Introducing MK1 996 GT3 (from 964)
Discussion
OP, without turning this into a 'values' thread, are you able to tell us more about how the 964 got you started and whether its appreciation helped move up to the gt3? Or was it purely a decision of the heart? What was the story with the sc and how was it resolved? To what extent did you consider buying the gt3 abroad a question of risk/reward, or was it a no brainer because you didn't want to wait once your mind was made up?
Thanks again all for the kind comments.
I bought the GT3 with the proceeds from the two cars having got my money back on the SC. The logic being twofold, firstly keeping 1 car on the road is cheaper than two and secondly neither car was quite special enough in my mind. Had the C4 been a C2 it may have been different because while the C4 offered great usability, as a weekend-only car I wanted something purer.
Buying the GT3 abroad was certainly a question of risk/reward - I bought unseen from a private seller on the basis of Matt's inspection. I did my due diligence on the seller and covered myself as much as I could but at the end of the day I wired money to a near total stranger and trusted him to put the car and paperwork into a covered transporter, bound for the UK. He was absolutely true to his word and even sent me video updates of the car leaving! The reward is a car that if it did ever come up for sale in the UK (and as far as I know I'd still be waiting) I couldn't afford, then or now. Once searching in Europe there were a few cars I looked into which seemed to be genuine unmolested cars, including a 19k km Comfort spec in Arctic which looked a fantastic buy, but it was the Zanzibar/Clubsport combination which my heart wanted.
griffter said:
OP, without turning this into a 'values' thread, are you able to tell us more about how the 964 got you started and whether its appreciation helped move up to the gt3? Or was it purely a decision of the heart? What was the story with the sc and how was it resolved? To what extent did you consider buying the gt3 abroad a question of risk/reward, or was it a no brainer because you didn't want to wait once your mind was made up?
Griffter, to your question, sure appreciation helped but unfortunately I did not trade my way up to the GT3 through shrewd buying and selling. I did make some money on the 964 but I had spent the same amount, or more, on maintenance and upgrades. Running an air-cooled Porsche through all seasons and doing proper mileage was not cheap but it went to the next owner in better mechanical condition than I got it and I had great fun in it. It really was used for everything: I did London to Wales one wintery night in a snow storm. At 10pm the M6 toll road was deserted and covered by 2inches of fresh show, an incredible and eery sight. The car was unstoppable, carving its way on winter tyres all the way through into Wales. Similar story travelling to Switzerland. To have had all those miles for free was a bonus. I bought the GT3 with the proceeds from the two cars having got my money back on the SC. The logic being twofold, firstly keeping 1 car on the road is cheaper than two and secondly neither car was quite special enough in my mind. Had the C4 been a C2 it may have been different because while the C4 offered great usability, as a weekend-only car I wanted something purer.
Buying the GT3 abroad was certainly a question of risk/reward - I bought unseen from a private seller on the basis of Matt's inspection. I did my due diligence on the seller and covered myself as much as I could but at the end of the day I wired money to a near total stranger and trusted him to put the car and paperwork into a covered transporter, bound for the UK. He was absolutely true to his word and even sent me video updates of the car leaving! The reward is a car that if it did ever come up for sale in the UK (and as far as I know I'd still be waiting) I couldn't afford, then or now. Once searching in Europe there were a few cars I looked into which seemed to be genuine unmolested cars, including a 19k km Comfort spec in Arctic which looked a fantastic buy, but it was the Zanzibar/Clubsport combination which my heart wanted.
Edited by lboase on Tuesday 3rd November 17:10
I picked the car up from winter storage at Fearnsport on the weekend where it's been keeping good company including this Blood Orange 993 GT2 Clubbie. Very nice.
I made the most of the weather and got some good miles in. The car ran great as ever and it's wonderful to hear the Mezger howl again. Here's to a summer of happy motoring.
I made the most of the weather and got some good miles in. The car ran great as ever and it's wonderful to hear the Mezger howl again. Here's to a summer of happy motoring.
lboase said:
Logic being that there are loads of cars available in the UK currently. If I can sell in Europe and buy an equivalent car back here and take money out in the process, that makes sense to me
If someone gives you 100k GBP for it then that would make a lot of sense to anyone. Good luck to ya.I might even chuck an advert up for mine, anyone want a really nice C4S for £35k
Missed the original post but really enjoyed reading your journey into GT3 ownership. Im not sure I have the balls to wire money to a complete stranger in Europe! 
Looks like you collected it from storage at just the right time, weather is meant to be great over the next few days!
Wish you many happy and enjoyable miles
Looks like you collected it from storage at just the right time, weather is meant to be great over the next few days!
Wish you many happy and enjoyable miles
lboase said:
Budflicker said:
I thought you were selling it?
Logic being that there are loads of cars available in the UK currently. If I can sell in Europe and buy an equivalent car back here and take money out in the process, that makes sense to melboase said:
I picked the car up from winter storage at Fearnsport on the weekend where it's been keeping good company including this Blood Orange 993 GT2 Clubbie. Very nice.
I made the most of the weather and got some good miles in. The car ran great as ever and it's wonderful to hear the Mezger howl again. Here's to a summer of happy motoring.
Saw your car on the ramp as I visited mine (the blue mkII) on Friday, an absolute beauty. I don't know if I had seen Zanzibar in the flesh before, great colour.I made the most of the weather and got some good miles in. The car ran great as ever and it's wonderful to hear the Mezger howl again. Here's to a summer of happy motoring.
Slippydiff said:
'Atta boy, hope you're well Luke ? Good to see you're using her and not keeping her wrapped up in cotton wool in a dehumidified garage. 
Well thanks Henry. And you? Have you replaced the Gt3?Yes, using her whenever I can but when not in use she gets a bit of the cotton wool treatment!
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