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2003 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet (996)
Car not sold with number plate V23JSS
Highlights
- Only 68,960 miles from new
- Exceptionally well mechanically maintained
- Only four owners in history
- Excellent condition hardtop included
The Appeal
The 996 Porsche 911 was first manufactured in 1997 and represented a massive design shift from previous 911s. With increasingly stringent emissions regulations being introduced worldwide, Porsche had to make a change in order to keep their flagship 911 model in production moving forward. With pressure from environmental concerns threatening to squeeze them out of the market altogether, Porsche developed a water-cooled powerplant for the 996; a first in the history of 911s. In addition to this, the 996 was developed alongside the 986 Boxter, sharing some components outright, and saving on internal research and development costs. Additionally, lower maintenance costs were able to be passed to consumers due to the interchangeability of some parts between the two models. Other major changes from previous 911s include a completely redeveloped chassis, providing a more aerodynamic body with a more raked windshield, and a re-designed interior.
Porsche introduced the 996 Turbo in 2000, equipped with an all-wheel drive system and a 3.6-litre intercooled twin-turbo flat-six engine generating a maximum power output of right around 420 horsepower. This brought it from 0-60 in a reported 4.2 seconds; pretty quick even by today’s standards.
This particular low mileage cabriolet example has been maintained to a high standard and is a rare opportunity to pick up a full-fledged 911 Turbo at a great price. With a rare 6-speed manual gearbox and uprated k24 turbos, it’s the ultimate driver’s car. Tastefully modified with a bespoke black and white interior fitted by Revere London, at first sight it’s clearly visible this isn’t your average 911. While there is some room for improvement visually, and a few small bits that could be replaced in the interior, this 911 is mechanically more than ready to hit the open road and take you on your next grand tour.
The History and Paperwork
- Fresh MOT valid until 22 March 2024
- Current V5 in owner’s name, not present in photos due to owner is currently removing the private reg plate
- Current reg V23 JSS still live for interested parties to check history
- Four previous owners including the current owner
- Owner states no accidents and fully HPI clear
- Previous owner owned vehicle since 2009
- Driven less than 6,750 miles in the last 10 years
- New radiators in 2012 totalling £3,000+ with other maintenance
- Refurbished front differential and new engine mounts totalling £1,380.69
- Gearbox replaced in 2014, totalling £3,000+
- £4,839.36 of maintenance in August 2017, including new clutch and flywheel, brake service and lines, inlet manifold replacement, and 48,000 mile maintenance performed by specialist shop Sports and Classic Ltd.
- Owner states K24 turbo upgrade fitted but still running on original tune; plenty of room for more power when ready
- Bespoke black and white interior, owner states fitted by Revere London
- The vendor informs us that this vehicle has been garaged a lot of its life and in recent times
- The vendor also informs us the vehicle has recently seen a full service; oil & filter change, air filters and new fuel pump within the last 300 miles
The current owner has decided to change directions and let the vehicle go to a new home. The previous owner did the majority of the miles in this 911 having owned it since 2009 and has done an excellent job keeping it up to date and maintained. There has been no expenses spared in this upkeep, having sent the Porsche primarily to three different specialist shops depending on the job at hand. The majority of the maintenance has been performed by Sports and Classic Ltd, while the gearbox and drivetrain work was performed at JMG Porsche; and finally the turbo upgrade performed at Turbo Dynamics, Ltd. These are three big names in the Porsche world and are specialists in their respective fields.
The Interior
- Owner states the interior has been retrimmed with a bespoke black and white leather, fitted at Revere London
- Overall great condition interior, with some small bits able to be improved upon if a new owner desires, or left as-is
- Specification includes: original head unit and 6 CD changer, Bose speakers, sat nav, telephone connection, xenon headlights, PCM navigation, digital climate control, rear parking sensors, and full adjustable heated electric seats
- Owner states all gauges, buttons, and knobs work as expected, except for bits mentioned below
While the vehicle itself is over 20 years old, sitting down into the cockpit, it definitely doesn’t feel aged; thanks in part to Porsche’s timeless and driver-centric design, and part to the high-quality retrim. The instrument panel and gauges are all easy to read and well placed. From a tactile standpoint, everything is organized in a way that makes sense, and all controls are within easy reach. The menus and electronic interface is intuitive and the display is vibrant and to-the-point.
The interior here is in good condition for the age, consisting of mostly original kit accentuated with a bespoke black and white retrim, reportedly fit by the highly renown automotive customizer Revere London. Having spent a bit of time inside this car, we can report that it is work of a very high standard indeed, and the colourway perfectly suits the vehicle’s timeless elegance. While there are some signs of use shown in the original as well as the retrimmed elements, primarily the gearshift surround, the majority of the retrimmed bits appear to have very little signs of use. There are some clear signs of wear in the driver’s footwell carpet, but the rest of the carpets were in great shape, and in a clean and tidy state. The hardtop’s headlining is also in great shape. Since we did not get a chance to remove the hard top with the owner, they have informed us that the black soft top is in excellent condition with no tears or leaks to report. In addition, the front-boot is in a clean and tidy state, with carpets in great condition, and the spare tire and emergency kit present with sale.
While all main aspects of the vehicle’s interior are in working order, there are some off bits we feel should be mentioned. There is damage to the LCD screen which displays the climate control functions, and while the owner states the system itself works, the user cannot see what settings are currently chosen. The owner has told us that this part can be found and replaced for under £100. Also, while there is functionality equipped for the rear spoiler to move up and down, it currently is not moving; and the owner has not investigated the issue as of writing this. In addition to those things, the passenger’s window control has sunk into the centre console area. The owner plans to fix this before the car is passed on; we did confirm it looks like an easy repair.
The Exterior
- Black metallic paintwork with black wheels well suited for the vehicle
- Matching black hardtop has snug fit with no reports of leaking
- Glass in great condition with only normal marks as to be expected
- Since the photos have been the vehicle has had a detail (machine polish to bring out the colour and remove swirls and also the front lights have been detailed to remove any yellow oxidisation)
While the paintwork is of an excellent colour, it does show some signs of age. That is not to say it is in bad condition, far from it. The lacquer is still in seemingly good shape. There are some normal chips from the road, but nothing that really takes away from the overall condition of the car. There’s also a couple of door dings present, and a small dimple on the passenger’s side hardtop as pictured.
The trim is in good condition, with rubbers and seals all performing their duties. Light lenses are in good usable condition. The window glass is in good condition with normal marks, but some wear marks are showing in the retractable rear side windows. Wheels have been repainted, but do show a fair bit of scratches and wear when you get up close; with some kerb damage present.
The underside is difficult to view as the vehicle is relatively close to the ground and the factory undertrays are fitted, but the bits we could see and photograph show no signs of rust having set in, only some minor surface corrosion present. The current owner states the underside is clear from rust and in great clean condition, and that the vehicle has been well kept and not left out to rot.
The Mechanics
- Fitted with uprated K24 turbos, plenty of room to increase power when desired
- Owner states that clutch, gearbox, cooling system, and engine all in great condition having been maintained well by specialist shops as mentioned above
- The suspension is buttery smooth and predictable
- Engine power is phenomenal, sets on hard and strong with negligible turbo lag
- All wheel drive system transfers power excellently, plenty of grip even under heavy acceleration
- Engine bay exceptionally clean and tidy
As to be expected, some of the very best bits about this vehicle stem from its 420hp 3.6L twin-turbo flat-six engine. That, coupled with the all-wheel-drive system, helps to explain why Porsche has made it so big in the performance and road racing segment. Power delivery is precise and calculated; predictable but still terribly exciting every time you get into full boost, which seems to be nice and early in the RPM range.
Handling is as sharp as you could hope for, but still comfortable enough to manage long distances without breaking your back. It is a clear grand tourer, but shifted a bit towards the performance edge of what we would expect from that category of vehicle. A rear engine vehicle expectedly feels a bit different than one might be used to coming from a different drivetrain layout, but with that in mind, there’s a strong reason Porsche has chosen this layout for nearly all 911s to date.
The current owner states there’s no known issues with the vehicle as it is currently, and there’s no work needing to be done at this time. The vehicle accelerates, brakes, shifts gears, and handles exactly as to be expected from a Porsche. Having spent a bit of time running around to photo locations in the vehicle, we can confirm there were no strange noises heard, and performance felt as good as described. The owner states the soft top operation works as it should with little effort and smooth operation. With that being said, the owner says it’s ready to be driven as it’s meant to be driven and enjoyed, whether on a long distance journey, or in a reliable daily driver capacity.
Summary
While there are some small nagging items the new owner may want to take care of in order to turn this one into a real stunner, this is a serious opportunity to pick up a 911 Turbo at a great price, which is mechanically sound and still displays the Porsche badge proudly. The amount of performance and elegance this vehicle comes with is far outweighing any of its downsides. Once you set foot in the bespoke interior and get to grips with the gearshift and wheel, it’s clear to see why the 996 has held a special place in many Porsche fanatic’s collection. There’s few better feelings than dropping down the soft top on a warm and sunny day, whether you’re on your way to the beach or just heading to work in the morning. Getting your foot down onto the motorway is going to be the highlight of your day, every day.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 2005
- Make Porsche
- Model 911 Turbo Cabriolet Manual (996)
- Colour Black
- Odometer 68,960 Miles
- Engine size 3600
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Solihull
- Location West Midlands
- Country United Kingdom
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