Representing Porsche’s first foray into water-cooled 911s, the 996 generation Carrera received a fantastic reception from the motoring journalist community, but was often deemed to be somewhat ‘bland’ by owners and enthusiasts at the time of launch.
For those not so happy with the initial 996 C2 and C4, the 911 Turbo was unveiled in 1999 and went on sale for the 2001 model year, featuring a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged ‘Mezger’ flat-six engine, derived from that of the 1998 Le Mans winning GT1 race car. In 2003 (2004MY) the Turbo Cabriolet was introduced, marking the first mass-produced 911 Turbo cabriolet since the 930 generation.
These days, drivers and enthusiasts have warmed significantly to the 996, realising that they were one of the last great ‘analogue’ 911s, with Turbo cars being particularly coveted by those in the know for their blend of performance and usability, earning the 911 Turbo the title of the ‘everyday supercar.’
One from the first year of 911 Turbo Cabriolet production, this particular example is finished in the classic Polar Silver over a Metropol Blue interior, and boasts a strong factory specification including the Tiptronic S transmission (249) Park Assist (635) PCM 2 (666) Aluminium Trim package (E80) Sports Seats with embossed headrests (P89 / XSC) and also has a colour-matched hardtop, allowing year-round use.
Evidently, the previous owner was not content with the impressive power figures from the factory, choosing to upgrade this 911 Turbo through renowned tuning experts and 911 specialist firm Markski.
This work included new K16 Billet hybrid turbochargers, injector and fuel pump upgrades, upgraded intercoolers, a stainless steel exhaust with high-performance catalytic converters, a ‘stage 2’ Markski ECU map, billet blow off valves and a Forge upgraded hose kit. The result is a 911 which is producing between 600 and 650bhp, and can be either a sedate GT car or an “Aventador chaser” depending on the driver’s mood.
In recent months, the car has been serviced with the favoured Millers Nanodrive 10w50 oil, been fitted with a set of new Michelin Pilot Sport N-rated rear tyres (to match the fronts) and been fitted with new brake pads all round.
Enthusiasts will be pleased to know this example boasts a full OPC / specialist service history, and has received attention from some of the best names in the business, including NineExcellence, Parr Porsche and Jota engineering.
The full OE book pack and manuals are present, the V5 showing five former keepers, two sets of keys, and numerous invoices for work carried out and parts fitted, including the aforementioned upgrade work by Markski.
Metropol Blue is a classic colour for 996 interiors, and the cabin of this cabriolet has worn fantastically well over the years, remaining in great condition throughout.
The front seats show the usual creasing and wear, with the driver’s outer bolster showing a significant wear patch, with the passenger seat fairing far better and the rears showing virtually no wear.
The door cards all look to be in excellent shape with only a few light marks on the door bin lids, as does the centre console, with the upgraded aluminium trim on the shifter and handbrake showing no major wear or marks.
The dashboard is in excellent shape with the leather remaining free of damage, and only light wear being visible along the top of the A-pillar and windshield where the roof catches connect.
As far as our vendor knows, everything is working as it should, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard.
The polar silver paintwork on this example is in absolutely astounding condition for its age and mileage, and shows no sign of any major marks, scuffs, scratches or dings. We’d expect some stone chips on the front end and exposed areas such as the wing mirrors, but the silver paintwork will hide these very well.
All four ‘Turbo II’ wheels are in excellent condition, and the brake callipers have been recently refurbished.
Both headlights are crystal clear and free of the usual discolouration and fading that can be seen on 911s of this era, and there is no sign of any damage to the lenses on either the front or the rear of the car.
The folding soft-top roof looks to be in great shape with no damage or discolouration to the rear window, and only a few light marks to the material due to lack of regular use.
As we’ve already stated, this is a long way from a ‘standard’ 3.6-litre Mezger engine, but it has been upgraded by some of the best in the business, rather than being a back street ‘tune’ job, and our vendor cannot stress this highly enough.
The engine is in rude mechanical health and has benefitted from servicing and attention by the best in the business, and the vendor reports no issues with the engine, nor any problems with the suspension, exhaust or other mechanical items.
The most recent MOT would also suggest this example is in good shape, with the exam dated 22 October 2020 resulting in a pass after initially failing on the rear tyres and emissions (now addressed) and showing advisories for a discoloured offside repeater and the OSR anti-roll bar linkage having slight play, both of which should be simple enough to fix.
The true ‘everyday supercar’ the 911 Turbo in all its forms will forever be cherished by enthusiasts and drivers alike, thanks to its wonderfully usable nature and impressive performance.
Whilst this example has been ‘turned up to 11’ to quote Spinal Tap, it remains an effortless cruiser when not being used in full-on attack mode, and presents in fantastic condition throughout. One for the experienced drivers and 911 enthusiasts alike!
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2003 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo Cabriolet
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