Highlights
- The most sought-after 996 according to Porsche Club GB
- Full Porsche and specialist service history
- Versatile and capable drop top Porsche with auto box and hard top
- Long MOT to April 2024 with no advisories
- Just serviced in July 2023
- Recently completed a European classic Porsche tour
The Appeal
After years of successfully re-heating the tried and tested air-cooled 911, Porsche’s first all new model had to be good. Very good. And, of course, it was. True to the original’s ethos yet thoroughly modern, the new car set new standards for what buyers could expect from a rear engined Porsche.
There were many different versions of the new car, but buyers particularly value the 4S model. It’s a view endorsed by none other than the Porsche Club GB. The 4S is like a ‘best of’ of the 996, combining the sure-footed 4WD drive system, an improved and more powerful 3.6litre engine and Turbo aesthetics to create a particularly compelling brew. Later post-2002 facelift cars got enhanced looks too.
This 2004 4S adds a versatile cabriolet roof and desirable Tiptronic box to that mix. With full Porsche and specialist service history attesting to careful ownership, plus a long MOT, this highly usable 911 is one that appeals equally to the head and the heart.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 5th January 2004
- Current owner since 15th September 2022
- Full Porsche and specialist service history with 15 service stamps
- Most recently serviced on 17th July 2023 at 90,875 miles
- Brake fluid checks in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2020
- Body checks by Porsche in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011
- Thick history file including lots of old invoices verifying service and other work
- Full factory handbook set in good condition
- Porsche factory CDs including navigation data dated August 2007
- 2 keys with fobs, light deterioration of one key
- Post-2002 facelift model
- MOT history shows regular, sparing use since 2013
The Interior
- Smart dark blue interior very well preserved reflecting low mileage
- The signs of age and wear are very light and overall it presents very well
- Nicely specified including electric seats (driver’s with memory)
- Seats are well preserved with only very light creasing and no bolster wear visible
- Later Kenwood infotainment head unit fitted
- Switches present well with no scuffs, marks or wear visible
- Dash top and leather-trimmed instrument cowl in well kept condition
- Some very light scuffs on glovebox lid
- Grab handles and armrests lightly marked, typical of this model and not unsightly
- Specification includes Bose speakers, CD storage unit and climate control
- Clear dials with no scratches or scuffs to clear plastic shrouds
- Leather trimmed three spoke steering wheel with very light sheen of use
- Carpets in good condition with black over mats fitted
- ‘Frunk’ area well presented with good carpet and plastic trim areas
The Exterior
- Purposeful wide body Turbo aesthetics make the 4S model particularly desirable
- 4S models got the Turbo front bumper with larger air intakes
- Also borrowed the Turbo’s lovely 18in wheels and red brake calipers
- Full width rear light bar, a nod to earlier models that enhances the aesthetics
- Smart metallic silver paintwork presents very well with no obvious marks
- Some very light stone chips visible to front of car but not immediately visible
- Dark blue fabric roof is well kept with only light creasing and no visible damage
- Clear rear screen with good seal
- Clear, straight panels with no visible dents or dings
- The only marks are to the front rubber spoiler strip that is scuffed and delaminating
- This would likely be an easy repair
- Alloy wheels are presentable, only light kerbing to both rear rims to note
- Rims equipped with quality Michelin tyres showing good tread
- Underside in very good condition with undersealing
- No structural advisories on current or recent MOTs
- B post door shut area on driver’s side shows light scuffs not through paint
- Factory space saver spare wheel
The Mechanics
- 3,596cc water-cooled flat six Porsche engine
- Develops 316bhp, 20bhp up on the standard Carrera 4
- All wheel drive system
- 0-60mph in 5secs
- 5spd ZF 5HP49 ‘Tiptronic’ automatic gearbox with steering wheel buttons
- Sports exhaust from factory with button to activate in cockpit
- Drilled brake discs
- Full Porsche and specialist service history
- Most recently serviced in July 2023
- Used for a classic Porsche tour around Europe this summer
Summary
The 996 launched Porsche into a brand new era, one from which it has never looked back. Of the many variations available the 4S is amongst the most sought after, combining as it does many key elements of the ‘ultimate’ 911 from this era.
This much-historied 4S adds the versatility of soft top or hard top motoring to the mix, plus the flexibility of a Tiptronic box. Recently serviced and MOT’d this is a hugely capable car and one we feel sure you won’t want to miss.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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