Highlights
• High specification
• Good Service History
• Tiptronic
The Background
Launched in 1998 the Porsche 996 was the latest expression of the famous 911 sports car that had first appeared back in 1963.
For the first time ever it featured a water-cooled, rather than air-cooled, flat-six engine causing consternation amongst true 911 aficionados who bemoaned the loss of the famous air cooled engine.
More than 20 years on the 996 has proved itself to be very much a Porsche fit to wear the 911 badge and has earned its place in the history of one of the greatest sports cars of all time.
The History
First registered in March 2003 this Carrera 2 Coupe came with a high specification, featuring Automatic (Tiptronic) Transmission, Adjustable Heated Seats, 18” Carrera wheels, Electric tilt and Slide Sunroof, PCM (Porsche Communications Management) with Telephone Module and Handset, Bose Sound System, CD Auto changer, Headlight package including cleaning system, Aluminium Instrument Dials, Tiptronic S gear Selector and Handbrake Lever in Aluminium.
It has a good service history, being looked after regularly at either Porsche Main Dealers or Porsche Specialists.
The current owner has owned the car for the last seven years during which time he has replaced the front brakes, the air-conditioning radiator and seen to its regular maintenance.
The Paperwork
The car comes with 2 keys and a space-saver spare wheel, along with the V5c showing 12 previous keepers and an MOT, which expires in January 2022.
There is a well stamped up service book, a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche and numerous receipts for various works and replaced parts along with some old MOTs.
The personal number plate will come with the vehicle and is non-transferable.
The personal number plate will come with the vehicle and is non-transferable.
The Interior
The full black leather interior of the 996 is surprisingly spacious, and the quality and ergonomic design and layout of the cabin and instruments remind you that this has all been designed and built by Porsche.
The supportive black leather seats are electric and heated and have no rips or tears although they do have the patina of age and use.
Overall, the interior does have signs of use and wear, but other than the cup-holder, which doesn’t quite fully open, everything is in pretty good shape and is reported to work as it should.
The Exterior
The Basalt Black paintwork still looks good from a distance, but closer inspection reveals many stone chips across the front and the bonnet and patches of paint which are beginning to bubble around the sunroof.
The bumpers at both ends of the car are sporting some light scratches and some scuffs and the alloy wheels show slight kerb damage around the edge of the rims in places.
There appears to be some ‘gravel rash’ to the lower body panels to the rear of all four-wheel arches, but all the lights and windows are all good, with all rubber seals looking healthy and supple.
All the shut lines are good, and the car sits nice and squarely on the road.
The Mechanics
This is the bad news bit. The current owner has recently heard a ticking sound from the engine, which could be any number of things, but will need further investigation and diagnosis, possibly requiring a complete engine strip down and rebuild.
The Appeal
One of the benefits of the Porsche 911 is that it is a remarkably versatile and practical sports car that can be driven daily rather than just at the weekend.
It’s also a Porsche 911, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest sports cars that has ever been built with a reputation and appeal that is second to none.
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