911 CARRERA TIPTRONIC S 1999 Millennium Edition Mot June 2024
A really rare version of the first water cooled Porsche 911 (996 model) - indeed it's totally evaded the radar of most enthusiasts - more details on that below - which makes it something that, at the moment is slightly undervalued.
It's got a solid service history (stamped service book and accompanying invoices/ receipts).
Maintenance and servicing has been kept up to date in my ownership including - new crank sensor, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres all round, coffin arms front, front support control arms (tuning fork), front suspension top mounts with bearing , suspension front damper bump stops, new Brembo discs all round and TEXTAR pads, DIRECT FIT Stainless exhaust silencers pair (lifetime guarantee), Tiptronic gear selector switch and new NS brake pipe.
Cosmetically the bumpers and door mirrors have been repainted and the driver's seat leather bolster repaired.
Historically all the milestones and any issues have been addressed including IMS at 100k and rear suspension at 138k plus the front suspension as mentioned.
It starts on the button as they say and even after not being used for a few weeks I can simply jump in, turn the key and go.
Condition of the car is very definitely above average but not concours - depending upon how you view a car's condition. Bad points - some insignificant stone chipping on the exterior around the flanks and on the roof; there's a soft dent (5p size) on driver's door; driver's heated seat element isn't working. That's it - everything else is spot on.
The exclusive alloys are perfect. Interior is as near perfect as can be - over mats have kept the original carpet in good shape.
The photographs of the car I've shown have been taken over the last couple of years in different lighting and weather conditions and show how the colour varies a lot depending on the light. Most people think the car is black - but then realise that it's not.
The registration in the photos is my personal plate and isn't for sale with the car.
As I said, the price reflects that the car isn't concours in the true sense of the word, although some of the photos show it at Dubshed where it was well received and admired. It's NOT at all scruffy.
However, with 996's becoming the new "loved" version of 911, and so being more sought after, along with the rarity factor on this particular car, the price point is fair.
There are a few in the UK - 34 were originally registered for UK market but I'm not sure at all how many are left - the good chap from whom I bought this a few years back, has one for sale at present and I know of another only.
Some of these limited edition runs were a few hundred cars and some a lot lot less, only just a few - these of course are so exclusive and financially beyond the reach of most of us.
Others are less exclusive but nevertheless they are true factory built Limited Editions to mark various Porsche Anniversaries, the well known air cooled 3. 2's in Diamond Blue, The "40 Jahre 911 " (year 2003) and the Boxster 550 Spyder Anniversary built for model year 2004. There were 1963 of the 911 produced and 1953 of the Boxster produced. Both the 911 and the Boxster were mildly tuned and came in one colour only - GT Silver. Great cars both of them.
However, this 911 from that era which is more exclusive. Based on a 996 Carrera 4, it was a car produced by Porsche to mark the unique global anniversary, a literal once in a lifetime event, the NEW Millennium - 1999 into 2000. Only 911 of these were produced and only 34 were UK specification RHD cars - yes just 34 as mentioned ealier.
Have you ever seen one? As I said earlier this edition has evaded most enthusiasts, certainly in the UK. In the US there seems to be a following. Back here in the UK there' s only three that I know of in the UK at present - mine is NUMBER 98.
Unlike the "40 Jahre and the "550 Spyder" though, the Millennium Edition 996 wasn't tuned apart having lowered suspension and LSD. It was more a luxurious version with exclusive cinnamon full leather with wooden finishes on dash/ steering wheel and door card, together with exclusive paintwork known as Chromaflair Violet and polished turbo wheels. And all cars were Carrera 4's and all had the obligatory on dash plaque to detail the exact model number.
So number 98 was delivered by my local Porsche Main Dealer in time for Christmas 1999. Just think. the first owner picked this car up the week before Christmas and, as the turn of the millennium was dawning a couple of weeks later, he could look out in his garage to a car that was built to mark this, literally, this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Under a year later he traded it in and the car relocated to mainland UK where it spent the rest of its life until I brought it back in 2021.
In summary the Millennium Edition 996 is, I suppose, a sort of a MARMITE car - you either love it as it is or you don't. I've never modified the car in any way - not even the walnut steering wheel! It's totally original. I've described the car honestly and accurately - warts and all - I don't like being misled or getting any nasty surprises.
Thank you for taking time to read my advert for a very exclusive car.
Based in Northern Ireland but only a short flight from UK and I am 30 mins from our International Airport or ferry terminal from where I can collect any viewer.
Once again, many thanks for looking.
