Please note the current private registration is not included in the sale
Highlights
Exceptionally rare Carmon Red factory paint scheme
Carrera 4s specification with manual transmission
Replacement engine fitted by Porsche at 20 thousand miles
Impressively well presented example
The Appeal
When Porsche announced the decision to move away from an air cooled layout on the next iteration of their legendary 911 model, there was certainly a level of shock amongst Porsche enthusiasts. The marque’s flagship rear engined sports car had firmly resided in the air cooled camp up until this point and so the move to water cooled was undeniably a bold and big step.
What spawned as a result was a wonderful example of Porsche on top form. The 996 generation 911 was stylish, more modern in appearance and far more solid and reliable from a mechanical perspective. In recent years the model has garnered all new levels of appreciation amongst enthusiasts and is finally being recognised for what it is, one of the all time great driving 911s.
The example we have presented here today is a wonderful example of the coveted model. Finished in exceptionally rare Carmon Red metallic paint, this highly desirable Carrera 4s specification car comes fitted with a glorious manual transmission for maximum driver engagement, and along with a vast history file, sports a replacement engine fitted by Porsche under warranty.
If you’re looking for a rare, high specification 996, look no further.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 25/04/2004
Originally delivered through Porsche Centre Guildford
Fitted with a new engine under warranty by Porsche Centre Hatfield around the 20 thousand mile mark circa 2007
Accompanied by Porsche book pack
Service book is present with several stamped services by Porsche main dealers and independent specialists
Two keys
Accompanied by a well sized folder packed with invoices from Porsche main dealers and independent specialists for servicing work and parts bought to maintain the car
Porsche used car bill of sale from 2005 at 6600 miles indicating a sale price of £65,883.12
The car, as we understand, originally bore the registration mark RX04 YTD which was then changed to B4 MGD
Will be sold with the previous registration B4 MGD
Large selection of previous MOT certificates
Current MOT valid with no advisories until November 2023
V5 registration document present with the vehicle
Dry stored throughout current ownership
Accompanied by car cover, trickle charger and tonneau cover
The Interior
High quality black leather upholstery throughout
Well preserved, highly presentable interior space
Upgraded radio head unit (original unit still present)
Full black leather upholstery was specced on this 911 from the factory, and what a choice that was. The cabin of a 911 is always a special place to be, but with the perfect interior colour choice complimenting the exterior colour scheme, this one is truly something else, with nearly every sculpted surface draped in beautifully stitched leather upholstery.
The stylish body hugging seats up front are of an excellent standard, wonderful dark leather that is still rich and full of colour, they appear in incredibly original condition and bare very minimal signs of wear and patina. Yet another sign of the quality to which the car has been upheld. The smaller seats in the rear of the cabin mirror this great quality and look almost as if they haven’t been sat in in their 17 years on the road. The electronic seat mechanisms, including the rare factory fitted memory seat functions, all work fully and with ease.
The leather dashboard with its flowing lines has been well preserved and as such is still in great order, the same can be said for the iconic 3 spoke leather steering wheel and sculpted centre console piece. The factory fitted radio head unit has been swapped out for a more modern bluetooth alternative, although for those looking to preserve originality, the car’s original head unit is still present and will accompany the car on sale, the screen and all the various switchgear around it are in good clean shape and are all understood to be working.
A piece of artwork in themselves, the door panels, upholstered in a mix of leather and plush carpeting are still factory fresh in appearance. The carpeting, naturally, is of a brilliant standard and is noticeably lacking in the wear to be expected of a near 20 year old car, largely due to the careful ownership it has been subjected to throughout its lifetime. This standard continues into the carpet in the cabin of the car, which coats the floors, footwells and the centre tunnel as it becomes more pronounced by the rear seating.
Opening the front panel, we are presented with a neat and clean storage area, with good quality plastics and a fair amount of room for a weekend's luggage.
The Exterior
Exceptionally rare Carmon Red exterior paint scheme
Well presented in highly original form
Electric soft top roof
Wider Carrera 4s body
When it comes to styling, Porsche always seems to hit it out of the park. Sporting a slightly wider stance, more classic styling cues in a fresh new package the 996 was no exception to this adage.
This 996 comes to us in an outstandingly rare factory shade of Carmon Red metallic. Perhaps one of the finest and most sought after colour schemes on the collector market, this deep red is of an impeccable quality, exhibiting very little, if anything in the way of wear or age related marking. There's no getting away from it, this is a very handsome automobile. The trim pieces, lights and glass work are in clean highly presentable shape and sit neatly within the cars lines, all working together to emphasise the quality to which this car has been upheld.
Possibly the stand out feature from an aesthetic perspective on this car comes in the form of the roof. We find ourselves looking at a contrasting black electrically operated soft top, in excellent clean condition. With no notable rips, tears or signs of blemishing making themselves known, the roof unlatches, retracts and closes quickly, quietly and with ease to provide occupants with a great open top driving experience. For reduced wind in the cabin, a factory tonneau piece can be fitted, one of which is present with the car. The vendor also informs us that a colour matched removable hard top comes with the car which we understand presents nicely in good honest form, although this was not available on the day of our photoshoot of the car.
Four brilliantly clean 18” five spoke Porsche alloys sit at ground level, all presenting in fine fettle and housed within great Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.
The Mechanics
Desirable higher capacity 3.6 litre engine
Exceedingly rare manual transmission car
Replacement engine fitted under Porsche warranty
Well maintained, nicely presented example
Opening the rear panel, we find ourselves looking at a great example of Porsche’s glorious 3.6 litre 6 cylinder engine fitted to the higher capacity 996s. Thanks, largely due to its continual regular servicing, and careful ownership, the motor fires into life with ease, with an excellent tone being produced from the rear exhausts.
Investigation of the car’s extensive history file shows us that in 2007, at around the 20 thousand mile mark, a flaw was found and the car was fitted with a replacement engine under warranty by Porsche Centre Hatfield. The engine that resides in the car now presents in fine form and is clearly a quality unit, having been subjected to a major service in 2020 by a Porsche main dealer along with a series of other maintenance tasks undertaken by independent specialists whilst under its current ownership.
What perhaps makes this car so appealing for the avid driving enthusiast is the transmission. Not only is this a dynamically excellent 996 Carrera 4s, but it is a rare and highly desirable manual example. Certainly for the committed Porsche fan, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Overall the 996 is one shown in exceptional mechanical order, clean and well maintained, it's certainly one of the high rankers on the market today.
Summary
The big question is, where are you going to find another like it? A Carrera 4s 996 with a manual transmission in an amazingly rare factory colour scheme all backed by a wealth of service history is beyond rare. For a true sports car and driving enthusiast, the 911 is an excellent choice. That wonderful combination of style, power, with genuine usability, practicality and comfort is unmatched.
This must surely be one of the most engaging and interesting 911s on the market today, make no mistake of that.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
