[imagesource: Paramount Pictures]

The silver 1973 Porsche 911 S that Jennifer Connelly’s character Penny drives in the record-breaking blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is top of the range.

While Tom Cruise’s romantic interest often tends to show off a love for German sports cars (see the video below), this particular Porsche is rather special and has vintage car lovers weak at the knees.

Enthusiasts love it because of its long nose and slim, pre-impact bumper, says Robb Report. It’s a model version made more petite by increasingly lenient safety standards in America over the years.

Top Gun director Joseph Kosinski said that he liked the idea of Penny driving a vintage Porsche because it connected to the fact that she drives fast boats, adding “I think the 1973 911 S model is one of their most timeless designs.”

Image: Paramount Pictures

The film was lucky to get its hands on the factory-correct Silver Metallic 911 S coupe (not a replica). San Diego resident Nick Psyllos generously lent it to out, and Connelly was able to drive it herself (not a stunt double).

Psyllos is a longtime collector and has owned more than his fair share of Porsches, including a 1972 911 ST tribute car in tangerine orange.

But since this 911 S has a co-starring role in Top Gun: Maverick, it’s likely his most meaningful and valuable car in his collection:

Concours-quality examples of the sports car have been known to sell for in excess of $200,000. When you add in the fact that this one is a movie car, it could be worth a lot more.

After all, last fall the 1979 Porsche 928 that Cruise drove in Risky Business sold for $1.9 million.

Here are all the Porches featured in Top Gun: Maverick:

If you’re feeling that ‘I want a Porsche’ itch, we did some digging on local car sale sites.

There’s a 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) going for a lovely R1,7 million:

Image: Cars.co.za

Or on the cheaper end, this 1984 Porsche 924 for R229 950:

Otherwise, settling for a movie ticket to watch Top Gun: Maverick should do.

[source:robbreport]