Highlights

The most sought-after 996 according to Porsche Club GB
Full Porsche and specialist service history
Versatile and capable drop top Porsche with auto box and hard top
Long MOT to April 2024 with no advisories
Just serviced in July 2023
Recently completed a European classic Porsche tour

The Appeal

After years of successfully re-heating the tried and tested air-cooled 911, Porsche’s first all new model had to be good. Very good. And, of course, it was. True to the original’s ethos yet thoroughly modern, the new car set new standards for what buyers could expect from a rear engined Porsche.

There were many different versions of the new car, but buyers particularly value the 4S model. It’s a view endorsed by none other than the Porsche Club GB. The 4S is like a ‘best of’ of the 996, combining the sure-footed 4WD drive system, an improved and more powerful 3.6litre engine and Turbo aesthetics to create a particularly compelling brew. Later post-2002 facelift cars got enhanced looks too.

This 2004 4S adds a versatile cabriolet roof and desirable Tiptronic box to that mix. With full Porsche and specialist service history attesting to careful ownership, plus a long MOT, this highly usable 911 is one that appeals equally to the head and the heart.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 5th January 2004
Current owner since 15th September 2022
Full Porsche and specialist service history with 15 service stamps
Most recently serviced on 17th July 2023 at 90,875 miles
Brake fluid checks in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2020
Body checks by Porsche in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011
Thick history file including lots of old invoices verifying service and other work
Full factory handbook set in good condition
Porsche factory CDs including navigation data dated August 2007
2 keys with fobs, light deterioration of one key
Post-2002 facelift model
MOT history shows regular, sparing use since 2013

The Interior

Smart dark blue interior very well preserved reflecting low mileage
The signs of age and wear are very light and overall it presents very well
Nicely specified including electric seats (driver’s with memory)
Seats are well preserved with only very light creasing and no bolster wear visible
Later Kenwood infotainment head unit fitted
Switches present well with no scuffs, marks or wear visible
Dash top and leather-trimmed instrument cowl in well kept condition
Some very light scuffs on glovebox lid
Grab handles and armrests lightly marked, typical of this model and not unsightly
Specification includes Bose speakers, CD storage unit and climate control
Clear dials with no scratches or scuffs to clear plastic shrouds
Leather trimmed three spoke steering wheel with very light sheen of use
Carpets in good condition with black over mats fitted
‘Frunk’ area well presented with good carpet and plastic trim areas

The Exterior

Purposeful wide body Turbo aesthetics make the 4S model particularly desirable
4S models got the Turbo front bumper with larger air intakes
Also borrowed the Turbo’s lovely 18in wheels and red brake calipers
Full width rear light bar, a nod to earlier models that enhances the aesthetics
Smart metallic silver paintwork presents very well with no obvious marks
Some very light stone chips visible to front of car but not immediately visible
Dark blue fabric roof is well kept with only light creasing and no visible damage
Clear rear screen with good seal
Clear, straight panels with no visible dents or dings
The only marks are to the front rubber spoiler strip that is scuffed and delaminating
This would likely be an easy repair
Alloy wheels are presentable, only light kerbing to both rear rims to note
Rims equipped with quality Michelin tyres showing good tread
Underside in very good condition with undersealing
No structural advisories on current or recent MOTs
B post door shut area on driver’s side shows light scuffs not through paint
Factory space saver spare wheel

The Mechanics

3,596cc water-cooled flat six Porsche engine
Develops 316bhp, 20bhp up on the standard Carrera 4
All wheel drive system
0-60mph in 5secs
5spd ZF 5HP49 ‘Tiptronic’ automatic gearbox with steering wheel buttons
Sports exhaust from factory with button to activate in cockpit
Drilled brake discs
Full Porsche and specialist service history
Most recently serviced in July 2023
Used for a classic Porsche tour around Europe this summer

Summary

The 996 launched Porsche into a brand new era, one from which it has never looked back. Of the many variations available the 4S is amongst the most sought after, combining as it does many key elements of the ‘ultimate’ 911 from this era.

This much-historied 4S adds the versatility of soft top or hard top motoring to the mix, plus the flexibility of a Tiptronic box. Recently serviced and MOT’d this is a hugely capable car and one we feel sure you won’t want to miss.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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