2004 PORSCHE 911 (996) GT3

This Porsche 911 GT3 is an alluring example of the marque’s track-focused, road-legal model in 996.2 generation guise. Under the bonnet is a rear-mounted, 3.6-litre ‘Mezger’ flat-six Boxer engine producing 375bhp and 284lb ft of torque, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer reads 67,600 miles from new.

First registered on 21 May 2004 by Porsche Centre East London, this UK-market 996.2 GT3 has recently emerged from a period in storage beginning in 2014. The current vendor has owned the car for the last six months, with the car having had seven owners from new.

In addition to mild power increases compared to the 996.1 GT3, the 996.2 featured six-piston brake calipers on the front axle, with the GT3 using the bodyshell of the Carrera 4. In the hands of storied Porsche development driver and rallying icon Walter Röhrl, a 996.2 GT3 lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7m 56s.

Wearing Polar Silver paintwork throughout, this GT3 presents in excellent condition, with a pleasing shine to the finish. The seller states that the front end of the car has been resprayed to a high standard, with no stone chips visible on the front bumper or splitter. A small mark is present on the passenger side rear quarter, and the body panels retain their taut shutlines throughout – suggesting that this example has not been involved in an accident.

The aftermarket 18in O.Z. Racing ‘Alleggerita’ alloy wheels are in excellent condition, with no kerbing marks or degradation to the wheel bolts or centre caps. Their gunmetal finish continues the theme set by the smoked indicator lenses and grey-painted mirror caps.

Moving inside, the GT3 is a blend of original features and motorsport upgrades to bring it up to 996 Clubsport specification. Chief among these are the presence of OEM Porsche bucket seats with Schroth harnesses, a full roll cage and MOMO deep-dish steering wheel.

The Porsche-embossed leather seats are in good condition, with minor signs of creasing to the bolsters, but no rips or tears. The original blue seatbelts are included alongside the Scroth harnesses, which are in immaculate condition. Main contact points including the steering wheel and gearknob are in good condition, though the GT3-branded handbrake cover shows signs of use.

This model would be ideally-suited to longer journeys, with the presence of dual-zone climate control and the original Porsche CDR23 Becker radio and CD player augmenting this model’s electric windows.

As befitting a performance icon, this GT3 has been comprehensively maintained throughout its life. The most recent service was carried out on 21 August 2019 at 64,830 miles by The Supercar Rooms, entailing replacement of the battery, engine oil and filters, aux belt, brake fluid and all six spark plugs. Prior to this, minor and major services were carried out on 25 July 2014 and 28 March 2014 respectively by marque specialists RPM Technik, before the vehicle was put into storage.

During the vendor’s ownership, a full geometry setup has been undertaken to extract the best from the GT3’s chassis. A summary of the car’s service history to date follows this advert.

Prior to their ownership, a full Ohlins suspension system has been fitted, along with Powerflex bushes, amotorsport short shift kit and an upgraded Alcon braking system.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 June 2020 at 66,569 miles. This resulted in a first-time clean pass with zero advisories. Shod in matching Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres all round, these are in excellent condition with approximately 5mm of tread remaining. These were fitted prior to the car being put into storage in 2014, so it may be advisable to change these due to their age ahead of use on the road or track.

Now available for its next enthusiast owner to enjoy, this GT3 is offered for sale with its original Porsche handbooks, stamped service history with supporting invoices, and two keys. The vendor states that there around 20 invoices from RPM Technik totalling approximately £26,000, indicating the high level of care this 911 has received to date.

This 996.2-generation Porsche GT3 is a compelling example of the marque’s road racer, offering scintillating performance from its Mezger horizontally-opposed flat-six, allied to an agile and playful chassis. While it would be a thrilling B-road tool for its next owner, it could also turn its hand to hard track use or longer road trips due to its blend of reliability and carefully-considered upgrades.

Summary of service history

• Porsche: 16492 miles
• Porsche: 24476 miles
• Porsche:34202 miles
• Porsche: 40166 miles
• Specialist: 43899 miles
• Porsche: 56139 miles
• Specialist RPM: 54417 miles
• Specialist RPM: 57103 miles
• Specialist RPM:58946 miles
• Specialist RPM: 61995 miles
• Specialist: 64830 miles
• Next service due: 21/08/21

All UK-registered 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.