1999 PORSCHE 996 CARRERA 4 COUPE Registration Number: K1 FS...

Hammer

£12,500

1999 PORSCHE 996 CARRERA 4 COUPE

Registration Number: K1 FSX
Chassis Number:  WPOZZZ99ZXS602796

- Non-sunroof model, desirable GT3 aero kit
- Excellent history with Porsche/marque specialists
- Documented IMS/RMS bearing replacements

By the early 1990s it was becoming abundantly clear that upcoming emissions regulations would make it impossible for Porsche to continue to deliver 911 levels of performance from its air-cooled engine. That realisation led to the release of the first ever water-cooled 911, the Type 996. The 996 Carrera Coupe made its world debut at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. Designer Pinky Lai had spent many hours in a wind tunnel refining the car’s slippery shape, a Cd of just 0.30 was the result, down from 0.33 for the 993. A new feature was the electric rear spoiler which extends at 75mph, then retracts again at 37mph – Lai recalls how he had to fight for the inclusion of the electrically operated rear spoiler to better manage downforce at high speeds, despite the company arguing there wasn’t enough funding for this to be included. Thankfully Lai won through, and the active spoiler was included as standard in the final production specification. 911s have become progressively bigger over time, but the 996 is a beautifully manageable size for UK driving; plenty of power, poised handling, well weighted steering and a well damped ride all combine to provide a truly rewarding driving experience. 

Finished in Basalt Black with a grey leather interior, this impressive non-sunroof 1999 996 Carrera Coupe is to Gen 1 specification, fitted with the high revving 3.4 litre boxer six cylinder motor, sought-after six speed manual gearbox and all-wheel-drive drivetrain. Coupled with the Porsche’s Stability Management (PSM) system, this setup instils confidence on the road in any condition. Unusually our 996 is fitted with the desirable GT3 aerodynamic kit, comprising front bumper, side skirts and spoiler, also original Porsche GT3 alloy wheels. 

The 3.4 litre (300bhp) engine has covered c.105,000 extremely well maintained and serviced miles. In current ownership (since 2020), amongst other works the gearbox has been fully rebuilt by specialists (less than 1,000 miles ago), and the sometimes troublesome IMS bearing has been replaced with an uprated item, as have the Rear Main Seal, clutch and dual mass flywheel. In 2022 the factory BBS wheels were split, cleaned and powder coated, and the front seats removed, cleaned and leather colonised.

A rigorously maintained example, the 996 is offered with a stamped service book and manuals, a schedule of maintenance since 2010, a number of receipts and older MoT certificates, and both sets of keys. 

With only around 500 miles since its last service, and supplied with a new MoT prior to sale, this is clearly well cared for, powerful yet eminently practical Porsche which can be enjoyed all year round.