketplace. We analyze the notable rising values of the Porsche 993, discussing whether the final air-cooled 911 has officially moved into a new bracket of collectibility. We also dive into the fascinating world of the air-cooled hot rod. What is the merit of a "properly built" bespoke 911 compared to a factory-original car, and why is the appetite for these personalized machines stronger than ever in 2026?
In this episode, we discuss:
Stick or Twist: Solving DNHC member dilemmas—is your Porsche a "forever car" or just the current chapter?
993 Market Watch: Why the 993 is seeing a resurgence in value and what it means for buyers today.
The Art of the Hot Rod: What defines a "properly built" air-cooled 911 and where the value lies in a modified classic.
Marketplace Gems: A look at the standout cars currently listed on 9werks.co.uk.
Driven Not Hidden: Why the best ownership experiences always start with a car that actually gets used.
Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Support the show

Has Porsche lost the magic, or is the future faster and more focused than ever? This week, from an MOT station at VAS Works, Lee and Andy sit down to dissect a month of intensive driving across six of the most important models in the Porsche back catalogue and current lineup.
We start with the "Holy Grail" of the 90s: the 964 Carrera RS. How does its seam-welded chassis and manual rack compare to the technological powerhouse that is the new 992.2 GTS T-Hybrid? We also dive deep into the GT3 lineage, revisiting the 996.2 GT3 — the car that many believe represents the peak of the water-cooled Mezger era.
Then, we turn our attention to the mid-engine masters. With the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 GT4 both in the mix, we ask if the newer cars have finally eclipsed the legendary 987.2 Cayman R. Is the R's hydraulic steering still the benchmark for feel, or does the GT4's chassis precision win the day?
In this episode, we discuss:
The 964 RS vs. 992.2 GTS: A 35-year gap bridged. Does the T-Hybrid system deliver the same visceral thrill as a blueprinted air-cooled flat-six?
GT3 Purity: Why the 996.2 GT3 is still the "sweet spot" for many purists in 2026.
Mid-Engine Battle: 718 GT4 vs. Cayman R. We settle the debate on which mid-engine Porsche offers the most "Driven Not Hidden" rewards.
The GTS 4.0 Factor: Why the 718 GTS 4.0 might actually be the best all-rounder Porsche has ever built.
Future Values: Which of these six icons is the smartest place for your money right now?
The 9WERKS Testing Lineup:
Porsche 964 Carrera RS: The analog benchmark.
Porsche 996.2 GT3: The Mezger-powered icon.
Porsche 992.2 GTS: The T-Hybrid future.
Porsche 718 GT4: Track-bred precision.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: The daily-driver hero.
Porsche 987.2 Cayman R: The lightweight legend.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Support the show

Is this the purest modern Porsche ever produced? In this episode of 9WERKS Radio, we are joined by a "quad-squad" of 987.2 Cayman R owners from the Driven Not Hidden Collective to find out why this stripped-out special has become the definitive modern classic of 2026.
While the 981 and 718 GT4s might have more power and "mini-supercar" looks, the Cayman R is the final stand for hydraulic steering and a sub-1,300kg curb weight. Our four guests break down the reality of owning the "R" – from the iconic pull-strap doors and carbon bucket seats to the sublime balance that only 330hp in a mid-engine chassis can provide.
In this Cayman R Owners Roundtable:
Steering Perfection: Why the transition to electric steering in later models makes the 987.2 R feel "alive" in comparison.
The Weight Debate: Does saving 55kg over a Cayman S really transform the car on a twisty UK B-road?
Spec Warfare: Manual vs. PDK, and why the Carbon Buckets (P03) and Sports Exhaust (PSE) are the non-negotiable "must-haves" for 2026 buyers.
Real-World Values: With Cayman R prices solidifying, is this the last "safe" place to put your money in the Porsche world?
Living with the R: Four owners share their stories of track days, European tours, and why they haven't "traded up" to a GT4.

The Cayman R "Holy Grail" Checklist
If you're hunting for one of these in 2026, our owners agree these are the specs that define the experience:
Transmission: 6-speed manual for the purists, though the 7-speed PDK is surprisingly sharp.
Interior: Carbon fiber bucket seats are essential for both the feel and the future resale value.
Air conditioning: Yes, it added weight, but it gets hot in there without it!
Wheels: The ultra-lightweight 19" Spyder alloys are a must for that unsprung weight advantage.

Find your dream Porsche on the 9WERKS Marketplace: 9werks.co.uk/marketplace

Thanks to our friends heritagepartscentre.com for sponsoring this podcast, get up to 10% off your basket by entering the code ‘9WERKS10’ at the checkout on heritagepartscentre.com

‘9WERKS Radio’ @9werks.radio is your dedicated Porsche and car podcast, taking you closer than ever to the world’s finest sports cars and the culture and history behind them.

The show is brought to you by 9werks.co.uk, the innovative online platform for Porsche enthusiasts. Hosted by Porsche Journalist Lee Sibley @9werks_lee, and 911 owner and engineer Andy Brookes @993andy, with special input from friends and experts around the industry, including you, our valued listeners.

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us by joining the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective you can do so by hitting the link below, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Support the show