In many respects, the 996 is the underappreciated 911.
The first water-cooled version of the iconic Porsche sports car shared a lot in common with the Boxster, including its distinctive ‘fried egg’ headlamps with integrated indicators and much of its front suspension.
And while some 911 purists sniff at that, other fans of the marque recognise it for what it was – Porsche finally bringing the 911 up-to-date, while maintaining a number of key elements of its essential DNA, namely the iconic coupe-body profile, the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine in its rump and the upmarket but accessible supercar image that the 911 had portrayed so well since its inception.
It was also a fabulous car to drive, arguably the finest handling car of the 1990s providing you didn’t over-provoke it, at which point it would do another classically 911 thing and fly backwards into the weeds.
This is a narrow-bodied Carrera 4 Cabriolet, meaning it has four-wheel-drive and a power-folding roof.
The history file with this car is pretty impressive – as well as all the original booklets and handbooks, it has a service book stamped all the way to 47,000 miles.
It also has a separate folder full of invoices and receipts, as well as the original Porsche specification sheet.
Most of the servicing and repair work during the car’s life has been carried out by an independent Porsche specialist, while the owner has also kept all of its old MOT certificates, building up an impressive 22-year history record and verifying its genuine low mileage.
One of the most appealing things about this car is its gorgeous Carrera Red leather upholstery – the dark red hide contrasting beautifully with the silver exterior.
It’s in fine order, too, thanks to its low milage. There’s minimal wear, and all of the controls work as they should including the heated seats. A set of Porsche factory floor mats are included – also in Carrera Red – and there’s even an originally accessory umbrella, Porsche-branded.
One deviation from standard is the addition of a more modern stereo in lieu of the original Porsche radio-cassette player.
Meridian Silver is one of the all-time classic 911 colours and it looks fantastic on the 996 Cabriolet, while it’s also in excellent order with no visible signs of corrosion or significant damage. There are a few chips and marks as you’d expect on an older car, but nothing of any significance or note.
The alloy wheels have been refurbished and are in excellent order, while Pirelli tyres are fitted all-round.
The power roof works as it should and is also in good, smart condition.
The 996 fires up immediately and sounds fantastic with its characteristic straight-six chattering away in the background.
According to the vendor, the unit appears to be in fine fettle and the gearbox works perfectly in both button-operated manual and fully auto modes.
In non-turbo Tiptronic form, the 996 is the perfect compromise - rapid and entertaining like a 911 should be, but also docile and easy to drive around town, with the flexibility of a manual and thumb-shift gear changes and just the two pedals.
It’s as happy lapping the M25 as it is lapping the Nürburgring.
The 996 still represents one of the most accessible ways into 911 ownership and is also one of the most hassle-free and enjoyable.
This is a really smart example, with low mileage and a wonderful interior, backed up by a comprehensive maintenance record.
It’s a great example of a modern classic 911 that’s both easy-to-drive and easy-to-own, perfect for enjoying the rest of the summer.
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2000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
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