Highlights
- Exceptionally well maintained with servicing from Porsche dealerships and specialists
- immaculate condition interior and exterior
- fully loaded with high-spec optional extras including extended carbon interior and sunroof
The Appeal
The 997 debuted in 2004 at the Geneva Motor Show, and was produced until 2013 when it was replaced by the 991. Taking many design features from the previous 996, the 997 is visually similar but still a significant evolution of the 911 nameplate. Updates from the previous 911 Turbo included a new front bumper with LED turn signal strips integrated into the air intake vents, updated headlights, considered by most to be a vast improvement over the 996’s “fried egg” shaped lenses, enlarged vents in front of and behind the rear wheels, and increased power output. In addition to more power, the vehicle was also lighter by around 40kg.
This 997 Turbo as presented has been maintained to a high standard with stamps in the service book up to date, and record of invoices kept from day one. Equipped with the faster-accelerating Tiptronic 5-speed automatic transmission, it’s the ultimate compromise between comfort and control. According to official Porsche figures, the 997 Turbo accelerates from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission, and 3.7 seconds with the 5-speed Tiptronic transmission. Automatic gear selection provides comfort and convenience for most trips, but at the press of a button, manual gear selection allows for a more driver-controlled precision when the mood strikes; as it so often does.
This one is also well-equipped with a plethora of optional extras including an extended carbon fibre interior package, 19-inch wheels, and notably the Sport Chrono package, which allows it to raise the maximum boost pressure by 0.2 bar for up to 10 seconds, resulting in a momentary increase in torque by about 45 ft lbs.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT valid until 27 February 2024, with no advisories current and historic advisories tire and headlight related
- Owner states no previous accidents or damage
- Full Porsche specialist or dealership service history with invoices and stamps
- Updated with more modern Satnav system with Bluetooth and USB ports equipped
- Wheels refurbished with new tires
- Recent AC condenser service in 2022
- Comes with all owners’ books as pictured and two sets of keys
With a service book full of stamps from Porsche specialists and dealerships in its history file, this 911 is up to date with major and minor services, and is said to be absolutely mechanically sound. Based on other invoices supplied with sale, other maintenance has also been performed on a regular basis. It’s previously had all coolant hoses replaced in 2018, turbo and exhaust manifolds’ gasket sets replaced in 2020 at 59,877 miles, and its last gearbox oil change was performed in 2022 at 68,701 miles, just to name a few key jobs.
Its last minor maintenance was performed March this year at 69,588 miles, with last major maintenance including new drive belts performed at 59,083 miles.
The Interior
- Overall great condition black leather and carbon fibre interior, with no signs of damage and barely any signs of use
- Specification includes:
- Updated Kenwood Satnav and head unit system (not factory fitted) with Bose speakers
- Carbon Fibre extended interior including the below bits:
- Full centre console
- Shift knob and handbrake lever
- Glove box upper panels
- Ignition ring
- Multiple door features
- Alcantara roof liner
- Sports steering wheel
- Silver dials
- Auto adjust rear mirror
- Sport Chrono Package Plus
- Rear parking assist
- Slide/tilt sunroof
- Vehicle tracking system
- Full leather interior
- Owner states all gauges, buttons, and knobs work as expected
Thanks in part to Porsche’s timeless and driver-centric design, and part to the high-quality materials used in manufacturing, this 15-year-old 911’s interior is still incredibly modern and remains in immaculate condition. From a driver-centric design point, everything is organized in a way that makes sense, and all controls are within easy reach, and the instrument panel and gauges are all easy to read and well placed. From a tactile standpoint, the centre console buttons are placed well, and the digital menus and analogue/electronic combination gauges’ interfaces are intuitive to use, with the display remaining vibrant and very easy to read while on the go.
The interior here is in truly excellent condition for the age, consisting of all originally specified interior components from the carbon fibre to the full leather seats; the only thing that has been changed is the Kenwood display and head unit which improves the overall usability of the vehicle, updating the Satnav system and allowing for a more modern phone connectivity. There are very few signs of use seen anywhere in the interior, it is nearly the same condition as it had come from the factory in 2008. The front seat material is ever-so-slightly creased where there has been contact with the drivers and passengers on the backrests and seat bottoms, but this is just about the only indication they’ve ever even been sat in. The carpets are in great shape, and in a clean and tidy state, proudly bearing the Porsche insignia.
The Alcantara headlining is also in great shape, with no marks or signs of sagging. The rear storage area behind the rear seats is in great condition with no stains on the carpet or wear. The front-boot is in an equally clean and tidy state, with carpets in great condition, and all plastics clean and clear from any markings.
The Exterior
- Arctic Silver paintwork in excellent shape with only very minor marks from the road on the front bumper
- Glasswork in pristine condition
- Emblems, wheels, and lenses in near perfect shape as well
The paintwork and colour perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle, and displays very few imperfections for its age. The lacquer is still in excellent shape, with no signs of weather damage or scratches seen. There are some normal chips from the road up front, but nothing out of the ordinary for a vehicle that is actually driven, and certainly nothing that takes away from the overall condition of the car in any way.
The trim is in great condition, with rubbers and seals all performing their duties. Light lenses are in near perfect condition. The graduated tint window glass is in incredible condition with very few normal marks from the road. The factory 19-inch wheels have recently been refurbished, and are clean and beautiful even on the inside barrels, with nothing at all to mention as far as any imperfections.
The underside shows no signs of rust having had its way with the car, only some very minor surface corrosion present in one or two places, completely belying the mileage of the car.
The Mechanics
- Completely standard with all original components
- Owner states that clutch, gearbox, cooling system, and engine all in great condition having been maintained well by Porsche dealerships and specialists
- The suspension is comfortable, smooth, and predictable
- 3.6L Boxer / Flat-6 engine with around 475hp standard; power comes on strong and without lag
- Engine bay exceptionally clean and tidy
As to be expected, some of the very best bits about this vehicle stem from its 475hp 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six engine. That, coupled with the all-wheel-drive system, helps to explain why Porsche has made it so big in the performance and road racing segment. Power delivery is precise and calculated; predictable but still terribly exciting every time you get into full boost, which seems to be nice and early in the RPM range.
Handling is as sharp as you could hope for, but still comfortable enough to enjoy long distances without any associated displeasure. It is a clear grand tourer, but shifted a bit towards the performance edge of what we would expect from that category of vehicle. A rear engine vehicle expectedly feels a bit different than one might be used to coming from a different drivetrain layout, but with that in mind, there’s a strong reason Porsche has chosen this layout for nearly all 911s to date.
The current owner states there’s no known issues with the vehicle as it is currently, and there’s no work needing to be done at this time. The vehicle accelerates, brakes, shifts gears, and handles exactly as to be expected from a Porsche. It’s completely ready to be driven, and in such a clean and standard state that it would make an excellent addition to any Porsche collector’s garage.
Summary
This is a very exciting opportunity to pick up a powerful and comfortable 997 Turbo Tiptronic, which is mechanically sound, almost entirely standard, and displays the Porsche badge proudly. The amount of performance, luxury, and elegance this vehicle comes along with is instantly noticeable upon the very first glance. Once you set foot in the pristine interior and get to grips with the feel of the car, it’s clear to see why the 997 has held a special place in many Porsche fanatic’s collections.
With that being said, the owner informs us it’s ready to be driven as it’s meant to be driven and enjoyed, whether on a long-distance journey, or in a reliable daily driver capacity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
