Description
New Price for a quick sale as the owner is moving overseas. Also added some pictures of the car without the hard top. The sound of the FlatSix driving with the top down is awesome!!
The introduction of the Porsche 911 996 in 1997 represented a step change in 911 history with the introduction of an all new body shell that at the front end shared many components with the Boxster allowing Porsche to keep manufacturing costs down. It also featured the introduction of a water cooled flat six engine. Over time these early first generation 911 996s have grown in stature as they represent a link between the more modern user friendly 911s and the undiluted analogue feel of the traditional 911s. These early cars still have the accelerator connected to the engine by cable. In many ways the 911 996 variant especially in Carrera 2 mode represents a sweet spot in 911 history.
For sale here we have a very early Porsche 911 996 Cabriolet, these were introduce in July 1998 and this particular car was first registered in March 1999. Being a first generation car it is fitted with the 300 hp 3. 4 litre engine and was specified with the 6 speed manual gearbox and the desirable Carrera 2 configuration. The Cabriolet came as standard with a hard top which is still fitted to this car. This 911, supplied new on 01 March 1999 by AFN London, was specified with Artic Silver Metallic paint and contrasting Boxster Red Leather interior with the 18in sport design wheels and comes with the original owners pack and wallet.
In July 22, having completed just over 100k miles, the previous owner decided to test the engine’s health on a dynameter and to the credit of Porsche build quality and engineering and testament to proper servicing over the years it still produced 295hp compared to an original stated output of 300hp. Very impressive!!
There is an extensive history file with many invoices and service stamps and a near complete set of MOT certificates verifying the mileage and showing the car has received the appropriate maintenance and replacements over the years. The previous owner in particular investing heavily on getting various key works done on the car to bring it to tip-top condition. This included the all-important clutch replacement, IMS bearing upgrade and timing chain tensioner replacement in July 2019. At the end of that year the condensers were replaced as part of a major maintenance service and the following year the cooling system was overhauled with a new water pump, thermostat and coolant fitted.
When the current owner acquired the car in September 2022 he asked his local Porsche specialist Nine Excellence to inspect the car and carry out any work required. They replaced the front brake discs and pads and fitted a new battery and alternator. As a confirmed Porsche 911 996 enthusiast his original intention was to keep the 911 on a long term basis but a move overseas for work would consign the 911 to a lengthy period of in activity in storage. Not ideal for any car, so he has decided to sell the 911 to allow someone else to enjoy it.
During its life this early 911 has had the later style nose with the indicators integrated into the headlights fitted, it’s worth remembering that in the past the early “fried egg” headlights were extensively disliked which is why Porsche themselves changed the design with the introduction of the major upgrade to the 911 996 in 2002. This means this isn’t one for the purists, but as a healthy fine driving 911, in a striking colour combination, with all major maintenance essentials taken care of, this early 911 996 has that great responsiveness and agility of early 911s and has a lot going for it as a car to drive and enjoy. Especially with the option of top down summer motoring.
