1998 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera, 3,400cc. Registration number...

Hammer

£7,100

1998 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera, 3,400cc. Registration number R579 VSE. Chassis number WPOZZZ99ZWS607204. Engine number 66W12241.
Asked to nominate his favourite generation of Porsche 911 during its 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2013, racing driver and journalist Tiff Needell chose the 996 commenting: "This was the model that brought the 911 into the modern world. We finally got rid of the VW pedals and had a chassis that handled in a much more progressive and controllable manner. Not a convert before, completely converted after!" Traditionalists may have decried the 996's water-cooled engine and shared Boxster componentry, however, the newcomer's use of a brand-new platform (the 911's first since 1963) meant that it was notably lighter, stiffer and more aerodynamic than its 993 predecessor. Equipped with four-valve cylinder heads, the 996's 3.4 litre engine developed 296bhp and 258lbft (outputs comparable to those of the 993 Carrera RS's 3.8 litre unit). Allied to either six-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic transmission, the free-revving flat six enabled the 2+2-seater to sprint to 60mph in 5 seconds and onto 174mph. More ergonomically laid-out and spacious than that of any previous 911, the 996's cabin also boasted a far better HVAC system. Early 3.4 litre 996 cars are increasingly sought after because of their stronger dual row IMS bearings and mechanical throttles.
VSE in Artic Silver with Cinnamon leather interior is a six speed manual with sunroof and a long list of optional extras when ordered new. These include the sports package, traction control, LSD, sports seat left bare, 18" Techno wheels, cruise control with 6 CD autochanger and air conditioning.
Ordered new by George Clarke of Aberdeen there are 17 stamps in the service book, mainly with Porsche dealers or specialists, the last at 135,985 miles in June 2020, there are three brake fluid stamps, the last at 135,985 miles.
There is a large service history folder and MOT history, in 2009 it was purchased by long term owner, Roger Hewitt with a mileage of 64,310 and regularly serviced including a borescope inspection of the cylinders in 2018, in 2019 he spent £2,900 on new manifolds, exhaust and catalytic converters, as well as the coil packs. In June 2020 he sold it on to a dealer who serviced it at 135,985 miles and replaced the air conditioning radiators, a week later our vendor purchased it and replaced the battery and rear tyres. Today the mileage is at 137,845 miles.
Being sold as the owner has a new business venture, it must be noted that there is an issue with the coolant, hence the low auction estimate.
Sold with the V5C, MOT until August 2021, MOT history, service history, receipt folder, one key, and Porsche manuals.