A very well-presented example of the respected 996 Cabriolet
Benefitting from a 2014 engine rebuild and the same fastidious ownership since 2017
A great colourway and a host of valuable factory extras fitted
The Appeal
The 996 was a watershed 911 when it came along in 1997. It was an all-new platform, the first since the original 911 appeared in 1964. It also marked the arrival of the first water-cooled 911, with the fitment of a powerful 3.4L, 300 bhp flat-six engine. It marked the arrival of the famed “fried-egg” headlights, too, of course.
This example is a Gen. 2 996 Carrera 4. The Gen. 2 cars were fitted with an engine enlarged to 3.6L and now producing 320 bhp good for around 175mph and 0-60mph times in the low 5 seconds. This car also features the robust Getrag G96, six-speed manual gearbox. A real purist’s combination.
This 996 boasts a well-appointed and exquisitely finished cabin
The seats and other touch points are finished in Graphite Grey leather
The seats are the soft ruffled leather, “tombstone” examples with electric adjustment
The rear token seats can easily be folded to provide additional storage space
The dashboard is finished in the same stitched leather
The signature 911 instrument binnacle contains the familiar central tachometer
The three-spoke Porsche steering wheel is finished in matching grey
The original CDR-22 head unit is fitted – part of the optional “Sound Package Plus”
The grey wool carpets are protected by Porsche branded carpet mats
Consequently, they are in great, original condition throughout
The gear lever and handbrake handle are finished in an optional aluminium finish
The triple hood’s head lining is in great shape and helps provide excellent insulation
The car can, of course, be transformed into a full convertible at the touch of a button
The 996 has an instantly recognisable cabin. It’s, of course, well made and exquisitely finished but it walks the line between luxury and sports just perfectly. Not an easy feat to pull off. The high-backed sports seats and sublime black on white dials just shout “Porsche.”
The exterior is finished in bright Cobalt Blue Metallic paintwork
The finish is excellent and exudes a deep shine
The paintwork is thought to be mainly original to the car
Only the front bonnet has been repainted due to stone chipping
The owner has highlighted some minor age-related blemishes
These include the odd stone chip and scuff but are only visible upon close inspection
The black, fabric hood contrasts nicely with the bright paintwork
A factory hardtop is also included
The light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and are in unmarked condition
The 18-inch Sports Classic II wheels feature the optional coloured centres
They appear to be in excellent overall condition with no kerb rash in evidence
The wheels are fitted with new, high-quality Pirelli P-Zeros all round
The powered hood works quickly and smoothly, quickly transforming the car to full convertible
New black hood Oct 2020
The 996 represented a marked departure from its 993 predecessor. It was probably quite a paradigm shift at the time, but the model soon gained enthusiastic acceptance and still looks fresh and modern some 25 years later.
This example looks great in its Cobalt Blue Metallic and the colour suits the sophisticated shape very well indeed. It’s a real head turning Porsche and the car’s pristine presentation only enhances that impressive road presence. A real beauty. hanFMccNAhSoYSf91XCBmhvUUKmAV8kNIi6xwEFT.jpeg3.76 MB
The Mechanics
This Gen. 2 car is fitted with the larger 3.6L, flat-six DOHC, 24 valve engine
Good for 320bhp at a lofty 6,800 rpm originally
The car underwent a specialist engine rebuild in 2014 at around 74,000
This work was extensive and totalled just under £7,800
The car has been routinely and fastidiously serviced and maintained
This results in a car which is in excellent mechanical shape with no issues reported
New discs/pads Nov 2018
new SS silencers Nov 2020
The air-cooled unit in this car’s predecessor had really reached the full extent of its potential by the mid-1990’s. Stricter emission standards and a desire to improve performance led to the development of the 3.4L water cooled unit and, later, this 3.6L unit.
This helped transform the performance of the 911 from “decent” in the 993 to “eye-widening” in this model. It was capable of 170+ mph and could surge to sixty miles per hour in a shade over five seconds. Reliability and usability weren’t compromised either, with the 996 soon becoming recognised as one of the world’s most useable and practical supercars.
This 996 offers the lucky new owner all the best attributes of the model. It boasts sensible mileage for these durable cars and its in a great colourway. Importantly it is a six-speed manual and offers the genuine flexibility of being transformed from cosy coupe to expansive convertible at the touch of a button.
This one has been well maintained too with many high-value invoices on hand to substantiate the “regardless of cost” maintenance history of this car. A lovely way to sample the world of classic 911’s or a great way to reacquaint yourself with a car from your past. Bid today to avoid missing this fine example.
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