2001 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA

This 996-generation Porsche 911 Carrera is a smart and usable example of the iconic sports car and is presented in a handsome factory colour combination of Seal Grey over black leather. The first 911 to feature a water-cooled engine, the 996 signified a new direction for Porsche. As a Gen 2 model, this example is powered by a 3.6-litre unit which generates 315bhp, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, providing maximum driver engagement.

First registered on 16 November 2001, the car’s odometer displays 97,180 miles from new. Its log book lists seven previous keepers, of which the last three were the current owner and two of their close friends – so this 911 has been known to the owner since 2006. During this time it has been well cared-for by marque specialists, and was maintained at Porsche main dealers prior to this. The seller has clocked up 21,400 enjoyable miles during their eight years of ownership.

Featuring updated styling, this 996 looks every part the modern classic sports car, doing away with the somewhat polarising headlight design seen on the first-generation model. The seller notes that the rear bumper and engine lid previously suffered from minor accident damage, having been rear-ended at less than 5mph at a set of traffic lights. However, this was repaired to a high standard by a Porsche-approved bodyshop.

Its Seal Grey paintwork has been refreshed in places to rectify scratches and other clear coat blemishes, and is in good overall condition today, having been given a thorough detail and polish. However, there are some small marks commensurate with its age and mileage, including small stone chips to the front end, minor chips on the driver’s door edge and flaked paint on the handle. There are also a few light scuffs to the front and rear bumpers.

The door jambs and rubber seals are in excellent condition, and the car is showing no signs of any corrosion on the shut panels. While the headlight lenses were refurbished in 2015, the passenger-side unit is showing some hazing and peeling of the lacquer, though this currently has no noticeable impact on emitted light. Factory-fitted features include a sliding sunroof panel and a rear wiper. It rides on a set of silver 18-inch five-spoke Carrera wheels, which are in excellent condition.

Described by the seller as being in good condition, the interior is clad in black leather, which covers the seats, door tops, dashboard panel, steering wheel, and gear knob. In general, the upholstery presents very well, with only a small patch of wear on the driver’s seat side bolster, and discolouration around the gear knob. It is equipped with the desirable Sport seats, which are in good order, showing only small nicks and scuffs on the backs.

The cabin is finished with matching black carpeting and the original Porsche-branded black floor mats are still in place, although the driver’s side mat is worn through on the heel patches. Small scratches are also present on some of the other trim pieces, including the driver’s side sill cover. The car has been fitted with an aftermarket stereo head unit, providing Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity – though the original radio will also be included by the seller. At the front of the car, the boot houses a space-saver spare wheel in a protective cover, along with a tool roll.

Perhaps most importantly for such a lauded driver’s car, this 911 Carrera is in fantastic mechanical condition, having been fastidiously maintained by its current and past owners. From 2012 through to 2019, it has been serviced annually without fail at Porsche specialist GT-One in Surrey. Its last service was carried out in February 2019 at 96,222 miles, when it received a brake fluid change, airbag system check and gearbox oil change, as well as standard 24,000-mile service items including engine oil, filters and spark plugs.

Prior to this, the car was serviced in March 2018 at 95,072 miles and in February 2017 at 93,775 miles, both again at GT-One. The work in 2018 included the fitting of four Pirelli P Zero tyres, alloy wheel refurbishment, geometry adjustments and a respray of the offside front wing to correct a clear coat blemish.

Other maintenance in recent years has included replacement of both front radiators and the exhaust silencers in 2016 at 91,005 miles. The previous year, at 88,021 miles, the ignition coils were renewed on bank 1 of the engine, and the new brake pads were fitted. In 2014, at 83,572 miles, its clutch was replaced, along with the water pump, front suspension top mounts, and rear suspension control arms.

Perhaps most significantly of all in terms of future-proofing the car, this 996 received an upgrade to the IMS bearing in 2012 at 78,837 miles, when the potentially troublesome factory part was swapped to a higher-grade ceramic item. The rear main oil seal was renewed at the same time.

Its last MOT test was carried out on 16 April 2020, which it passed first time. The only advisory noted some wear to a front inner brake disc. Indeed, over the last 15 years, covering some 60,000 miles on the road, the car has never failed an MOT test – a testament to the care and maintenance commissioned by its owners.

The wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres, which were fitted in February 2018 and have covered just 2,000 miles since, so have plenty of tread remaining. Accompanying the car are its original handbooks, and an extensive service history file, with invoices and receipts dating back to 2006.

This Porsche 911 Carrera is about as pure as the driving experience in a 996 gets, with its combination of naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive and manual gearbox. It is undoubtedly a solid choice for a keen driver, delivering an engaging and analogue character at a compelling price point. While there are a few minor cosmetic jobs that could be attended to in due course, this is a well-maintained example in excellent mechanical condition, and will no doubt delight its owner whenever they choose to wring out its performance on one of their favourite roads.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.