Highlights
- Excellent mechanical condition
- FSH, no expense spared on maintenance
- Perfect for year-round fun
- With hard top
- Fresh MOT
The Appeal
The Porsche 996 was developed as a range-entry model to give the younger generation a chance to enter the 911 market (‘catch ‘em young and they’ll stay with the marque’ was the philosophy). It was in production from 1997 to 2004, with the super-high performance GT2, GT3 and Turbo S models remaining in production until 2006.
It offers the best 911 value for money, provides good performance from the flat six boxer engine and is a nimble sports car that can be used every day. Referring to the 996 as ‘the best all-round 911’ won't sit too well with many Porsche purists, but for many car enthusiasts this is exactly the way they see it.
In CGZ 8605 we have an extraordinarily healthy 2003 example of one of Porsche’s finest creations as the 996 began to mature. It presents in very good condition inside, outside and under and its new keeper will have a hard act to follow in maintaining the condition of this car.
History and Paperwork
- Mostly dry-driven, garaged when not in use
- No expense spared – if needed, it’s been done
- V5 present and in current keeper’s name
- New MOT valid until 20th July 2023
This handsome Porsche 996 received its first UK registration in January, 2003. It was acquired by its present keeper in July, 2017 and has been enjoyed immensely in recent years…Covid19 permitting, of course. Now living abroad, the owner has little need for it and has reluctantly offered it up for sale for its next keeper to enjoy.
Accompanying the car will be the original leather owner’s holdall containing the fully-stamped service record book, driver’s manual and Porsche’s CDR23 audio system ‘quick reference’ guide.
In addition, there is a file of service and maintenance invoices from Brookspeed Porsche and Eporsch Ltd, detailing various works carried out over the years as required.
The Interior
- Fully original and includes Parrot Bluetooth kit
- Contrasting tan leather throughout
- Very good condition for its age and mileage
While not quite in concours condition, the interior of this automotive gem presents in very good condition, to the extent that the writer frequently had to remind himself that this is a twenty-year-old German classic.
The original interior is swathed in leather (Code SD Savannah Beige) throughout, with colour-matched carpeting in the footwells, transmission tunnel and on the door cards. It remains a delightful place in which to spend some immersive, sun-drenched road time.
Apart from a recently replaced panel on the driver’s seat squab and a few minor blemishes to the leather around high-traffic dashboard switchgear, the interior presents in an honest and ‘lovingly used’ condition.
The vendor’s representative reports all the electrics to be in full working order including the electric seats, bespoke Porsche CDR23 audio unit and the cabriolet roof mechanism works like clockwork. Like the cabin, the front boot presents in a clean and tidy condition and houses the wind deflector and car cover.
The removable hard top is in excellent condition and comes with a wheeled mount for easy summer storage.
The Exterior
- Original LC92 Black paint finish
- Removable hard top on wheeled mount
- Folding roof is in remarkable condition
As with the smart and tidy interior, this 996’s exterior is equally highly presentable. The original LC92 black paint finish gleams to a high standard and all the brightwork shines as intended. The front and rear light clusters are clear and all electrics are said to be in working order. The undersides of both the engine cover and bonnet are in excellent condition.
The smart alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres on the front axle and a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2’s to the rear. Both sets are less than a year old and are in very good condition.
A cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of damage and the front number plate, bumper and valance – for all their vulnerability – remain in very good condition.
The front, rear and side sills of the car are blemish-free, as are each of the under-door sills. The condition of the car highlights the love and care afforded to it over the years.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys
- Full service history, no maintenance expense spared
- Electronic ‘tunnel-ready’ sports exhaust
At the photo location, the 996 was frequently located to obtain the best of challenging light conditions. The well-tuned Porsche engine fired up at every ask and settled into an appreciative burble that only a well-maintained flat six boxer can muster.
The tiptronic automatic gearbox connected smoothly and the drivetrain engaged with no drama, requiring a just gentle rev to get underway.
The custodian reports the car to be very good mechanical condition and comes with a full Porsche dealer and specialist history. The steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective German engineers intended nearly twenty years ago.
The compact engine bay is very tidy and clean and, like the immediately visible parts of this 996 Carrera, the underside of the car presents in good order with the usual degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age and mileage.
Summary
The 996 offers Porsche fans a great way into the 911 market at an affordable price whilst still providing impressive performance and an authentic driving experience.
The sheer number of 996s built means it’s unlikely to ever be as collectible as its older siblings, but just because the 996 Carrera isn’t necessarily collectible doesn’t mean it’s not desirable – especially with the value this car brings to the table.
Notice to bidders
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