2005 PORSCHE 911 (996) CARRERA 4S CABRIOLET

This Porsche 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is a capable and exciting open-top sports car, presented in a classic colour combination, and with only one keeper from new. Under the rear engine lid is the water-cooled 3.6-litre flat-six, which produces 315bhp and 273lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via the engaging six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer displays 78,966 miles from new, though the original engine was replaced under warranty after covering 9,307 miles.

Sold to its current owner by Porsche Silverstone in January 2005, this 996-generation Carrera 4S Cabriolet was specified in Guards Red over a full black leather interior. Optional equipment includes a premium Bose sound system, rear parking sensors, Porsche crest coloured wheel centre caps, Porsche crests embossed on the seats’ headrests, stainless steel door entry guards, aluminium gear shifter and handbrake grip trim, and the PCM infotainment system with sat-nav and phone integration. It is also supplied with its original colour-matched hardtop, which has been fitted every winter, and the car is routinely garaged overnight.

Still finished in its original Guards Red paintwork, this 911’s bodywork is in great shape, with flush shut lines and no accident damage to speak of. The finish presents well, and while there are some very minor marks and blemishes from the car’s road use – including stone chips on the front bumper and bonnet and a minor graze on the passenger-side of the rear bumper – it has a bright and glossy appearance around the whole car. The vendor also notes that there were previously some minor blisters on the bottom edges of the front wheel arches where they met the sills, but these have since been treated and touched in.

All of the exterior trim presents very well, and while the bottom section of the near-side front wheel arch trim has slightly come away, this could easily be repaired or replaced. All of the light lenses are in good order, and the black fabric convertible hood is similarly smart, fitting snugly over the frame beneath with no rips, scuffs or significant fading. There is a slight chaffing and loss of red paintwork, caused by the roof closing on the inside edge of the drivers-side windscreen rim. The car rides on a set of 18-inch ‘Turbo Twist’ alloy wheels, which are in generally good condition; however, they may benefit from refurbishment in due course.

Fully clad in black leather, the interior is in impressive condition, and while there are some general creases to the seats and very slight scuffing on the driver’s door closure handle, this is in line with the car’s age and mileage. The seller also notes that there is a hole in the removable wind deflector’s mesh netting, which was caused by the coat hook on the rear of the driver’s seat. Elsewhere, the cabin presents very well, and the car’s original PCM infotainment system is still fitted, along with the optional six-disc CD autochanger, which is mounted in the front storage compartment.

As this Carrera 4S has been fitted with a Milltek exhaust system in place of its original Porsche Sports Exhaust System, the exhaust control switch on the centre console no longer functions. However, the rest of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This open-top sports car’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in January 2021 at 78,835 miles by respected specialist JGC Porsche. A minor service, this included replacement of the engine oil and filter, while the sump washer, screen wash and anti-freeze were also changed. Prior to this, a major service was carried out in January 2020 at 77,320 miles, when the spark plugs and drive belts were changed, as well as the engine oil, oil filter, air filter and pollen filter.

During its life with the seller, the car has also benefitted from a number of replacement parts. These include a new water pump which was fitted in 2021, six new ignition coils in 2020, a starter motor in 2019, PSE vacuum units and air-conditioning condensers in 2014, and a new radiator in 2012. Subsequently, the front air intakes were fitted with discreet wire mesh to help prevent future stone penetration to the radiators.

The vendor notes that in April 2006 with the car having only done a total 9,307 miles since new, the car suffered a complete engine failure at a very low speed. The vehicle was immediately recovered by Porsche Centre Silverstone, who fitted a brand-new engine under warranty on 25 April 2006, which is shown in a printout of a document listing the service history with Porsche Silverstone. In addition, a replacement V5C indicating the new engine number was issued. Needless to say, the engine has performed faultlessly over the last 70,000 miles.

This contemporary sports car is almost completely standard, save for its Milltek exhaust system, which was fitted in August 2019, but it retains the original 996 exhaust tips for a more discreet look.

Its latest MOT test was conducted on 8 January 2021 at 78,835 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with advisories noting that one of the front brake discs was worn, and that the nearside front, offside front and offside rear tyres were cracking or perishing, while the offside rear tyre was worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Today, the tyres are as described during the car’s MOT test, apart from the worn driver’s-side rear item, which was replaced after the test.

This 911 will be accompanied by all of its original manuals, as well as documentation of its service history and past MOT certificates. The seller is also supplying the original purchase documentation from Porsche Silverstone and the car’s full original tool kit.

Combining wind-in-your-hair thrills with accessible all-season performance, the Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet is a true ‘do it all’ sports car. Well-maintained from new and offered for sale by its first and only keeper, this handsome example is ready to enjoy immediately, and is sure to delight its next owner come rain or shine.

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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.