Saga's Porsche 911S from The Bridge set for charity auction

1977 sports car set to sell at Bonhams’ Festival of Speed sale

Dark Scandinavian drama series The Bridge first aired in 2011, but it’s already gained a cult following – and one plot device in particular has been subject to fascination: a 1977 olive green Porsche 911S.

Driven by Sofia Helin’s enigmatic homicide detective Saga Norén, it’s as much a part of the hit show as any of the characters – and now it could be yours.

The German sports car is set to be auctioned by Bonhams at its Goodwood Festival of Speed sale on 13 July, with all of the profits going to Water Aid.

Want to know more? Here are all the details about this TV star car.

Enigmatic fantastic

For the uninitiated, The Bridge is a Scandi-Noir crime drama famed for its engrossing characterisation. It centres around the fascinating Saga Norén – played by Sofia Helin – a homicide detective heedless of social norms but astoundingly good at her job.

Distinctive wheels

Blunt to a fault, Norén exists in a world of family men as an emotionally detached woman with a very distinctive look. And, like every good TV detective, she has her own signature wheels: besides that trademark military coat, her Porsche 911S is a key part of her persona.

Inexplicable wagon

Driving a relatively exotic sports car as if it’s just another hatchback plays very much into the enigma that is Norén and as well as encouraging rumours and triggering jealousy amongst her colleagues, the olive green – or Jäger Grun – 911S has spawned much online debate.

Clues in the car

With her past largely a mystery, many have pondered on the significance of this 1970s German 2.7-litre coupé – a car that’s today worth upwards of £20,000 – especially as the fourth and final series is currently airing on BBC Two.

Driving double

While Norén’s on-screen 911S might remain a mystery, more is known about the real thing: a 1977 911S Coupé built for the American market, the 2.7-litre machine was imported to Sweden from the USA in 2009 and bought by the show’s production company in 2012.

Porsche improvements

More evolution than revolution, 911s built between 1973 and ‘77 (like this one) carried several changes from their predecessors – namely Bosch fuel injection, bigger 2.7-litre engines and impact bumpers fitted to comply with US regulations.

No sign of Norén

Equipped with a desirable manual transmission, this now-famous 175bhp Porsche is registered in Sweden and has apparently been restored at some point in the past. Its papers list its previous Swedish owners though, surprisingly, Norén’s name isn’t on there.

Used and abused

As you’d expect from a car that’s been used extensively for filming, it’s not in concours condition, with tears to the seats and scuffs both inside and out – which, even with the TV connection, will limit the price. Then again, what would you expect from a working detective’s vehicle?

Porsche for a cause

All profits from the 13 July sale are set to go to the charity Water Aid, for whom Sofia Helin is an ambassador. Of the auction, she said, “Saga’s Porsche is not only a big part of my own acting life but has also become part of Swedish TV history. I’m so pleased the sale of this car will go to such a good cause.”

No spoilers

Whatever happens down at Malmö County Police station in the finale of The Bridge, it seems this Porsche’s place in TV history is assured – and one lucky bidder will be able to take it home next month, with estimates suggesting it will sell for between £20,000 and £30,000.