The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the 911 sports car manufactured from 1997 until 2006. The 996 had little in common with its predecessor, with the first all new chassis platform since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine. Technically, it was a major change, a complete breakthrough from the original car other than the overall layout.

Development of the 996 was shared with its range-entry sibling, the Boxster roadster which was introduced around the same time, including the front suspension, various interior components, and the engine, all of which were enlarged for the 996.

At its debut, the 996 featured the most significant change from the classic 911 series: a water-cooled engine replacing the previously air-cooled powerplant. Progressively stringent emissions and noise regulations, environmental concerns, a higher expectation for refinement and the need for a high-performance four-valve-per-cylinder engine made the switch necessary.

Other major changes include a completely new platform having a sleeker body with a more raked windshield, and a re-designed interior along with new ‘fried egg’ shaped headlamps.

This low-mileage, low-ownership and highly presentable Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 2 rolled off the Stuttgart production line on 22nd April 2002 and received its first UK registration three weeks later on the 15th May.

During the intervening 20 years, the car has been lovingly enjoyed by just three keepers, prior to its acquisition by the current custodian around a year ago.

The car will be sold with a valid MoT, but a rummage through online MoT records indicates a PASS for the previous past two tests, with previous fails being for non-mechanical issues.

Accompanying the sale of ‘EKB’ will be the V5C and a brand new MoT certificate. There is the original Porsche holdall containing the owner’s handbook, service maintenance record book, original CD/radio instruction manual and key code, together with a file of past paperwork which details spares acquired and maintenance undertaken in recent years.

While not quite in concours condition, the interior of this automotive gem presents in exceptionally good condition, to the extent that the writer frequently had to remind himself that this is a twenty-year-old German classic.

The 996’s original interior reflects its ‘lovingly and lightly used’ condition and promises to be a delightful place in which to spend some immersive, sun-drenched road time.

Specified to a high-end trim grade of the period, the interior furniture is swathed in black leather and matching carpet floor coverings. The door cards are in very good condition and only the steering wheel shows evidence of the car’s age and mileage.

Barring the lift flap over the passenger vanity light having come adrift (retained in cubby but essentially a small issue that is easily remedied), together with the missing small plastic release knob atop the rear right seat upright, it must be noted that no interior blemishes of any description are in evidence.

The vendor reports all the electrics to be in full working order including the memory/heated seats, bespoke Porsche CDR22 audio unit and the cabriolet roof mechanism operates like clockwork. Like the cabin, the boot presents in a clean and tidy condition and contains the covered fifth alloy spare wheel.

Along with the smart and tidy interior, this 996’s exterior is equally highly presentable. From new, the original owner specified the car with the full 996 aero kit which was optional at the time. It included the additional side skirts and GT3 rear spoiler. We think it affords the car considerably more gravitas and sets the car off to an exceptional standard.

The original – and rare – Lapis Blue paintwork gleams to a high standard and all the brightwork shines as intended. The front and rear lights are clear and all electrics are said to be in working order and both undersides of the boot lid and bonnet are in excellent 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 remarkably good condition. 

The front, rear and side sills of the car are blemish-free, as are each of the door under-sills. The condition of the car highlights the love and care afforded the car over the years.

Just a small issue was noted by this photographer and writer – there is a pinch hole to the lower left side of the folding roof, together with a few small abrasions on the exterior of the folding frame as depicted in the accompanying gallery. That evidenced, its repair would present no particular challenge to a professional upholsterer worthy of the name.

It also comes with a colour coded factory hard top.

The writer was fortunate to have driven the car several miles to the photo location – and the experience was epic to say the least! The chunky in-line flat six fired up at the first ask every time and settled into an appreciative burble that only a well-maintained flat six can muster. The tiptronic automatic gearbox connected smoothly and the drivetrain engaged with no drama, requiring a just gentle rev to get underway. 

A few cheeky blasts when safely able resulted in considerable whitening of the driver’s knuckles and a sonorous audio note emanating from the GT3 exhaust. Truly an exhilarating experience!

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 over twenty years ago. When enclosed, the cabin is protected by a K&N air filtration system.

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.

Who doesn’t love a convertible – especially one as stunningly beautiful as this Lapis Blue 996 Carrera with its handsome aero kit? True roofless aficionados know there are many reasons for having a convertible on your driveway but, bragging rights aside, most are sensory. Exposed as you are to nature’s elements, there is a the heightened sense of motion, the rush of passing scenery, the fragrance of fresh, open air as dappled shade flickers over your Ray-Bans. Bliss!

In GX02 EKB, we have an extraordinarily healthy example of one of Porsche’s finest creations as the 996 began to mature. It presents in exceptionally good condition inside, outside and under and its new keeper will have a hard act to follow in maintaining the condition of this car.

G’won, because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid…you know you want to!