∙ Outstanding condition inside and out ∙ Huge and fastidiously organised history file ∙ Recent IMS bearing upgrade ∙ Excellent runner in superb mechanical order
The Background
The 996-generation 911’s time has well and truly arrived. This is the model built between 1997-2004, and while it would be inaccurate to say that any era of Porsche’s age-old iconic sports car has ever been truly unpopular, it’s an undeniable fact that the first of the water-cooled cars were rather more controversial than most. The switch from air-cooling was just one hurdle too high for some die-hard purists. The 996 still sold like hot cakes, of course, as it really was a magnificent piece of design and engineering, and we’ve reached a point today whereby the values are just about on the cusp of skyrocketing. The time is right to pull the trigger on 996 ownership before the prices start to get dramatic.
As with all 911s the list of variants is entertainingly complex, from slinky two-wheel drive Carreras to wide-hipped all-wheel-drive models, up to the fiery GT2s/’3s, RS road-racers and track beasts and, of course, the fabled Turbo, but we’d suggest that the real sweet spot in the range is to take things back to basics with the classic and timeless Carrera 2, in Cabriolet form so as to enjoy that glorious flat-six burble. And as you can see from the photos, we’ve got a real honey of an example for you here.
The History
It’s often the sign of a good car if it’s clearly been owned by somebody who’s loved and cherished it, and that’s very much the case here. The history file is enormous and fastidiously ordered, and bears evidence of all the right work having been done by all the right people. The 911 has always been correctly maintained, and has been cleaned and polished with obsessive care; the pampering also extends to addressing the infamous issues experienced by some 996s. Marque aficionados will be wary of the engine’s IMS bearing and the potential for trouble there, but this owner has very recently had an upgraded IMS and oil pump feed conversion along with all sorts of other in-depth maintenance to ensure longevity. Maintenance carried out with an eye on the future, and as such the 996 has many, many years of enjoyment ahead of it. The only reason for the current owner to end this protracted bout of pampering is that they’ve replaced it with another car, so it’s time for a new curator to carry on the good work.
The Paperwork
The file of paperwork with this car is not only huge, but it’s ordered with incredible attention to detail – everything’s in date order, so it’s extremely simple to interrogate the data and see precisely what’s been done and when. The service history is full and comprehensive. We can see, for example, that the most recent work (carried out this year) took place at AutoFarm Oxon, fitting a new air-conditioning condenser and dryer, as well as an upgraded set of coil packs. In 2020, a new set of Pirelli P-Zero Rosso N4 tyres were fitted, along with new wheel bolts, new gas lifters for the front bonnet, and the soft-top was re-proofed. Crucially, 2019 also saw the upgraded Vertex IMS bearing with oil pump feed conversion, as well as a new clutch and new front discs and pads. In essence, all of the expensive stuff has been recently done, and the drop-top 911’s ready to rock ‘n’ roll. The MOT runs to March 2022, and shows no advisories.
The Interior
The design of the 996’s interior is one that’s aged extremely well, with a particular highlight being the dash layout. The fighter-pilot array of five main dials is something of a design icon, the rev counter front and centre, with logically laid out controls and superior ergonomics helping the driver to truly feel at one with the car.
This 996’s cabin is trimmed in its factory-original leather, which has evidently been looked after as it’s all in great condition – particularly the rear seats, which we can assume have been seldom used. The steering wheel isn’t unduly worn, and it would appear that every button and switch does what it’s supposed to do. With the new air-con compressor and dryer having been fitted just a few weeks ago, it’s blowing ice cold. Overall, a superbly maintained cabin that strikes just the right ambience.
The Exterior
Arctic Silver is a shade that suits the sylph-like 996 curves extremely well, and the tasteful counterpoint of the Metropole Blue soft-top helps to create a tremendously elegant silhouette. The soft-top has been recently re-proofed to keep it water-tight and strong, and the original hard-top is also present, kept safe in its correct protective bag.
The paintwork is in fine order throughout, and the panels all sit straight and true with even gaps. The headlights were treated to a professional refurbishment in 2019, and all of the correct badges and trim are in place. The car wears its original Carrera Sport Techno alloy wheels in excellent condition, and a new set of N-rated Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres were fitted last year, which still have lots of tread.
The Mechanicals
With the preferred 3.6l engine under the bonnet, the mechanicals of this car are as solid as you could reasonably hope a 996 to be, thanks to the care with which it’s been looked after. It’s very recently had a new set of upgraded coil packs fitted, and the big job was attended to last year: an upgraded Vertex IMS bearing was fitted with oil pump feed conversion, and while the Porsche was at AutoFarm Oxon it was also treated to new exhaust gaskets and sleeves, oil pump gasket, crankshaft seal, RMS and tensioner seals. The works continued with a full clutch kit, clutch release ball pin and spigot bush, air/oil separator, plus a full major service including plugs, filters and Castrol Edge oil in 2019. As such, the car is running like a dream, with all the eager performance you’d expect from that venerable flat-six motor. It’s worth noting that the Porsche is fitted with the desirable manual transmission. The car has also been fitted with a new alternator, new stainless exhaust silencers, and the front brake discs and pads have been renewed.
The Appeal
The first of the water-cooled 911s has become a true-blue modern classic, and this one certainly stands up as one of the best examples we’ve seen. The spec is desirable, with the tasteful combination of Arctic Silver paint and Metropole Blue hood working well with the leather, but the real selling point of this car is the painstaking care with which it’s been looked after. The mighty file of paperwork is proof of extraordinary pampering, and the crucial thing to bear in mind is that all of the expensive things have been done (to the tune of over £7,500) within the last twenty-four months. So it’s not a 996 that you’re going to climb into with trepidation, but one that’s straining at the leash to be enjoyed, top-down, all across the summer of 2021 and beyond. A fabulous example of a true thoroughbred.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here
Consulta le nostre FAQ
qui
e i nostri Termini e condizioni
qui
Il modo più sicuro per acquistare un'auto d'epoca online
Il sistema di pagamento sicuro di Car & Classic protegge acquirenti e venditori. Al termine dell'asta, l'offerente vincente trasferisce il pagamento su un conto vincolato di terzi. Una volta completato il trasferimento del veicolo, entrambe le parti confermano di essere soddisfatte della vendita e il denaro viene rilasciato al venditore.
Maggiori informazioni su come acquistare con noi
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet
Come funzionano le offerte massime
Il processo di offerta massima ti permette di fare offerte senza preoccupazioni.
Inserisci la tua offerta massima e il sistema farà offerte automaticamente per assicurarsi che tu sia il miglior offerente - fino all'ammontare da te stabilito come tetto massimo.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic contrasta il fenomeno dello “sniping”, ovvero il fenomeno dei rilanci all'ultimo secondo per vincere l'asta.
Se viene fatta un'offerta nei 3 minuti prima della chiusura dell'asta, la scadenza di questa viene automaticamente estesa di 2 minuti per permettere agli altri offerenti di reagire e, se lo desiderano, di rilanciare.
Incrementi di offerta automatica
Se la sua offerta massima è uguale o inferiore al prezzo di riserva, la sua offerta massima sarà applicata per intero se lei è il miglior offerente.
Se siete il miglior offerente e fate un'offerta massima superiore a quella di riserva, la riserva verrà automaticamente inserita come prima offerta.
Una volta raggiunta la riserva, Car & Classic si assicurerà che tu sia il miglior offerente utilizzando solo gli incrementi di offerta indicati di seguito.
Vi terremo in testa fino alla vostra offerta massima O all'incremento più vicino alla vostra offerta massima, a condizione che la vostra offerta massima sia sufficiente a coprire il valore dell'incremento.
Ammontare dell'offerta
Incremento
Da £0 a £9,999
£100.00
Da £10,000 a £49,999
£250.00
Da £50,000 a £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Superamento immediato dell'offerta
Quando piazzi un'offerta massima e questa viene immediatamente superata, questo significa che un altro offerente ha impostato una soglia di offerta massima superiore alla tua.
Puoi fare nuovamente un'offerta o impostare una soglia più alta di offerta massima e il nostro sistema rilancerà fino alla nuova soglia, cercando di portarti a essere il miglior offerente.
Offerte massime di pari ammontare
Quando ci sono due offerte massime di pari ammontare, quella impostata per prima è quella che viene considerata “migliore offerta”.
Pre-autorizzazione
Potremmo trattenere un piccolo importo di pre-autorizzazione sulla tua carta fino alla fine dell'asta, quando quest'ultimo verrà poi stornato. Se vinci, verrà prelevata una caparra che verrà detratta dal pagamento del prezzo di vendita per il veicolo e non comporta costi aggiuntivi per te.
Cosa sono le Offerte pre-asta?
Offerte pre-asta significa che avete la possibilità di fare offerte prima dell'inizio ufficiale dell'asta.
Verrà comunicato se si è il miglior offerente o meno all'inizio dell'asta.
Problema con l'offerta
Le offerte sono contrattualmente vincolanti. Per tutelare l'utente, sono previste alcune regole nel caso in cui si ritenga che sia stato digitato in modo errato. Si prega di controllare e modificare quanto inserito.