Here we have a wonderfully presented example of the Porsche 996, which we have previously sold twice already. Finished in the eye-catching Zenith Blue (paint colour code L3AX), the bodywork of the car is superb, with the signature Porsche lines perfectly straight, with no dents or dings to note. The paintwork is also in healthy condition, with no unpleasant scrapes, scratches or blemishes. We had both bumpers resprayed when we sold the car three years ago, so there are minimal stone chips present. Being highly critical there is a tiny mark to both bumpers, but this is only noticeable upon thorough, close-up inspection. The alloy wheels are the original and genuine Porsche “twist” wheels, which are in un-marked condition.

The Metropol Blue coloured interior sits in perfect harmony with the lighter, Zenith exterior. The leather has worn its 18 years well, with no sagging to the seats or notable damage suffered. The carpets, dash, door cards and headlining in the car all present brilliantly and could pass for a car of less miles and years of age. All the electrics inside operate as Porsche intended. The air conditioning system benefitted from two new condensers and a re-gas in recent times and as such blows ice-cool. The car benefits from having a genuine Porsche “classic retro” stereo fitted, which has modern technology enhancements such as sat nav and bluetooth, but is still in-keeping with the car’s age and appearance. Something that is lovely about this example is that it is an extremely basic, analogue 996; the only optional extra codes it has are; C16 (english registered car) and 650 (sunroof).

As mentioned above, this is a completely basic example, and as such, the driving experience feels utterly involved and responsive. The car drives without fault: the engine is smooth revving, powerful, without smoke/leaks/tapping noises, and we have upgraded the IMS bearing for our favoured “EPS” cylindrical unit. We renewed the clutch while carrying out the IMS upgrade and the dual mass flywheel was also renewed recently. The gearbox goes through all six gears smoothly and the brakes stop the car well, having had new discs and pads to all four corners in the last 2,000 miles. The handling ability of the car is utterly joyous; with tight and responsive steering, thanks to the renewal of a number of suspension components (detailed in the below section). All four tyres are Michelin Pilot Sports with very good tread.

This 996 has a superb servicing record, including a maintenance booklet with 16 service stamps, a hardback folder full of invoices for works completed since the car was new, all the old MOT certificates, past sales invoices for the car, HPI reports, and more. There is also the original Porsche leather wallet containing all of the original manuals.

The service intervals completed are as follows:

02/03/2001 – 8,039 miles, 02/12/2003 – 13,545 miles, 26/10/2004 – 19,119 miles, 12/08/2005 – 24,491 miles, 22/05/2006 – 35,295 miles, 24/05/2007 – 45,424 miles, 27/06/2008 – 51,662 miles, 05/03/2009 – 55,123 miles, 16/07/2010 – 58,526 miles, 04/05/2012 – 65,111 miles, 10/05/2013 – 69,492 miles, 15/03/2014 – 75,194 miles, 30/03/2016 – 84,868 miles, 13/06/2017 – 87,317 miles, 13/07/2020 – 91,268 miles, 23/10/2022 – 92,012 miles.

As noted, we have just completed a service to the car and the 2020 interval prior was also carried out with us, which was a “major” interval with spark plugs. Further works with us includes: upgrade IMS bearing for “EPS” cylindrical unit, renew three-piece clutch kit, renew rear main oil seal, renew 2x front suspension top mounts, top bearings, bump stops and dust bellows, renew 2x air conditioning condensers, renew starter motor and renew oil pressure sender.

Other works completed in recent times includes: Renew dual mass flywheel, renew solenoid seals, renew 4x lower suspension control arms, renew 2x rear drop links, renew 2x rear toe arms, renew 2x rear anti roll bar bushes, renew 2x track rod ends, renew 2x coolant radiators, renew coolant expansion tank, renew coolant expansion tank cap, renew coolant level sender.