Auction Highlight: 2001 Porsche 911 (996) GT2

Controversial at its launch, heralding the end of air-cooled Porsches; the 996-generation 911 brought with it a host of technological advancements and more power.

With around 175,000 being sold worldwide, the first of the water-cooled 911 was a smash hit, and Collecting Cars has sold well over 300 examples of this generation – in all guises from Carrera to GT3 RS, and from Targa to 40th Anniversary.

The 996 GT2 offered on Collecting Cars in December 2021 was one of just 1,287 examples built over the four-year production run, and was presented in unmodified and low-mileage condition.

Often referred to as a ‘widowmaker’, it was propelled by a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged ‘Mezger’ flat-six, sending 456bhp and 457lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission. It was the first production Porsche to feature carbon-ceramic brake discs and was equipped with GT3 adjustable suspension with rose-jointed supports. A more aggressive aesthetic was achieved through a deeper front bumper and lip spoiler as well as a substantial rear wing.

With power above that of the contemporary 911 Turbo, running on tauter suspension, without traction control, and with drive directed to the rear wheels only; it was easy to see why the GT2 had a reputation for being a handful on an imperfect stretch of road.

This particular car was offered in pristine cosmetic order, reflective of its very low odometer reading of 13,001 km (8,078 miles). Finished in the timeless hue of Artic Silver Metallic over a black leather cabin, this GT2 was also supported by a comprehensive main dealer and specialist service history.

In recent years, the car had been inspected and given the all-clear by Jochen Bader, manager of the factory’s own Porsche Classic Workshop. One of the most experienced and knowledgeable specialists in the appraisal of Porsche cars, Jochen travels worldwide to evaluate the condition and originality of special examples like this one.

This particular listing was in fact the car’s second appearance on the platform, having already sold around 18 months previously. This time around, strong interest saw a final winning bid of €137,500 - and the value would no doubt be even higher today given the increases that the 996 GT2 model has seen since then.

If you are in the market for a 996-generation Porsche – or its successor the 997 – we previously teamed up with marque specialist Autofarm to explore what you should consider before buying. And if it’s definitely a 996 you’re looking for, then our specialists have crafted this guide on what you should expect to pay.