"The 996 model is a superb car; quick, reliable, well-made and representing the birth of the water-cooled 911. With a wide range of models on offer, the most iconic is, of course, the Turbo. Featuring four-wheel drive and a 3.6 litre, intercooled engine derived from the 1998 Le Mans winning GT-1 car pushing out 420bhp and hitting 60mph in a whisker over four seconds, this is genuine supercar territory. The 996 was seen as a more relaxed and usable 911; however, in Turbo guise, the driver would get the best of both worlds; a luxury leather interior with every creature comfort combined with the ability to drop the hammer and reach a top speed of a claimed 190mph. In 2002, the X50 package was offered as an option on the Turbo that included larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU and quad-pipe exhaust which raised power output to 444 bhp, however in 2005, Porsche introduced the Turbo S model available as either a coupé or cabriolet. The Turbo S was essentially a 996 turbo with the X50 option but also included PCCB, 6-disc CD changer and aluminium-faced instruments. Worldwide production for the 996 Turbo S (including both Coupé and Cabriolet) was 1563 cars. This makes this model very limited in numbers.
This collectable and rare example of the 911 is offered in Basalt Black with full black leather trim which we are informed shows little signs of wear. Importantly, a manual example of the ultimate incarnation of the 996 Turbo, this is one of just 1563 units produced of a desirable Turbo S boasting the X50 engine and believed to be one of less than 60 UK manual cars. This car is described as being in exceptional condition having been maintained to a very high standard indeed, and is accompanied by a large history file boasting a main dealer service history with 11 stamps from the manufacturer and, more recently, from renowned specialist Nine who performed a full major service and health check in March of this year.
We are informed the car drives beautifully and as it should and, as a flagship Turbo S made at the end of the 996 generation’s life, comes with the X50 option pack as factory standard. This includes larger turbochargers and intercoolers that propel the car to 60mph in four seconds and, combined with Porsche’s excellent stability control, makes for a sensational and satisfying drive. This stunning example is an ideal usable modern classic investment that can be fully enjoyed at a fraction of the original cost (just shy of £100,000) and benefits from a recent major service and a private owner that has spared no expense in keeping his 911 in fabulous order.
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