1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996) Manual

Highlights 

• Rare example with complete Aero Kit

• Full Porsche specialist service history

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Appreciating model

• MOT until 15 May 2026

Overview

The Porsche 911 has perennially been at the top of many a petrolhead's want list since its inception way back in the early '60s. It's about as iconic as they come and its DNA is as clear to see in today's 992 as it is in say, a 1970 911 E, for instance. Old Butzi really did get it right first time round and the fact that the 911 is still so instantly recognisable speaks volumes as to its enduring legacy and the genius of its design.

That's not to say the 911 has ever stagnated though. Far from it. Consistently developed over the years, Porsche's flagship has seen some significant changes throughout its life and none has been more contentious than the switch from air-cooled to water-cooled engines with the advent of the 996 in '97.

Like early 19th Century Luddites smashing the automated textile machinery they perceived as a threat to their livelihoods, Porsche purists baulked at the idea of their precious 911 being cooled by anything other than air, but Porsche has always been a forward thinking outfit and the switch was wholly necessary in order for the company to continue to grow and prosper.

The fact of the matter is the 996 is a brilliant car and after years in the doldrums people are beginning to cotton on. Initially offered with a 300bhp, 3.4-litre flat six, performance and handling are top notch and while the overall style of the 996 may not be to everyone's tastes, there are certain things one can do to give those legendary lines a bit of a 'zhuzh'. Like adding an Aero Kit, for instance.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what we have here: a stunning 1998 Porsche 911 996 with full Aero Kit, and boy does it look good! Beefing up the car's aesthetic considerably the Aero Kit isn't merely a bunch of bolted on plastic parts from Halfords. This is a tried and tested body kit that offers improved aerodynamic and handling characteristics, making this 996 far more than just a car park poser.

Combine that with the still impressive performance from that flat-six engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and it's smiles all round. Mechanically sound and with full service history this 996 ticks a lot of boxes and with prices on the rise could be a shrewd buy.

History and documentation

• Full Porsche specialist service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 1999 @ 3,093 miles (yearly), 2000 @ 14,042 miles (yearly + major), 2001 @ 21,551 miles (yearly + minor + major + brake fluid), 2003 @ 32,056 miles (yearly + minor + brake fluid), 2004 @ 40,505 miles (yearly), 2005 @ 54,195 miles (minor + brake fluid), 2007 @ 59,664 miles (yearly), 2007 @ 63,331 miles (yearly + minor), 2008 @ 67,973 miles (minor + brake fluid), 2009 @ 76,926 miles (major), 2010 @ 82,318 miles (minor + brake fluid), 2011 @ 86,434 miles (minor), 2012 @ 89,648 miles (minor + brake fluid), 2013 @ 93,154 miles (major), 2014 @ 96,422 miles (minor), 2015 @ 98,499 miles (minor), 2016 @ 100,957 miles (major), 2018 @ 105,337 miles (major), 2020 @ 106,997 miles (yearly), 2022 @ 110,022 miles (yearly), 2024 @ 110,875 miles (yearly)

• 2, 5 and 6 year status report stamps

• Original book pack

• Previously owned for 14 years by Porsche specialist

• HPI clear

• Two keys plus master key

• MOT until 15 May 2026

• The private plate has been removed from the car and it will revert to its age-related plate R719DBP

• Current odo reading of 114,537 miles

Interior

• Good clean condition throughout

• Optional electrically operated sports seats fitted and in working order

• No rips or tears to the leather and the driver's seat bolster is not worn or cracked; the seller believes that it has been retrimmed at some stage

• Some general age related marks to the plastics and gear lever commensurate with the car's age and mileage but no damage

• Steering wheel shows only light signs of wear

• Cup holders both functional

• Fitted with optional factory sat nav (with original navigation CD) and car phone, which both work

• Factory-fit six CD changer

• Deep pile Porsche foot mats front and back

• Space-saver spare wheel and jack - both unused

Exterior

• Full official Porsche Aero Kit 

• Stunning red paintwork presents well with a deep high gloss shine

• All panels in good straight condition with no signs of damage or repairs

• Various age related blemishes and stone chips, including a small bubble to the leading edge of passenger rear wheel arch

• Resprayed at some point in the past to a high standard

• Fully Geon ceramic coated in December 2024

• Clean underneath with all 4 jacking points strengthened

• 18” Sport Classic II wheels show some kerbing  

• Pirelli P-Zero tyres all round with rears approaching the legal limit

• Plastic sill covers showing some light cracking and uneven panel gap

• Front splitter has some scuffing to the underside

• Red fitted car cover included

Mechanical

• 3.4-litre, 300bhp water-cooled flat-six

• Six-speed manual gearbox with short-shift linkage

• 0-62mph in 5.2secs

• 174mph top speed

• The owner reports that the car has a rare factory-fitted limited slip differential 

• New brake discs and pads all round plus various suspension components replaced  in the last 12 months

• Bilstein coilover suspension
• K&N cold air intake

• Well maintained

• Kept on a battery conditioner

• Sounds great through its Ninemeister stainless steel exhaust with sports cats

• Starts, runs and stops well

• No mechanical issues to report 

Summary

All but the ropiest 996s are guaranteed to put a smile on your face but with this particular kitted out example that smile just might be a little larger and linger a little longer. Eminently usable and with handsome, muscular looks sitting atop mechanically sound underpinnings, it's quite the package. Add full specialist service history to the mix and the term “no-brainer” begins to get bandied about.

People have been sleeping on the 996 for a while but the last few years have shown folk are finally waking up to the inherent qualities of one of Porsche's best modern classic models. Get involved.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Edinburgh.