HIGHLIGHTS

Stunning low-mileage 996 Cabrio
Tiptronic transmission
Owned by same family since 2005
Immaculate condition

THE APPEAL

In many respects, the 996 is the underappreciated 911. The first water-cooled version of the iconic Porsche sports car shared a lot in common with the Boxster, including its distinctive ‘fried egg’ headlamps with integrated indicators and much of its front suspension.

And while some 911 purists sniff at that, other fans of the marque recognise it for what it was – Porsche finally bringing the 911 up-to-date, while maintaining a number of key elements of its essential DNA, namely the iconic coupe-body profile, the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine in its rump and the upmarket but accessible supercar image that the 911 had portrayed so well since its inception.

It was also a fabulous car to drive, arguably the finest handling car of the 1990s providing you didn’t over-provoke it.

This is a narrow-bodied Carrera 2 Cabriolet and it has covered a genuine 45k from new, having been owned and loved by the current owner for the past 18 years, maintained impeccably and garaged for all that time.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
Three owners, but last two were the vendor and his company
MOT April 2024
Service book stamped to 35k, with invoices for other servicing at independent specialist since
All original books and handbooks
All old MOTs back to 2005

THE INTERIOR

Excellent condition
Smart black leather
Heated seats
Factory floor mats
Porsche CD-stereo
Superb door cards and carpets
Very minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Phone mounting plate with two small holes drilled
All dials and controls work as they should

The vendor advises they believe a fuse has blown behind the radio, meaning some of the lighting does not work. A key to remove the radio to replace the fuse is not present and the vendor has not been able to do this. However, the radio reports to work fine in all other areas.

THE EXTERIOR

Meridian Silver Metallic
Original paint in good order, with a couple of very minor stone chips, a small crease on the front bumper and one small scuff
Superb alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round
Electric folding roof – works fine, but rear rams need adjustment and need gentle encouragement to close properl
All original badges and trim in excellent order
No cloudiness to the lamp lenses, thanks to the car being garaged for most of its life

THE MECHANICS

3.6-litre flat-six
Normally aspirated
Tiptronic semi-auto transmission with steering wheel controls
Genuine low mileage and well-maintained
Vendor reports that the car is fast, huge fun and drives with no known or apparent faults
Supplied with brand-new MOT

SUMMARY

The 996 still represents one of the most accessible ways into 911 ownership and is also one of the most hassle-free and enjoyable. This is a really smart example, with low mileage and a wonderful interior, backed up by a comprehensive maintenance record and the reassurance that it has been part of the vendor’s family for 18 years. It’s a truly lovely car - easy-to-drive and easy-to-own, perfect for enjoying the summer ahead.

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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