Following on from the controversial 996, the 997 returned to a more traditional styling package for the 911.

Offering improved engines, multiple drivetrain improvements and significant technological additions, the 997 only shared a third of its parts with the previous generation and was a huge hit both in terms of sales a critical acclaim.

This car was purchased new in 2006 and has had just 3 owners. The first owner kept the car until 2010, while the current owner has had the vehicle since 2016. During their ownership, the vehicle has been kept garaged and dry. 

The only reason they’re now parting with it is that they find they’re not really using the car as much as it deserves. In fact, the MOTs confirm that the car has covered less than 1,000 miles since 2018. 

All the owners have meticulously maintained the vehicle, keeping up the full service history at Porsche main dealers and independent specialists.

An extensive paperwork file comes with the car, including multiple receipts for maintenance and servicing from independent Porsche specialists, Zuffenhaus in Wythall. 

This is where the car was purchased from in 2016 by the current owner, and they have had all work on the car carried out there. These receipts are backed up by the service book, which is complete with 9 stamps, the last service having been carried out by Zuffenhaus in August 2021.

The current MOT runs until August 2022, and is supported by a number of previous MOT certificates from throughout the car’s life, which confirm the low mileage as genuine. Also included are the original handbooks in their leather binder.

Featuring a practical 2+2 layout, with a rear bench suitable for small children or as a luggage space, the cabin of the 997 is a fine place to spend time. Trimmed in elegant black leather, the sports seats are comfortable and figure hugging. The dashboard design is classically Porsche, clear and uncluttered with solid feeling, well-made switchgear.

As well as being a very capable sports car, the 997 is a nicely equipped luxury car. This model is equipped with electric memory seats, electric windows and mirrors, an electric fabric roof, removable wind deflector, satellite navigation system, air-conditioning and a Porsche CD/radio system. 

Everything works well, as you’d expect from a Porsche, and the dials and switches are all very well designed, with great ergonomics.

The carpets in the cabin are black and in great condition, with complementary black Porsche mats. Under the bonnet is a reasonably large storage compartment, also trimmed in black carpet which is in very good condition, and it’s certainly big enough for a couple of large soft bags.

Overall the cabin is in good, used condition. Some wear and tear is evident on the plastics, switchgear and the back of the front seats. There’s no real damage, just evidence of normal use, with some marks to the leather on the back of the seats and some scratches to the plastic trim around the lower section of the B-pillar area, obviously caused by the seat belt clasps.

Finished in classic Guards Red, with a contrasting black fabric roof, whether the roof is up or down, the 997 is a great shape. This car is presented in fine condition outside, with the paintwork, badges and trim all looking very good. 

The paint would benefit from a machine polish to bring it back to its best, showing some swirling and very light scratches, but it’s nothing that would concern us. All of the body panels are straight and undamaged to, with good panel gaps and no evidence of any repair work or previous issues.

The original fabric roof operates smoothly and quietly, and is in great condition with only minor wear evident. We can say the same about the wheels – a factory fitted 19” five-spoke design, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. 

As with the rest of the car, they are in very good used condition, displaying minor evidence of wear and age, but overall presenting well.

Underneath, the floor-pans, sills and valances are solid and look very well. As far as we could see, the underside of the vehicle is very solid and shows only some light signs of mild surface corrosion on some of the suspension components.

Again, there’s nothing that would concern us, especially given the vehicle’s excellent service history, low mileage and current MOT.

The Carrera 4S comes with the larger, more powerful 3.8 litre flat-six, naturally aspirated power plant. Offering a meaty 350bhp driving all four wheels, it makes this car capable of hitting 62mph in less than 5 seconds. 

Unusually, this car was specified with a manual transmission. This six-speed unit offers a tactile and engaging drive, with Porsche’s PSM system offering a safety net should you push things a little too far.

We’re assured by the owner that the car drives well, accelerating, stopping and turning as you’d expect from a Porsche, with no issues or concerns.

If you’re a petrolhead, we’re sure you don’t need the appeal of a 911 explaining to you. They’re the quintessential sports car, offering a sublime blend of ability, engagement and practicality. 

Few cars with this level of performance are genuinely usable on a daily basis, but the 911 is one of the few that is. With a practical cabin, good storage space and a proven drivetrain, it’s the sports car that the sensible money always goes on.

The 997 confounded the critics, turning the lukewarm reception the previous generation (996) received into a cacophony if praise. Combining that classic 911 shape with Guards Red paintwork, this car offers a near perfect specification for a convertible 911. 

The 4S drivetrain gives you the dynamic ability and power you’d expect of a 911, but twins it with a four-wheel drive system for real peace of mind and all-season ability. 

This model has an impeccable history and is presented in very good condition too, used enough to keep it fresh and well-maintained, but not so much that it feels worn. This is definitely at the sweet spot when it comes to used 997 convertibles.

But this isn’t just a car you purchase with your sensible head on, it’s still after all a 3.8 litre convertible 911. With a thunderous soundtrack, effortless performance and remarkable handling, the 997 C4S is a car that stirs the soul and will have you seeking out the long way home every time you take it out. 

With the roof down, the sound of that mighty flat-six is completely intoxicating, and with the advantage of a manual gearbox to snick through as you hunt apexes, this car makes a very good case for being all the sports car you could ever need.

Summer is just around the corner, an we can’t think of many better ways to spend the summer than seeking out the UK’s best driving roads in a convertible 911.

With the specification and history this car is presented with, we feel it makes it the perfect summer companion.