2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996)

Highlights

• 3.6-litre flat six good for 320hp, 178mph and 0-60 in five seconds dead
• Stainless steel back box sports exhaust
• In current ownership 16 years
• Large history folder
• Recommissioned after five years in storage in Jan 2024 and ready to go

Overview

Like the recently refreshed sonic screwdriver-wielding time traveller, the 911 is into its sixth decade and, while the 911 hasn’t had quite as many regenerations as Dr Who, there seems to be a variant out there to suit almost every preference and price point.

Currently the most affordable way into owning the quintessential sports car is the first water-cooled iteration, the 996, which, in its purest form as a manual Carrera 2, still has much to offer the enthusiastic driver. Their reputation suffered a little for the engine maladies endured by a small proportion of them but, with most either now fixed or having covered enough miles that the problems are unlikely to occur, prices have started on a gentle upward arc.

This all bodes well for someone looking for their first 911. Clearly they still need looking after but with a large network of specialists and enthusiasts to call upon, it shouldn’t be too onerous. The reward is, of course, a drive like no other.

This example presents very well in subtle hues inside and out. There’s a gentle patina that shows it’s been used regularly, though it did take a sabbatical between 2018 and 2023. Treated to a recommissioning service by its owner of 17 years in January, it’s now in fine fettle and ready to be enjoyed by anyone wanting to scratch that rear-engined itch. And thanks to Porsche’s well-earned reputation for durability, it doesn’t take a time machine to experience this modern classic.

History and documentation

• Registered 31 Oct 2001
• In current ownership for 16 years
• There’s an extensive folder of history which includes invoices showing the following work: services in Jul 2007, Aug 2009, Feb 2013 including air conditioning condenser and water pump replacement, Mar 2015, Mar 2016, Mar 2017, recommissioning service after five years in storage in Jan 2024 at a total cost of over £1,300 including new battery
• In addition, we’re told that the car benefitted from a BG head decoking at around 90k miles and that a new clutch was installed <15k miles ago
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 21 Dec 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• In general, the cabin is a good advert for Porsche’s durability as it’s stood the test of time and miles well
• Black leather sports seats show a lovely level of patination, mostly to the driver’s seat, and no damage
• Carpets look to be in good order and have matching Porsche-branded over mats
• Up above, the dark headlining looks to be clean and secure
• There’s slight wear to the gear lever, but nothing excessive
• Air conditioning and electric windows are fitted
• There’s a CD changer and the presence of an Audison unit in the front boot points to some sort of audio upgrade
• The boot also contains a spare wheel and tool kit

Exterior

• The 996 coupe is ageing well, to our eyes
• Finished in a subtle metallic grey, the car presents very well with no obvious dents or scrapes
• There are perhaps a few stone chips to the front which is to be expected on an unrestored car
• Its appearance is aided by wheels which were refurbed around 10 years ago but still look very fresh with no kerbing damage
• The tyres have an estimated 4000 miles remaining, depending on driving style, obviously
• We’re advised by the seller that the underside is in good condition and the photographs bear that out
• The light lenses are clear and damage-free all round as far as we can see
• In all, it’s a very honest looking car

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre flat six rated at 320hp
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• Aftermarket stainless steel sports exhaust makes it sound lovely
• The vendor tells is that the clutch was replaced <15k miles ago
• After a period in storage, it’s had a recent recommissioning service including new battery
• The seller reports that the car is kept on a trickle charger and starts first time
• A BG head decoke at around 90k miles contributes to good reported responsiveness
• We’re advised that the gearbox changes smoothly and that the brakes are all in good condition
• In all, although it will no doubt need some ongoing maintenance, it sounds ready to be enjoyed

Summary

There’s still a lot to be said for a manual 996 Carrera 2, something which the market is waking up to. This example has been with its current keeper for almost 17 years and presents as a solid, honest car. With a recent significant service, it should be ready for its new owner to get out and enjoy the sound of a flat six through a sports exhaust.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Ipswich, Suffolk.