1997 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA

This Porsche 911 Carrera is a usable and highly original example of the marque’s 996-generation sports car. Under the rear decklid resides a 3.4-litre water-cooled flat-six producing 300bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer reads 87,166 miles.

This example has been owned by the current vendor for around one year. Having recently completed the North Coast 500 road trip, it is now available to its next enthusiast owner.

An early 1998 model year car, first registered on 31 December 1997, this UK-market example was specified with desirable options including its Turbo ‘Twist’ alloy wheels, the M030 suspension package with upgraded dampers and stiffened anti-roll bars, sport seats, and a factory limited-slip differential. As an early 996, this example also features a cable throttle, which some enthusiasts believe delivers a more responsive experience than in later models.

Wearing Arctic Silver metallic paint, this 996 stands up well to close inspection, with even and clear colouring throughout. Some stone chips are visible on the front bumper and both front wings, with the underside of the front splitter exhibiting some marks on its right-hand side and partial separation of the front mud guards from the undertray. Slight bubbling in the paint is also visible near the left rear light cluster, as well as around the right rear wheel arch. The windscreen has also begun to delaminate in places, but overall the 996 remains in good condition for its age.

Inside, the 996’s hard-wearing interior remains in very good condition. Both front leather heated sport seats are electrically adjustable, with slight scuffing seen to their shells when folded forward. The outside of the driver’s seat bolster shows minor signs of wear, with a blemish also visible on the seat base. A small scratch is also apparent on the front passenger headrest, but in general the upholstery still looks smart throughout.

This example also benefits from the installation of an upgraded Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which not only modernises the interior ambience but provides navigation as well as phone, USB and aux-in connectivity. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Dual-zone climate control and a sunroof complete the options inside, with all electrics remaining in full working order.

The most recent service was carried out in March 2020 at 81,080 miles by Silvertune Porsche. This included an engine oil change, as well as replacement of both the header tank and brake fluid. The engine oil, filters, spark plugs and engine mounts were all replaced in November 2018; while another prior service took place in October 2017, when the front and rear anti-roll bars were also renewed. This 996 also benefits from having both the IMS and RMS replaced, attending to a common concern for prospective buyers.

The most recent MOT test was on 12 December 2020 at 86,219 miles. This was a first-time pass with zero advisories, with the 911 having covered only approximately 6,000 miles since its previous 2019 MOT. Shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres on the front axle and Pilot Sport 4 on the rear, these remain in very good order.

This Porsche 996 Carrera is a smart example of the marque’s millennium-era 911. Offering a wonderfully analogue driving experience with the addition of purist-favoured options such as an LSD and sports suspension, it would be great fun to enjoy on road trips and B-road blasts, and would be a credit to any collection of modern classics or sports cars.

Factory specification:

• C16: UK market car
• 014: Sports option package (inc. 030, 220, 375, 376)
• 030: Sports suspension -10mm lower
• 139: Seat heating, left
• 220: Limited Slip Differential
• 222: Traction control ASR
• 224: Traction control ABD
• 234: Internal production code
• 340: Seat heating, right
• 375: 2-way electrical sports seat, left
• 376: 2-way electrical sports seat, right
• 408: 18-inch 993 Turbo wheels
• 424: CD compartment
• 490: Sound system
• 563: Side airbags
• 571: Activated charcoal filter
• 686: CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-21
• 936: Leather rear seats
• 981: Leather dashboard and door panels
• 983: Leather front seats

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