2004 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA 4S

This Porsche 996 Carrera 4S is a sought-after modern classic, finished in a rare factory colour for the model, and with excellent provenance. Under the rear engine cover is a 315bhp 3.6-litre flat-six, with four-wheel-drive via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 84,366 miles.

The Carrera 4S is a particularly desirable 996-era Porsche 911, featuring the Turbo-type wide body, as well as that model’s suspension, wheels and brakes. It is also the only 996 to be equipped with a full-width rear reflector. On the road, the chassis upgrades give the Carrera 4S much sharper handling, while maintaining the well-judged ride that makes a 911 such a fine grand tourer.

This car was first registered on 9 March 2004, and has three previous keepers on the V5C. Its previous owner was a director of Porsche specialist RPM Technik, and as such it was unsurprisingly very well maintained. It has been used sparingly by the current owner, and is now offered for sale to another enthusiast who will hopefully find more time to enjoy it on the road.

Finished in Guards Red, this particular Carrera 4S is likely one of only a few UK cars that left the factory in this colour. Its features include the switchable Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE), PCM, climate control, aluminium accents on the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip, and with a body-coloured transmission tunnel and red seat belts. It is also a non-sunroof specification car.

The vendor is not aware of any previous damage to the bodywork, and it presents in very good condition today. Its front bumper and bonnet have been resprayed in the past to rectify stone chip damage, and there are only a few very minor blemishes in the paintwork, which are clearly shown in the gallery. The right rear bumper has a light scuff, but the plastic itself is not deformed or damaged. There are also some common small grazes under the black plastic front splitter from brushing the odd kerb.

Inside, this 996’s black leather upholstery remains in impressive condition for its age, with modest signs of use and light creasing, but no heavy wear or damage. There are some light scuff marks around the dashboard, door cards and sill kick plates, commensurate with the mileage. There are also some indentations in the rear seats, which look like they are probably from a previously fitted child seat. Leather trim extends to the rear quarters of the cabin, as well as the instrument binnacle, while the headlining is black Alcantara. All of the switchgear functions as it should, though the vendor reports that the air-conditioning would benefit from being recharged.

Its last routine maintenance was carried out in December 2019 at 84,308 miles, when technicians at Advanced Motorsport & Engineering Ltd carried out an engine oil and filter change, renewed the air filter and rear crankshaft oil seal, upgraded the IMS bearing, and fitted new exhaust gaskets, manifold studs and clamps.

Other services in recent years took places in September 2018 at 82,435 miles, which included repairs to the switchable exhaust actuators, and in April 2017 at 80,023 miles, when a new oil breather pipe was fitted, along with a new alternator and replacement front and rear brake pads.

The most recent MOT test was on 9 July 2019 at 84,292 miles, when it passed with advisories regarding slight distortion of the nearside front alloy, and with a nail in the tyre on the same wheel. Its tyres are reported to be around four years old with less than 50% wear.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook and service record, as well as a number of prior receipts. The original space-saver spare wheel, tool kit, jack and air compressor are all present.

This Porsche 996 Carrera 4S is an excellent example of a superb modern classic. With a rare factory colour scheme, impressive maintenance history, and some discerning options, this is a well-sorted and appealing 911 that is great fun to drive, and would be a smart addition to any marque enthusiast’s garage.

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