"The Porsche 996 Turbo was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September1999 with a driveline derived from the Le Mans winning GT1 from the previous year. The Hagerty guide to buying a Porsche 911/996 points out the regular 996 model from 1997 to 2004 was a ‘whole other world’ from the Turbo model that ran from 2000-2005. The initials IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) are well known to 911 enthusiasts and there is no denying lubrication problems plagued some cars, a consequence of moving from air-cooled to the first water cooled 911 engine. The Turbo versions 3.6 flat-six was known as a Metzger engine, named after Porsche engineer Hans Metzger, these never had an IMS or overheating issues being based on original air-cooled power plant the most common description is ‘bulletproof’. As the specification confirms, the twin turbos contribute to 414 hp and 415 ft lbs of torque; Variocam (variable valve timing) and All Wheel Drive allows for a 4 second 0-60mph before stretching its legs on to 190mph. Stateside, Car & Driver magazinecalled its performance “simply intoxicating” and generally acknowledged as the world’s first all-weather supercar.
This 2004 model year C16 (UK) vehicle was specified from new with the rare and desirable ”09991′ option which designated that the car was produced via Porsche’s Exclusive Programme which offers leather around the instrument surround, dashboard and defroster vent trims and the speaker surrounds. The interior trim is to showroom condition, even the seat bolsters offer negligible wear whilst dealer over mats have protected the carpets; images confirm leather bound items such as gear knob, steering wheel etc still present a factory appearance. A full range of options were available on this model and included: electric-memory front seats, air con-climate control, electric windows & mirrors, alarm & immobiliser, tilt & slide electric sunroof, alloy-leather gear knob and handbrake lever, Porsche communication management with 2 discs CD changer-sat nav-blue tooth, Bose sound system, sill covers, cruise control, xenon lights and typically Porsche, everything operates as it should.
With a colour combination of Basalt Black Metallic complimented by the all-black leather interior this example stands out. The closest of inspections revealed one tiny stone chip to the front bumper and another on the bonnet; that said, they are all original panels with perfect gaps throughout. The ‘Turbo’ alloy rims offer no evidence of kerb damage and come wrapped in recent Michelin Pilot Sport rubber all round.
The history file is comprehensive with the original book enjoying 14 service stamps carried out by official dealers and repair invoices, the most recent being front brake pads and discs plus trailing arms at Porsche Guildford in March 2020, are included in the file. MOT history from 2007, Porsche Corrosion Inspections carried out per schedule 2005 & 2012. There are invoices from 2017-2020 outlay £4200 in service/repairs. The dealer pack contains warranty booklets, owners-manual and service information, there are also two keys.
A ‘supercar’ that requires a lot less input than you think, an everyday driving experience that is fairly innocuous and while the potential isn’t restricting. When the time comes to make progress the 996 Turbo takes on a different persona with the potential of 0-125mph and back to zero in under 20 seconds. The suspension doesn’t just limit body roll, it eliminates it whilst the AWD just gathers more grip than your average pilot could ever use. Gears are close, with slick selection to encourage ratio changes you soon forget the firm clutch. Easy to park, surprisingly manoeuvrable, this Porsche is as docile as you need it to be but comes alive when the tarmac begins to ask questions. An outstanding piece of engineering that guarantees every excursion is an event, well maintained and superbly presented.
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