Here we have a lovely example of the first generation 996, which has been proudly owned by its previous owner for 13 years. We are fond of a generation 1 996 in the manual, coupe, rear wheel driven guise, as they are light-weight, basic in terms of spec, and simply offer an engaging drive. This particular car has benefitted from an IMS bearing upgrade 2 years / 3,000 miles ago, nullifying this area of concern. The Porsche is found in utterly original condition throughout. The coachwork is finished in the classic 996 Arctic Silver (paint colour code L92U) and is in superb overall condition. The car is perfectly straight across all panels and there are no unpleasant scratches or scrapes to note. We have treated the 911 to our customary day’s worth of FGP detailing, demonstrating the fabulous condition of the paintwork, which has a mirror-like finish. The headlights are clear, having avoided yellowing from oxidisation, the original tail pipes are nice and clean, and the original 17″ “twist” alloy wheels present nicely in original Arctic Silver.

Within the cockpit is a black leather interior that is in a condition representative of the car’s low mileage and the attentive care it’s been afforded. The seats look fresh, with no sagging or damage and only minimal wear to the drivers side bolstering. The carpets and headlining are all beautifully clean, and the dash and door cards are in nice condition. Everything electrical works exactly as it should including the retractable electric sun-roof and the air conditioning system which has just has had two new condensers fitted by us in preparation for sale. There are two working remote key fobs with the car. As has been mentioned earlier, this particular example is a very basic specced car, which is something we and a lot of our customers prefer, as it leaves a more analogue and involved sports car. The optional extra codes read as follows: 424, 425, 490, 567, 650, 689, 698, 936, 981, 983.

The first generation 996, in the coupe, rear wheel driven guise, and with minimal (unnecessary) optional equipment, is arguably the most “pure” water called 911, offering an engaging drive with an analogue feel alike that offered by its predecessors. This example is so basic in terms of spec, that it is even without traction control. The mechanical condition of this particular example is superb, with the 3.4 litre flat 6 offering a smooth idle, and great performance all the way through its lineal power-band. As part of our sales preparation process, we have fitted new stainless steel sports exhaust back boxes, producing a modest sound when cruising, but a sporty noise when more of the right pedal is applied. The manual transmission travels through all six gears smoothly, and the clutch is light, with a good biting point, having been renewed when the IMS bearing was upgraded and the rear main seal renewed 3,000 miles / 2 years ago. The brakes are in good condition all round, possessing great stopping ability, and the suspension is tight throughout all of its components, with sharp and positive steering. Dunlop Sport tyres are fitted, with 6-7mm of tread to the front and 4-5mm of tread to the rear.

The 996 has a full service record, made up of a folder filled with paperwork relating to the car, such as invoices for works completed, historic MOT certificates, HPI reports etc. The original Porsche leather owner’s wallet is also present, containing the owner manuals and the maintenance booklet, with 12 service intervals completed, listed as follows:

20/09/2000 – 6,330 miles, 16/10/2001 – 10,057 miles, 02/10/2002 – 12,667 miles, 09/10/2003 – 14,899 miles, 14/02/2006 – 25,047 miles, 14/04/2009 – 38,801 miles, 24/08/2010 – 43,305 miles, 05/07/2012 – 47,645 miles, 26/03/2015 – 50,989 miles, 20/04/2018 – 53,586 miles, 28/01/2020 – 57,286 miles, 10/06/2022 – 60,360 miles.

As noted above, we have just carried out a service on the car, which was a major interval. Further works carried out during our preparation process includes the following: Brake fluid change, renew 2x air conditioning condensers, re-gas air conditioning system, renew 2x bonnet damping struts, renew 2x exhaust back boxes for stainless steel units, renew engine lid damping strut, renew passenger window regulator.

Other recent works includes: Renew O/S/F suspension lower control arm, renew 2x front anti-roll bar drop links, upgrade IMS bearing to EPS cylindrical unit, renew rear main oil seal, renew three-piece clutch kit, renew 6x spark plugs, gearbox oil change, renew horn.