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2001 PORSCHE 911 (996) TURBO

This 2001 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo is a coveted modern classic, presented in a popular colour scheme, and with superb maintenance history. It is powered by the 414bhp 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six ‘Mezger’ engine, with four-wheel drive via the six-speed manual transmission. The car has been used and enjoyed as intended, and the odometer shows 102,169 miles from new.

An original right-hand drive UK-supplied car, this 996 Turbo was first registered in May 2001. It has evidently been very well cared-for by its previous keepers, reflected not only by the history but also by its impressive condition. The seller acquired the car two years ago, and has enjoyed some 4,400 miles behind the wheel.

The bodywork of this 911 is in good condition, with no patches of corrosion visible around the door shuts or wheel arches. There are minor blemishes in the paint finish at the rear in particular, including a small section of peeling lacquer, and two small stress cracks, each around 50mm in length. It also has two shorter but slightly deeper scratches behind a rear wheel arch. However, the Arctic Silver paintwork still presents well overall, needing only minor cosmetic attention to smarten up.

All of the body trims are in good condition, including the black plastic valance at the front. The window and door rubbers are also all sound. The car sits on the original and correct set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which are pristine with no kerbing damage. The lacquer on the red painted brake calipers is peeling in places, so they would benefit from refurbishment in due course.

This 996 Turbo was specified from the factory with black soft ruffled leather throughout, and the upholstery is still in great shape given the age and mileage. There are no rips or tears in the material, and only minimal wear showing on the bolsters. The electrically adjustable front seats are heated, and have memory settings for the driver, as well as adjustable lumbar support on both sides. The gear lever has been replaced with a new genuine Porsche item, and the leather-trimmed steering wheel remains in excellent condition.

A few of the dashboard switches have lost some of the white painted icons through use, but all of the buttons and controls work as they should. The electrics for the tilt-and-slide sunroof are also in good order. Having been originally equipped with the Porsche Communication Management system, the media unit has since been upgraded to a Pioneer touch-screen item with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. The original CD changer remains in the front boot, and the factory build sticker is still present.

This car has superb history, and over the last 12 years covering some 60,000 miles, it has been serviced every year without fail. During the last five years, it has been looked after exclusively by independent specialist Nine Excellence in Horsham.

The last scheduled maintenance was in April 2019 at 99,851 miles, which consisted of a major service, fresh spark plugs, replacement front and rear indicator bulbs, a new fuel filter and nearside radiator hose, and adjustment of the bonnet latches.

It had a full suspension health check and minor set-up at Porsche specialist Center Gravity in January 2020. The technicians performing this work noted that the car had clearly been very well looked after, but advised the current owner that the rear ‘coffin’ wishbone control arms need replacing soon, along with the front bump stops.

The two service visits before this were in February 2018, for minor maintenance at 97,355 miles, and in January 2017 for a major service at 94,625 miles. During the latter, the brake fluid was also renewed, the rear brake lines were cleaned and protected, and the air-conditioning was re-gassed. New chain guide pins on both banks were fitted in April 2016, the auxiliary belt was replaced in April 2015, and it had a complete new clutch in April 2014 at 76,009 miles.

Other work carried out in recent years includes fitting new front brake discs, wheel balancing, repairs to the oil scavenger pumps with new unions, replacement of the exhaust heat shields, and refurbishment of the headlights.

The most recent MOT test was on 15 April 2019 at 99,842 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only two advisories regarding wear to the rear brake discs, and some slight corrosion noted on the power steering rack hose. Its current certificate was due to expire in April 2020, but following the government’s six-month extension, it will now be valid until October 2020.

The alloy wheels are fitted with a set of Porsche N4-rated Pirelli P Zero tyres, in size 225/40 ZR18 at the front and 295/30 ZR18 at the rear. They were fitted in 2015 and remain in good condition, with around 4mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is a good history file containing invoices for all maintenance work from 2008 onwards, as well as the original stamped service booklet. Numerous old MOT certificates are also present, along with old tax discs and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. The original tool roll, space-saver spare wheel, first aid kit, jacking, and air compressor are also still with the car. There are two keys, and a full set of floor mats.

This Porsche 996 Turbo is a great example of one of the very best all-weather supercars. The combination of its powerful flat-six engine with the six-speed manual transmission makes driving a delight, and this particular car has certainly been used as intended. However, it wears its mileage remarkably well, and during the last decade in particular a substantial sum has been spent by its owners to keep it in very good order. While the paintwork at the rear could be refreshed by the next owner, there is little else that needs to be done to make this car present superbly.

Summary of service history: