The 996 was arguably Porsche coming into the modern era and the model that saw them say goodbye to the old air cooled engine and familiar styling and hello to the refreshed, technologically driven cars that are now the norm in the automotive world. 

All-wheel drive technology combined with a 296bhp, 3.4Lflat-6, rear positioned engine provides the usual thrilling experience you should expect from a 911 and the cabriolet element provides that added open top enjoyment that we all desire. This 1999 registered automatic Carrera 4S comes with pages of history, plus proof of substantial work carried out in the last 3years, including those intermediate shaft bearings.

Currently residing in a quiet location in Devon, this Porsche has covered an average of a thousand miles per year since coming into its current ownership in 2019. Upon purchase, extensive mechanical works were carried out to ensure perfect performance and longevity of the vehicle.

Several invoices from Porsche specialist SCS Porsche are present, with many totaling thousands, including one for the intermediate shaft bearing which has been replaced with a hybrid ceramic bearing. Additionally, the original service book is present containing no less than 17 stamps by Porsche main dealers and specialists, this is in combination with a large folder full of invoices for servicing and maintenance over its23 year life.

Inside the 996 black and grey is the theme, with seats, carpets and trim all in the dark hue. The beautiful sports seats are finished in a black leather and contain the usual wear creases to the front, with the drivers seat also containing some further wear to the bolster. The leather would benefit from a good leather conditioning supplement that are readily available. 

A few indentations and marks can be found on the back of these front seats but otherwise they are as comfortable and supportive as the day they left the factory. It is a typical Porsche inside, very purposeful and simple layout. The lighter grey carpet adds a little texture to the interior arrangement, adding a layer to the otherwise monochromatic styling. It is nice though and feels very well put together.

Finished in Polar Silver Metallic, this 996 is presented pleasantly. We took time to go round and spot any blemishes with the only noticeable area present on the rear bumper which has been photographed and a stone chip on the passenger side. Otherwise, this Carrera is in superb condition.

The electrically controlled roof looks brand new and operates seamlessly and all four alloys are unscathed and wrapped in Pirelli rubber. This 996 is the early generation narrow body and looks superb in the sunshine, the PolarSilver is slightly more blue than the usual Arctic Silver seen on many 911’s. It looks great, especially with the roof down.

On request the 3.4L straight six fired up with no issue and issued a joyful sporty note. The car was manoeuvred a few times for the photography and the automatic gearbox felt smooth and easy going. Welet the car run for a few minutes as it hadn't been driven for a few weeks and it ideled pleasantly, with no problematic or concerning sounds. In 2019 extensive work was carried out by Specialists SCS Porsche, the invoices have been photographed so you can see the complete jobs however it’s worth mentioning again that the troublesome intermediate shaft bearing has been replaced and upgraded to a hybrid ceramic bearing.

In addition suspension parts have been renewed, exhaust manifold replaced in 2019plus new brake discs and pads front and rear were fitted in 2021 and four new tyres in April 2022. Any future owner should be reassured that the current owner commissioned comprehensive and vigorous mechanical checks with anything that needed doing to be carried out.

This is a fine example of the early 996 with a great mechanical record plus huge recent bills for extensive mechanical work. A car built for performance but can happily perform as a daily driver, providing ample comfort and capability in all conditions.