1999 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA

This 996-generation Porsche 911 Carrera is a smart example of the marque’s first water-cooled model, which has been enhanced by some discerning cosmetic and performance modifications. Under the engine cover is the 296bhp naturally aspirated 3.4-litre flat-six, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and drives the rear wheels. The odometer shows 72,869 miles from new.

First registered on 8 January 1999, this Carrera was acquired by the seller one year ago, and has been modified with the aim of creating what might be called a ‘996 GT3 Touring’. To that end, the car’s rear seats have been removed, it has been fitted with a number of GT3 body parts, and perhaps most notably its suspension has been fully revised.

Enhanced by a genuine GT3 front bumper, lip spoiler and side skirts, this 911’s bodywork is in very good order, with flush shut lines and no evidence of any prior accident damage. The Arctic Silver paintwork has a smooth and glossy appearance around the car, though it does feature some marks including stone chips to the nose and a blemish on the roof, which is believed to have been caused by bird droppings. It rides on a set of 18-inch five-spoke Techart Formula wheels, which are in fair condition, making them good candidates for refurbishment in due course.

Moving inside, the cabin presents in good order, with some signs of wear but no significant damage. Both of the hard-backed sports seats are clad in black leather, which is creased and slightly worn, and which have some heavier scuffs and scratches on their backs. The rear seats have been removed in the interests of saving weight, as has the lower section of the centre console, replaced with an OEM centre console delete, as found on the factory GT3. A non-airbag Momo Mod.07 steering wheel and a Continental stereo with Bluetooth connectivity have been fitted, and all of the car’s buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, with no warning lights present.

This Carrera’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in August 2020 at 70,794 miles by Northway Porsche. A major service, this included replacement of the spark plugs, coil packs and drive belt, as well as the fitment of new front brake lines and an oil and filter change. Prior to this, a minor oil service was carried out in March 2019 at 63,636 miles and another minor service was performed in March 2018 at 59,797 miles, when the car was also fitted with new 964 RS type engine mounts.

In March 2017, a full chassis refresh was completed where all the suspension arms were replaced with new parts and new bushes, including new adjustable GT3 front arms, as well as the uprated coil-overs and anti-roll bars mentioned below. The car was then transported to Center Gravity, widely regarded as the leading specialist for Porsche suspension set up in the UK, to be checked over and with a fast road setup carried out. At the same time, a pair of new front radiators and new air-conditioning condensers were fitted, as well as new brake discs and pads all round.

Furthermore, the car has been enhanced with a number of performance components, including Bilstein PSS9 adjustable coil-overs, hollow Eibach anti-roll bars, 997 GT3 front brake ducts, a 996 GT3 brake master cylinder and a 997 GT3 RS shift mechanism. It is also fitted with a Top Gear X-pipe exhaust system with 200-cell catalytic converters, and a BMC air filter, which help the engine to breathe more freely while also enhancing its soundtrack.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 21 August 2020 at 70,798 miles, which it passed first-time with no advisories. All four wheels are shod in N-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. The front items were fitted in 2017 and have around 4mm of usable tread remaining, while the rears were fitted in October 2020 and are described by the vendor as being in nearly new condition. 

The car will be accompanied by both its original keys and its original book pack, including the stamped service book, owner’s manual and Tequipment accessories brochure. The seller is also including receipts for all of the car’s upgrades, its tax discs dating back to 2005 and the full original tool kit.

Envisioned by its current keeper as an affordable alternative to a GT3 Touring, this 996-generation Porsche 911 Carrera is a usable contemporary sports car, which has been enhanced by performance modifications and cosmetic upgrades. Offering a noticeable improved driving experience, this Carrera would make a superb weekend toy or long-distance road trip companion.

Summary of service history:

• 21/08/20 - 70,794 - major service included spark plugs, coil packs, drive belt, front brake lines, oil and filter change
• 10/03/19 - 63,646 - minor service including oil change and filter
• 24/03/18 - 59,797 - minor service including oil filter, BMC air filter, new 964 RS engine mounts, new Bosch Battery
• 14/03/17 - 56,771 - minor service, all brake discs and pads replaced, all suspension arms replaced with new, GT3 front suspension arms fitted, new Bilstein PSS9 coilover suspension fitted, gearbox fluid replaced, new front radiators and air-con condensers
• 13/02/16 - 56,031 - minor service
• 14/02/11 - 53,392 - minor service
• 21/05/08 - 49,436 - major service
• 02/10/06 - 43,937 - minor service
• 18/10/04 - 36,266 - minor service
• 15/10/02 - 32,020 - major service
• 05/12/01 - 25,111 - minor service
• 07/01/00 - 9,723 - minor service

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.