2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996)

Highlights

• 3.6-litre flat-six engine with 320bhp 
• Recommissioned in Jan 2024 after five years in storage
• Strong history
• Very good condition throughout
• IMS upgrade carried out Aug 2024

Overview

Often cited as the benchmark sports car for all-round usability, performance and lineage, the Porsche 911 has evolved significantly over the years, from the early air-cooled cars up to the latest hybrid iterations, yet it has retained its unmistakable silhouette and rear-mounted engine throughout, and has earned itself a fiercely loyal following throughout its lifetime.

This particular 911 is a facelift 996 - referred to as the 996.2 - which featured the headlights with clear indicator lenses (as opposed to the ‘fried egg’ lights on the 996.1) and a larger 3.6-litre displacement M96 water-cooled flat-six engine.

For many, the Carrera 2 is the pick of the bunch for driving enjoyment, with all of the 300+bhp being sent to the rear wheels, in this case through the desirable six-speed manual transmission.

Having been stored for five years between 2019 and 2024, this 996 was recommissioned in January of ‘24, and was then purchased by the current owner here on Pistonheads Auctions (why would they go anywhere else!) and has been used modestly during his year of ownership, accruing less than 1,000 miles during this time.

If you’re looking for a usable 911 that has all the right components (C2, manual gearbox, a great colour, IMS upgrade) then perhaps this is the one you’ve been waiting for…

History and documentation

• Registered 31 Oct 2001
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Oct 2002 at 6,991 miles, Sep 2003 at 15,287 miles, Dec 2004 at 24,966 miles, Jun 2006 at 34,605 miles, Jul 2007 at 43,811 miles, Jul 2008 at 51,049 miles, Aug 2009 at 60,063 miles, Sep 2010 at 69,002 miles, Sep 2011 at 77,724 miles, Mar 2015 at 87,990 miles, Mar 2017 at 94,158 miles and Aug 2024 at 99,523 miles
• In addition to the stamped services, there is an invoice for servicing in Jan 2024 at 98,619 miles
• Full document pack
• Collection of invoices for various works including new brake pipes and brake fluid change in Nov 2024
• The IMS bearing was changed as a precautionary measure in Aug 2024, with work carried out by marque specialist Porschacare
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 21 Dec 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Overall, the interior presents in very good condition for a car of this age and mileage, and is testament to both the level of care this Porsche has received throughout its life, and also to Porsche’s excellent build quality
• The seats are wonderfully patinated, without showing any rips, tears or damage that we can see
• The high-traffic areas and touchpoints such as the shifter, steering wheel and switchgear exhibit a commensurate level of wear
• The floor mats and frunk carpets would benefit from a valeting
• The original stereo and CD storage remains in place
• An aftermarket Audison amplifier has been fitted in the frunk
• In addition to the amplifier, a quick-release ‘fly’ lead for a battery conditioner or trickle charger has also been fitted
• The seller reports no faults with any of the interior electrical systems or switches

Exterior

• On the whole, the bodywork and paint on this 996 looks to be in very good order, with no obvious unsightly damage or evidence of any impacts
• The front end exhibits some stone chips and light wear, but this is typical of a performance car of this age and mileage
• The headlights are slightly clouded and would benefit from a refurbishment for maximum light output
• All four wheels are in good order, though a few spokes show some corrosion or bubbling signs, whilst there are one or two more unsightly marks on the wheels
• The seller notes that both rear tyres are usable but getting towards the end of their life

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre flat-six engine with 320bhp
• Six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels
• The engine bay would benefit from a full detailing and clean-up
• Aftermarket stainless-steel exhaust - a must for anyone looking to enjoy the sound of their flat-six engine!
• Notably, a preventative IMS replacement was carried out in Aug 2024 by Porschacare
• The vendor notes that the rear brake discs and pads are likely due to be changed
• A mixture of OPC and marque specialist / independent servicing and maintenance
• The seller reports that there are no known faults with any of the mechanical components, and a recent clean MoT certificate certainly helps to substantiate this

Summary

The 996 has truly come of age in recent times, with enthusiasts and casual observers alike waking up to their wonderful usability, analogous driving characteristics and retro-cool styling.

This example gives further peace-of-mind to its next custodian thanks to an IMS upgrade, meaning other than regular maintenance (and the aforementioned rear tyres and brakes) this 911 should hopefully want for little, yet giving plenty of driving thrills to its owner.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located inWalton-on-Thames, Surrey.