Porsche 911 GT2: PH Carpool

Could anything replace a much-loved 993 Turbo? Yes, as it turns out

By Dan Trent / Tuesday, 11 June 2013 / Loading comments

Name:

Unclepezza

Car:

Porsche 911 (996) GT2

Owned since:

July 2012

Previously owned:

993 Turbo, 993 C4 S, 968 CS

Why I bought it:
"Dangerously browsing the PH classifieds I spotted the GT2, and it looked to be a great example with less than 12K on the clock in launch colour and totally original. I'd always liked them but they were out of my reach financially, however I'd had the 993 Turbo for five years and in that time its value had nearly doubled which enabled me change to the GT2."

Profit from 993 Turbo funded GT2 - win-win

What I wish I'd known:

"I checked on the PH Porsche forum for details on the car, and it had been discussed in length over a period of time, as is the case with most GT2s that come up for sale. There didn't appear to be any horror stories surrounding the car, I did the usual checks with the OPC that had been maintaining the car, drove to see it and struck a deal. Was a straight forward process for me, I didn't get an inspection done as was comfortable in assessing the car myself."

Things I love:
"It is a truly special car, the way it delivers the power and feeds back to the driver, it can get to crazy speeds with the slightest twitch of the right foot, and you have to REALLY watch the mid-range on the motorways. It is also has some very nice design features - the aero styling is unique to it and gives a very aggressive look, along with the PCCB brakes that for me perform very well. I love the way that you have to be focused on driving it, letting the tyres warm up along with the engine and gearbox, after 15 minutes it's like a different car to drive and is very fluid."

Things I hate:
"There really isn't anything to hate about the car. You need to go into ownership with your eyes open - these cars cost over £110K back in 2002 and need maintaining correctly regardless of mileage."

Last of the analogue Porsches says our owner

Costs:

"Maintenance falls within regular 996 price structure at main dealers, so can be manageable. Insurance worked out less than my 993 Turbo after I changed companies, so the ownership experience from a cost perspective has been good. I replaced the Pilot Cup Sports due to age, and had the air conditioning condensers replaced due to a weep, but now run the bespoke Rennline GT2 grilles to avoid stone damage."

Where I've been:
"No special trips in the car yet due to family life, however I would love to do a trip to mainland Europe and take in the some of the 'drivers'' roads."

What next?
"It would be an incredibly difficult car to replace for me; newer models seem too dull and dial out more of the driver experience. This and the V10 Carrera GT could be the last of the true great analogue supercar models that Porsche created."