・Original specification
・Low mileage  
・Bespoke interior specification
・Detailed service history
・Offered with a fresh MOT

When the 996 version of the Porsche 911 arrived in 1997 it brought the model bang up to date. It was water-cooled for starters, and it was bigger, it was better built and it was more powerful. Especially in Turbo guise. However, while the Turbo specification put the 911 firmly in supercar territory, it wasn’t made available as a cabrio. But frustratingly, other specifications were. 

Porsche eventually gave us what we wanted though, and in 2003 it launched the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, which is what we have here. It packed the same 420bhp engine, it was all-wheel drive and it was, as you would hope, an absolute cruise missile of a car. It took engineers some time to work out how to best apply all that power to the less rigits cabriolet shell, but they did it and in the process, they created one of Porshce’s most desirable models. 

Registered on the 3rd of March, 2004, this is one of the first batch of 996 Turbos built. It was ordered in Lapis Blue metallic with contrasting Savannah leather trim. It was also ordered with satellite navigation and a six-speed manual transmission. It was, and still is, a serious bit of kit. Prior to this, the last 911 Turbo Convertible was the 1989 964 version - you can see why people were champing at the bit to get this one! 

It was with its first owner until 2007 and has had five more since. The car has covered a mere 64,000 miles over a sixteen year period, and it shows. The current owner has barely driven the car over the last year during which he has had it, and during that time it has been parked indoors in warm, dry conditions.  

There is ample paperwork with this 911 Turbo. Firstly, there is the original book pack and manuals as well as the accompanying wallet. The service record book is stamped, however bidders should be aware that this is a replacement, as the original was lost at some point. However, from Porsche database information, it has been filled in accordingly. 

There is also a brace of paperwork detailing work that has been carried out on the 911 Turbo over the course of its life. Various services, a new front splitter, rear wheel and soft top refurbishment (at a cost of over £1,300), a new clutch at 42k and a new fuel pump. Then there are the important repairs like those to the air conditioning system (a common weak spot), the intercooler lines and PAS reservoir. All wear and tear items for the big Porsche, but ones that some owners will put off due to expense. Not here though, the custodians of this car have spared no expense in keeping it in tip top condition. And there is ample documentation to back it all up, as you can see in the gallery below.  

The interior, which is finished in Savannah leather, is a bold choice but one that works against the subtle Lapis Blue of the exterior. As you would expect for a car with such low mileage, the interior is in excellent condition throughout. Impressive, as the Savannah trim is one of those that is keen to show dirt or marks. Happily though, this interior is largely in good order. There is some marking on the headrest area of the passenger seat (pictured) but this in no way detracts from the overall condition. And as you would expect, there is some light creasing of the leather from use, but no wear or rips. 

The carpets, including those sections on the doors are free from dirt and marks. The leather within the doors is in wonderful condition, too. The door rubbers are all healthy, the kick plates free from damage and the door shuts are well resented, too. The doors open and close without issue, and there is no drop of misalignment to be seen. 

The hod, having been refurbished, is in excellent order and seals tightly and pulls taught as it does. The electronic movement makes no untoward noises or creaks, and the securing levers all function as expected. There is also a solid hardtop with the car, which other than needing a clean, is in good order. 

The dash is bright and clear with no untoward warning lights on display. The climate control works as it should, the fans are quiet, and all the buttons throughout the cabin appear to have a corresponding function. Nothing seems to have failed or broken - further joys of being so low mileage. The electric seats motors work without any grinding or graunching, as do the windows and mirrors. German engineering for you! 

As you can see from the pictures, this 911 Turbo presents really rather well. The bodywork is in good order throughout and there are no serious blemishes or issues. The paint is rich and deep and seems to have been cared for, as there is nothing in the way of excessive swirling. The rubbers are all in good order, with no obvious cracking or major defects. The front splitter - as per the information in the paperwork - has been replaced and, as such, is in excellent ‘rash’ free condition. There are some small stone chips on the nose of the car, as to be expected, but these are minor and in no way detract from the overall appearance of the 911. 

The wheels are all in generally good order, with healthy tyres all round. The rear wheels have been refurbished at some point, but bidders should be aware that there is some minor under-paint corrosion on the back half of some spokes, but you have to look for it and again, it doesn’t detract at all. 

The headlights are bright and clear, which is a rare find as these units can fog over, but no such concern here. The badges are in good order, the skirts, door handles and wing mirrors too. And finally, at the rear you will find the active spoiler which both works, and is free from leaks internally.  

As you would expect from a car with such low mileage, the mechanicals are in rude health. The car starts keenly and there is no smoke, nor are there any untoward rattles or squeaks. The car pulls and pulls hard, as you would expect from a Turbo 911. However, this one drives in a manner different to the others. In the past, it has been re-mapped to release more power, and a previous owner has also had a short shift kit fitted, meaning the gear shift is sharp and direct. It feels very special to press on in this car. 

The suspension (which featured bonded bushes on this model) is compliant and taut, and there are no bumps or creaks from it. The all-wheel drive system gives the driver an extra confidence boost, as power is delivered cleanly and without drama over all four wheels, rather than just to the rear. 

Make no mistake, this 911 Turbo has been looked after. It drives exceptionally well, and is sure to put a smile firmly on the face of whoever is lucky enough to secure the winning bid. The vendor will have the vehicle freshly MOT'd upon sale to give the new owner full confidence in the car. 

It’s an automotive, supercar legend with the right engine, the right transmission and the right body. Not only that, it’s been looked after by people clearly passionate about their Porsche, and it also boasts impressively low mileage. This is a car for the driver - the transmission and remap see to that. It’s a machine that will send adrenaline through the veins of anyone lucky enough to be in it. An event to drive, this 911 Turbo is a wonderful example of just how good the 996 was.