Highlights
- Just 12,500 miles indicated
- Excellent service record
- Two owners from new
- 3.6-litre all-wheel drive
- Tiptronic transmission
The Appeal
Porsche’s 911 is not a sports car. It is the sports car. The distilled, quintessential essence of how a performance coupé should be. Over the years it has seen many iterations, special models and some subtle shifts in direction. The 996, however, was not a subtle shift. Introducing water-cooled engines for the first time, it pushed the range in an altogether more modern direction – one it has never looked back from.
What we have here is a very rare and desirable machine – a genuine 12,500 mile Carrera 4S. Presented in exceptional condition, in a smart black-over-tan colour scheme and with a very fine service record, it’s the kind of vehicle we are unlikely to see again. The 996 is rapidly gaining appreciation as an overlooked retro classic, so if the idea of a low mileage example appeals to you (and, if you have a pulse, then it should) then this is one you really should be pursuing…
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in December 2002 in Jersey
- A 2002MY facelift car
- Two owners from new
- The first owner imported the car to the mainland in 2018
- Acquired by the second owner in February 2021
- Always garaged and considerately driven
- Unmodified and completely standard
- Complete with the original owner’s handbooks and a number of invoices
- Comprehensive main dealer / specialist service record with six stamps
- Full Porsche 111 point check in February 2021
- Current MOT to December 2023
The Interior
- Tan leather upholstery
- Electrically adjustable, heated front seats with two-memory driver’s seat
- Factory fitted metal sunroof
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- BOSE sound system with rado, cassette and CD
- Satellite navigation system
- Cruise control
- Automatic air conditioning
Offering a lovely contrast to the glistening black paintwork, the tan leather upholstery is presented in superb condition. There’s minimal evidence of wear and tear, no sagging we could see, and hardly any evidence that the seats have been used – in fact, we’re doubtful that the rears have been used for anything heavier than a coat.
Likewise, the black carpets and Alcantara headliner look excellent. The carpets show clean and neat, with no threading or staining apparent. Meanwhile the headliner is secure and undamaged, with no tears or stains to be seen at all.
That classic five dial layout is present and correct before the driver, with the gauges all being nice and clear and displaying barely any wear. We’re sure if you looked really hard you could find the odd minor blemish or mark from use somewhere on the trim and switchgear, but we certainly didn’t see anything. It presents as close to “new” as you could reasonably expect from a 21 year old car.
At the front, there’s a useful “frunk” – perfect for a couple of soft overnight bags or a weekend case. It’s lined out with black carpet and is in very fine condition.
We’re assured by the vendor that everything in the cabin functions correctly. No faults or issues are reported.
The Exterior
- Stunning black paintwork
- Completely factory, unmodified bodywork
- Original ‘Turbo Twist’ alloys
When the 996 was facelifted for this 2002MY range, the 4S models were gifted the wider, ‘Turbo style’ bodywork and track. It gives the car a more muscular, hunkered down stance, with dramatic wide hips and smooth lines.
It well suits the smart black paintwork this example is finished in, which wears a fantastic gloss and has a shimmering depth that belies its years. It’s clear the car has been exceptionally well cared for and sparingly used.
This much is also evidenced by the bodywork and trim, all of which presents in very fine fettle. We certainly couldn’t see any damage, corrosion or even slight car park dings. Peeking under the car, the sills and valances similarly look to be in fine condition, with no damage or corrosion apparent.
Underpinning all this shiny goodness are a set of factory ‘Turbo Twist’ alloys. These 18-inch wheels are in excellent condition, with no evidence we could discern of kerbing or lacquer peel. They are shod in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, which all look to be in good order, with healthy tread levels.
The Mechanics
- 3.6-litre, naturally aspirated flat-six
- Five-speed Tiptronic transmission
- Permanent all-wheel drive
- Porsche Stability Management
As this is the ‘4S’ model, it benefits from the more potent 320hp, 3.6-litre flat-six. It’s a wonderful engine, sonorous and charismatic. When mated to the Tiptronic transmission, it offers smooth and relaxed progress, or swift changes when you’re attacking the twisties. Add to that the permanent all-wheel drive and you have a sure-footed and exciting driving experience.
The engine bay of this example is lovely and clean, with no signs of leaks or damage we could see. On top of this, the service record speaks for itself. In just 12,500 miles, the car has been serviced six times – at 2,597, 5,384, 7,012, 8,437, 9,649 and 11,861 miles. At the last service, the car was also given a 111-point examination by a Porsche main dealer, which it flew through.
With this in mind, the vendor assures us that the car starts, runs and drives absolutely perfectly, with no issues they are aware of.
Summary
Beautifully presented with just 12,500 miles on the clock, this handsome and exquisitely preserved 996 must be one of the best kept examples on the road. If you would like to put a 996 in your garage, then we don’t think you’ll find a better example.
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.
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