Description
I have decided it’s time to sell my personal 2005 996 GT3 Clubsport. I have a small collection of non-MB cars of which this is one.
Ordered new in 2004 and delivered in 2005, the car is a UK C16 2005, Porsche 996 Gen II GT3 Clubsport finished in Arctic Silver (X1X1) with black Clubsport interior, air conditioning and has Porsche CDR 23 Radio (although it currently has fitted a Blaupunkt Bremen DAB / Bluetooth unit). The car has a correct history and before me the owner was Porsche Managing Director Chris Craft.
A little about 996 GT3:
If the Gen I GT3 was a limited-budget, market toe-dipping exercise as to the potential of a more focussed, purist 911, the Gen II took the idea and ran with it. Like so many of Porsche’s greatest and most significant cars, the Gen II GT3 is attributed to one of the company’s engineers, with Andreas Preuninger. With the point proven as to the demand for the GT3, Preuninger and his team had a proper budget to work with to develop the Gen II GT3. That explains not just its own time in the wind tunnel, but the other developments that it brought over the hastily devised original car.
The engine retained its 3. 6-litre capacity, the famed M96 series flat-six, dubbed ‘Mezger’ (after Porsche’s legendary engineer Hans Mezger) is able to trace its DNA to Porsche’s Le Mans-winning GT1 race car. In the Gen II it gained a number of significant revisions. Drive-by-wire was added, as was Porsche’s VarioCam system, these helping boost power from 360hp to 381hp (at 7, 400rpm) and spread the greater torque outputs distribution across the rev range for improved response and performance. The transmission, still a six-speed manual, gained revised ratios and splash oil lubrication with a separate transmission cooling system.
Porsche quoted a 0-62mph time of 4. 5 seconds, 100mph in just 9. 4 seconds and a 190mph top speed. The rev limit raised by 400rpm, seeing the 3. 6-litre flat-six spin up to a dizzying 8, 200rpm, that aided by the lighter valves, pistons and conrods, which, in combination with the removal of the camshaft damper saw the Gen II lose 3. 5kg from the engine – useful when considering its location slung out behind the back axle.
That position does have its advantages, notably traction, which also benefitted thanks to the adoption of wider 11-inch rear tyres, with the front’s gaining half an inch over the Gen I car, too. The suspension those wheels and tyres hung off was revised, too, with GT3 specific geometry, the removal of rubber bush mounts and adjustable split lower suspension arms, the centre of gravity of the GT3 some 30mm lower than that of its Carrera relations.
The interior lost its rear seat for a 8kg weight loss and also gained wide backed ‘elephant ear’ lightweight sports seats dropping a further 20kg. Even with Porsche’s pursuit of lighter weight, the cabin isn’t a minimalist, pared-back compromise, with the GT3 offered with the free options of air conditioning and a stereo, with both being fitted to this car.
In the pursuit of lap times Porsche produced a car that’s become an icon, a car with a purist approach that appeals to drivers. That desirability is only increasing, too, as these early GT3s are devoid of driver aids and differing modes, their simplicity and purity being an enormous part of their appeal in an era of ever more complicated, heavier, and duller sports and super cars. A light, compact, agile and hugely entertaining and engaging car to drive, the Gen II 996 GT3 is modern and useable enough to be enjoyed regularly yet retains proper old-school feel and finesse on road and track. Porsche built 2, 313 examples, with C16 UK spec rhd Clubsport cars being rare and very sought after as a result.
History of this car:
The file contains a Porsche Certificate of authenticity, letter from the previous owner Chris Craft – Porsche GB Managing Director and service receipts as well as recent inspection reports.
The service record contains 11 visits to either Porsche Centres, Group Operations Reading or recognised Independents. The last service was carried out in May this year at 33085 miles and the car has covered less than 100 miles since.
There are records covering 6 brake fluid changes, 2/ 4/ 6 year guarantee reports and two airbag checks.
The tyres are correct and are filled with Nitrogen.
The inside has the correct smell (if you know you know) and the underside can be evidenced as never having been tracked, abused or messed with in any way.
The number plate will stay with the vehicle.
There are 2 keys and a tracker is fitted.
An opportunity to buy a super example of this incredible motorcar. I am able to assist with financing if needed.
