996 Turbo

The 996 generation of the Porsche 911 is now recognised as one of the more important evolutions of the 911. Not only did it introduce water cooling which has permitted the continued evolution of the model, but every element of the design was a departure from its predecessor. It’s hard to imagine now given the towering position of Porsche as one of the major performance automakers, but the late 1990s was a challenging time at Zuffenhausen. New regulations and an increased demand for refinement meant that a move away from air-cooled was a necessity, but budgets were tight and the future of Porsche as a sports car manufacturer rested squarely on the success of the 996. The early reception was largely positive and by the time the 996 Turbo was introduced the early Boxster style headlights had made way for the distinctive ‘fried egg’ headlights resembling the Le Mans winning GT1 race car, which rapidly became the identifying feature of the generation. The Turbo model was launched for the 2001 model year, with 420 PS and 563 N-m of torque. A 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic were available. The Turbo engine was designed by Hans Mezger, directly borrowing from the competition development of the era, not only was the design a performance success but it also addressed some of the weaknesses of the early 3.4 and 3.6 litre engines. Stylistically the bodywork was modified to accommodate three airflow radiators and wider wheels on 18-inch rims. The same bodywork would be used on the most extreme GT2 variant.

Our Example

Chassis 682136 was delivered new to Barcelona, Spain in January 2001 in an almost unique configuration, with numerous options from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and carbon trim and an effective ‘Clubsport’ specification paired with one of the all-time great Porsche colours, Speed Yellow. Prior to the introduction of the GT2 model, Porsche seem to have allowed clients to order a Turbo with an options package which included bucket seats (XSE & XSF), rear seat deletion (XSN) and rear roll cage (XSL). We have only been able to identify three other cars delivered with these unusual options, chassis 681143, 681550 and finally this example. This car is therefore likely one of only a handful built, and probably unique in this configuration. The full option list is included below: XJ4 – Leather Covered Ignition Lock Surround XKD – Carbon Side Air Vents XKJ – Carbon Defroster Trim XKP – Carbon Speaker Covers XNR – Carbon Central Air Vent Surround XNX – Carbon Dashboard Trim Strip XPY – Carbon Instrument Surround XSE – Bucket Seat Left XSF – Bucket Seat Right XSL – Roll-Over Bar – Brushed Stainless Steel XSN – Rear Seat Deletion XTL – Carbon Door Panels 265 – Automatic Anti-Dazzle Interior Mirror & Rain Sensor 266 – Automatic Anti-Dazzle Door Mirrors 424 – CD Compartment 567 – Top Tinted Windscreen 635 – Park Assistance 698 – CD-Radio Becker Porsche CD-32 As if the specification is not impressive enough, the car has one of the most complete service histories we have ever seen on a 996, or indeed any car. The first owner kept the car until 2024 and had it serviced at Porsche after every 2,000 km or so virtually every year of his ownership. 12th January 2001 – 35 km (delivery) 26th February 2003 – 7,427 km 1st December 2004 – 9,423 km 23rd September 2005 – 11,220 km 19th August 2006 – 16,025 km 19th February 2007 – 20,276 km 28th January 2008 – 22,785 km 12th February 2009 – 23,840 km 2nd February 2010 – 26,146 km 27th January 2011 – 28,238 km 19th January 2012 – 30,849 km 18th January 2013 – 33,138 km 20th January 2014 – 35,819 km 27th January 2015 – 37,815 km 12th January 2016 – 39,512 km 17th January 2017 – 41,152 km 22nd January 2018 – 42,929 km 29th January 2019 – 44,733 km 22nd January 2020 – 46,480 km 8th May 2024 – 55,355 km This special 996 Turbo is eligible for export to the USA in January 2026.