Description
The 997 became the best-selling Porsche 911 variant during its long production run, which lasted from 2004 until 2013. It was the sixth generation of this landmark sports car, and just over 213, 000 were built before it was replaced by the 991.
Although the 997 carried over many mechanical aspects from the outgoing 996, it benefitted from a new body design that ditched the older car’s controversial ‘fried egg’ headlamps in favour of the classic ‘bug eye’ style. Only the roof panel was common to 996 and 997, and the later car’s bodywork not only evoked 911s of old, it was also more aerodynamically efficient and created less drag and lift. The interior was heavily revised and updated, too.
Porsche offered a huge variety of different models within the 997 line-up. The 3. 6-litre, 325bhp Carrera was joined by a 3. 8-litre, 355bhp Carrera S, and both engines were also offered in the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S respectively. Then there was the 473bhp Turbo, plus the track-focused GT3 and the 523bhp GT2, which was the most powerful roadgoing 911 ever when it was introduced.
There was a choice of Cabriolet, Targa and coupé bodyshells, while Porsche’s Tiptronic automatic gearbox was offered alongside the six-speed manual. In 2008, the ‘Gen II’ 997 introduced a raft of updates that included revised Direct Fuel Injection engines, facelifted styling, and the option of Porsche’s PDK double-clutch gearbox.
When Car & Driver magazine road-tested a 997 Carrera S, it recorded a 0-60mph time of 4. 2 seconds, while Evo summed up the appeal of the entry-level Carrera by simply describing it as ‘a quite brilliant all-rounder’.
The Porsche 997 being offered for sale here is a Carrera 4S, which means that it combines the more-powerful 3. 8-litre engine with four-wheel-drive all-weather stability. First registered on 1 March 2008, it is a late ‘Gen I’ Cabriolet that has been well specified and comes with the six-speed manual gearbox. It features the Sport Chrono package, which, when activated, sharpens throttle response and firms up the dampers via the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management.
Its history file features a raft of invoices from Official Porsche Centres and independent specialists alike, showing how well maintained it’s been. A new power-steering pump was fitted in November 2020, a new starter motor in January 2022, and a thorough service at Mellors Elliot Motorsport in March 2024 included new rear discs and pads.
This 997 Carrera 4S has covered just over 92, 000 miles, is running on Pirelli tyres, and is MoT’d until May 2025. A great-value way into 911 ownership, it makes for a superb year-round sports car thanks to its blend of accessible performance, top-down style, and sheer engineering quality.
The car is currently residing with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, RPS Storage Ltd and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
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