2001 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET

This 2001 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a smart example of the pre-facelift soft-top sports car. Powered by a 3.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, this example has covered a recorded 60,005 miles.

First registered on 30 April 2001, this 996 C4 Cabriolet has been in the vendor’s possession for 15 years, during which time it has been greatly enjoyed by the family, all while being regularly maintained. From the factory, this was a very well-specified 911, boasting a sports exhaust, electrically adjusted and heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, Turbo-look wheels, Litronic (xenon) headlights, Park Assist and more.

The paintwork on this 996 is in fair condition for its age with some noticeable marks, such as a scuff on the offside lower front bumper, and a minor patch of damage to the nearside rear corner of the hard top. The usual smattering of stone chips is present to the front end and rear arches, though this is commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle. All four of the 993 Turbo-look wheels would benefit from refurbishment, but they retain the original Porsche coloured crest centre caps.

Inside, the black leather interior - complete with optional PCM 1 unit - is in good condition, with some modest wear to the seats, but no unsightly rips or tears. The folding soft top works exactly as it should with no damage to the fabric, but the plastic rear window is starting to discolour with age. All of the stereo systems and electrics work as they should, with no warning lights on the dashboard.

The most recent service was carried out during September 2020 at 58,956 and was performed by Porsche Centre Guildford. This was a ‘major’ service including fresh spark plugs and a new fuel filter, in addition to the usual inspection and oil change. Prior to this, the car was serviced with a brake fluid change in September 2019, and again in September 2018 including a radiator and drain flush, air-conditioning service, new wiper blades and a replacement key. The clutch was replaced in 2010, and there are no known mechanical faults with the vehicle.

As part of the service in 2020, Porsche noted that there is a slight oil leak which is believed to be coming from the rear main seal (RMS), the front power steering hose is worn, the rear lower arm bushes are beginning to wear down, both front shock absorber bump stops have perished, the front and rear brake pipes have some corrosion, and a wheel alignment is recommended.

The most recent MOT took place on 18 September 2020 resulting in a clean pass with no advisories, though bidders should note the items above that should be addressed in due course. Included with the vehicle are two sets of keys, the original Porsche handbooks and document wallet, stamped service history, and a plethora of invoices from the last 15 years.

Offering top-down motoring with a sonorous flat-six soundtrack, this pre-facelift Porsche 996 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is ripe for year-round use whatever the weather, thanks to the four-wheel-drive system and factory hard top. There is room for some improvement, and the car could be brought up to a superb standard in time. It is a good opportunity to acquire a usable and great value modern classic drop-top.

Summary of service history:

• 12/04/2002 – 1,410 miles
• 06/05/2003 – 11,353 miles
• 19/05/2004 – 17,702 miles
• 14/04/2005 – 25,382 miles
• 31/08/2006 – 30,362 miles
• 15/10/2007 – 34,018 miles
• 07/09/2009 – 38,662 miles
• 30/08/2012 – 44,123 miles
• 05/09/2016 – 50,495 miles
• 11/09/2018 – 53,310 miles
• 04/09/2019 – 56,441 miles
• 19/09/2020 – 58,956 miles

Factory specification:

• C16: UK market car
• XLF: Sports exhaust system
• XPA: Leather covered airbag module for 3-spoke steering wheel
• XSC: Porsche crest embossed in headrests
• XX2: Illuminated footwell
• X97: Aluminium inlay gear lever
• X98: Aluminium inlay handbrake lever
• 139: Seat heating, left
• 236: Internal production code
• 265: Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and rain sensor
• 266: Automatic anti-dazzle door mirrors
• 288: Headlamp washer
• 340: Seat heating, right
• 413: 18" 993 Turbo-look wheels
• 437: 8-way electrical seat, left
• 438: 8-way electrical seat, right
• 446: Wheel caps with coloured Porsche crest
• 490: Basic sound system
• 513: 4-way electrically adjustable lumbar support, right seat
• 538: Seat memory, right
• 551: Wind deflector
• 567: Top-tinted windscreen
• 586: 4-way electrically adjustable lumbar support, left seat
• 601: Litronic (xenon) headlamps
• 635: ParkAssistant
• 662: PCM with navigation, telephone module, radio, cassette player
• 663: Telephone handset
• 689: Preparation for CD changer
• 939: Draped leather rear seats
• 981: Leather dashboard and door panels
• 982: Draped leather front seats

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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.