2005 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera 2 Manual

Highlights

• Lovely example of purest 997
• Six-speed manual with brand new clutch
• Gorgeous Midnight Blue Metallic
• Comprehensive service history
• Clear borescope inspection less than 9k miles ago

Overview

When water-cooled Porsche 911s first appeared, they met with some resistance from the brand’s purists, but by the time the 997 joined the fray in 2004, they’d found a level of acceptance. After all, the 997 was still one of the finest drivers’ cars you could buy – and it still had its engine up its bum, just like it did when it first appeared.

It also looked neater and simpler than the 996 before it, with oval headlamps harking back to 911s of the glorious past.

The 997 used much of the chassis of the outgoing 996 as well as an upgraded version of the water-cooled Carrera engine - now offered as a 3.6-litre for the Carrera and a 3.8-litre for the Carrera S - and the same front and rear sub frame arrangements.

Both engines were lively and had more torque than their predecessors, giving better in-gear acceleration and low-down pull.

This one is as pure as they come. A 3.6-litre Carrera with just the one driven axle – at the back, naturally – and a manual transmission.

The vendor looked hard to find one. Indeed, it seems a rear-wheel-drive, 911 coupé with three pedals isn’t the default choice it used to be, but it’s still the definitive option for thoroughbred driving enthusiasts. Drive this one and you’ll find out why – tractable, rapid and a delight to thread through the twisty bits, it’s as wholesome a Porsche as you can get with a water-cooled engine, and a genuine petrolhead’s delight.

It's a great example, well maintained and serviced frequently, and with the later, stronger engine with a stronger IMS than early models, a new clutch, and a clean borescope inspection carried out not many miles ago. It really is ready to be enjoyed.

History and documentation

• UK registration document
• Original handbook, DCIM guide, dealer directory, quick start guide and service book
• Supplied new by Porsche Centre Reading in November 2005
• Full spec breakdown on inside cover of service book
• Service history is stamped as follows: PDI (2005, Porsche Centre, Reading), 19,381 miles (2007, Porsche Centre, Swindon), 38,966 miles (2009, Porsche Centre, Swindon), 52,806 miles (2011, Porsche Centre, Swindon), 66,032 miles (2013, 911 Porsche Centre, Swindon), 74,801 miles (2015, RM Autos Ltd, Hayes), 76,852 miles (2017, RM Autos Ltd, Hayes), 79,902 miles (2019, RM Autos Ltd, Hayes), 80,845 miles (2019, Small Cars Direct, New Milton), 83,855 miles (2021, local MOT centre), 86,117 miles (2022, Highline Porsche, Hertford), 87,110 miles (2023, Highline Porsche, Hertford)
• MOT with no advisories valid to 17 Oct 2025
• Selection of recent invoices and previous MOTs including a bill for new brake discs and pads all round less than 3,000 miles ago and a clean borescope inspection carried out in 2019, less than 8,000 miles prior to sale
• New clutch and dual mass flywheel fitted Feb 2025
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather electrically adjustable high-back sports seats in excellent order
• Tiny amount of wear to driver’s seat bolster
• Heated electric mirrors
• PCIM infotainment system, working order with factory nav
• Electric sunroof
• Cruise control
• Climate control
• BOSE surround sound stereo
• All dials, switches and controls work as intended
• Original tools and tyre repair kit
• Buttons and controls in good order with surprisingly good finish

Exterior

• Lovely Midnight Blue metallic paint, freshly detailed
• Paint finish is excellent with no dents or signs of previous accident damage
• The buyer should expect minor marks and defects commensurate with age and mileage, but there is nothing otherwise notable
• 19-inch factory alloys in fabulous condition – newly refurbished
• Excellent factory-spec Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round
• Appears to be in sound order underneath with no evidence of structural corrosion, nor past MOT advisories for vehicle structure
• Clear, non-cloudy headlamp lenses
• Some very slight bubbles to nearside rear trailing edge of sill

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre flat six water-cooled engine
• 325bhp
• Six-speed manual transmission
• 0-60mph in 4.8 secs, 177mph top speed
• Later-style Intermediate Shaft and IMS Bearing
• Clean borescope report
• Recent new alternator
• Recent water pump
• Fairly new battery
• Coil packs and spark plugs replaced less than 2,000 miles ago
• New brakes discs and pads all round
• New clutch
• Vendor reports that the car is great to drive and has no known or apparent issues

Summary

If you want a hassle-free 997 that’s as close as can be to a pure 911, here it is. A two-wheel-drive Carrera, it’s a no-frills, rear-wheel-drive example, of the type the vendor actively sought out for the purity of its driving experience.

It’s a great car and one well worth buying now, as 997s won’t be cheap forever – and arguably this is the one that will suit the purist 911 fan the most. A 911 that’s about driving, not posing.

It’s a hugely appealing car and has been cossetted all its life, making it a great investment as well as a truly wonderful car for people who love being behind the wheel – and if you’re on Pistonheads, there’s a good chance that’s you. You’d look good in this car!

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 car is located in Ware, Herts.