Highlights
- 2 owners from new
- Low mileage with extensive history
- IMS bearing replaced
The Appeal
With values of the 993 version of the 911 heading ever upwards of late, the 996, the first water-cooled 911, looks set to follow. Of course, there are numerous variants to choose from and arguably none are more versatile than a 4 wheel drive, automatic cabriolet.
This example has seen just two owners from new and is accompanied by a generously-sized folder of invoices documenting specialist care throughout its life. Recent work has included the replacement of the IMS bearing, for peace of mind, and a pair of new rear tyres.
Presented in lovely condition and in a timeless colour combination, it also benefits from a hard top which makes it very usable all year round. With just 64k miles on the clock, and with a pleasantly fruit sports exhaust, it really is the consummate all-rounder.
History and paperwork
- Purchased new 2001 by the previous owner
- Original invoice present
- Extensive service history
- Acquired by the vendor Feb 2022
- IMS bearing replaced as a precaution
- Recent new rear tyres and engine/ oil separator
- Original owner’s manual
- MOT to Jan 2024
- V5C present
- Private plate shown in pictures not included, original plate Y132EDA will be reinstated
The Interior
- Metropole blue leather
- Parrot hands free kit
- CD changer
Climbing aboard a 996 is remarkably easy compared to some other sports cars and, once in inside, you’re greeted with comfortable, supportive seats and a dashboard that is a model of clarity.
As you’d hope from a Porsche, the owner reports that everything remains fully functional including the air conditioning, which has recently been re-gassed, and the CD changer.
The seats do show some patina but there are no rips or splits and both the driver and passenger seat remain a great place to be. Meanwhile, in the rear, the small seats look to have only been used for luggage with the driver’s side speaker grille looking to have taken a knock from a suitcase at some point.
At the front is a fully carpeted boot area under which hides the spare wheel, compressor and complete original toolkit.
The Exterior
- Meridian Silver with blue soft top
- 18 inch Sport Design wheels
- Hard top also included
This car wears its limited mileage and careful ownership on its sleeve, with excellent paintwork that glows in the sunshine and bright wheels. Overall, it’s very eye-catching.
Naturally there are a few small imperfections: some touched in stone chips on the bonnet at the front (though not the bumper below) and a small crease in the rear bumper on the offside. But these are barely noticeable; you really have to be looking to see them.
The wheels are in good shape too, with a few minor marks, and they wear tyres with good tread all round. Indeed, the rears are barely scrubbed in.
Likewise, soft top is in good condition, having been reportedly re-dyed by the previous owner, and underneath is in good order, showing only minor surface corrosion as far as we could see.
The current owner has never used the hard top and, on retrieving it from the garage, there are a couple of areas of bubbling on it and some surface scratches. However, once the instruction manual has been consulted (!) and the roof successfully installed, these minor marks don’t detract from the car’s appearance.
In all, whether roof down, soft top up or hard top on, it’s a lovely looking car that could happily be taken anywhere.
The Mechanics
- 3.4litre flat six engine
- Tiptronic transmission
- Sports exhaust with fresh cats
The car fires up without hesitation and the sports exhaust is immediately noticeable although when underway it’s unobtrusive at a cruise and just pleasantly vocal under load. This is, apparently, somewhat in contrast to when the vendor bought the car as it was supplied without catalytic converters which was troublesome at MOT time. It’s now equipped with a fresh set of cats and is correspondingly quieter and MOT-compliant.
Recent maintenance includes the replacement of both lower front suspension arms and the engine mounts.
On a brief test ride along a minor road, the car pulled strongly through the gears and changed up and down the ‘box smoothly. As further testament to Porsche build quality, there were no squeaks, rattles or other untoward noises and the car felt very tight.
Summary
A well maintained, low mile, 2 owner 996 in fine fettle. An open top sports car you can buy with your head and your heart.
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.
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.
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