2005 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S Cabriolet

Highlights 

• Lovely example of 997 cabrio

• Six-speed Tiptronic transmission

• Rear-wheel-drive Carrera S

• Comprehensive service history

• Highly specified vehicle including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Overview

By the time the 997 generation of the Porsche 911 appeared in 2004, purists had got used to the idea of a water-cooled Porsche. The more traditional look of the 997’s front end compared with the 996 kept them happy, too; the oval headlamps harking back to 911s of the glorious past.

It was, and still is, one of the finest drivers’ cars you can buy, complete with its engine slung out the back, just like 911s always have had.

Under the skin, 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 an S, which means it gets the 3.8-litre engine with 350bhp, a 25bhp increase over the Carrera, and is a two-wheel-drive model, rear-driven with a six-speed Tiptronic sequential transmission.

Tractable, swift 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. This one’s a cabriolet, too, so with spring knocking on the door, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the forthcoming summer - something we can’t wait for after one of the wettest winters on record.

It's a great example, well maintained and serviced 14 times, by a mixture of main agents and specialists, and with a good MOT history, tested until July 2026.  

History and documentation

• UK registration document in the name of the vendor

• First registered 12 July 2005 and supplied new by Porsche Centre Newcastle

• MOY until 31 July 2026

• Original handbook, DCIM guide, dealer directory, quick start guide and service book

• Full spec breakdown on inside cover of service book

• Service history is stamped as follows: 2007 @ 18,389 miles (Porsche Centre, Newcastle), 2008 @ 37,324 miles (Porsche Centre, Newcastle), 2010 @ 38,299 miles (Porsche Centre, Newcastle), 2012 @ 63,485 miles (independent), 2013 @ 66,474 miles (independent), 2014 @ 69,133 miles (independent), 2015 @ 71,029 miles (independent), 2016 @ 73,012 miles (independent), 2017 @ 75,206 miles (independent), 2018 @ 76,605 miles (independent), 2020 @ 77,612 miles (independent), 2021 @ 78,593 miles (independent), 2022 @ 80,350 miles (independent), 2024 @ 82,280 miles (independent)

• Selection of invoices and previous MOTs presented in a display book including a £6,000 invoice from 2021 documenting replacement of the IMS bearing and crank seals 

• Please note that the plate currently on the car will not be part of the sale

Interior 

• Black leather electrically adjustable high-back sports seats in excellent order

• Tiny amount of wear to driver’s seat bolster

• Heated electric mirrors 

• Full-screen PCIM infotainment system, working order with factory nav

• Electric roof

• 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 minimal wear other than some scuffing to climate control toggle switches 

Exterior

• Original Porsche Standard Black paint in great order 

• 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

• 20-spoke factory alloys in good condition 

• Bridgestone Potenza  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 

Mechanical

• 3.8-litre flat six water-cooled engine

• 350bhp

• Six-speed Tiptronic transmission

• 0-60mph in 5.0secs, 182mph top speed

• Invoice for Intermediate Shaft and IMS Bearing replacement less than 7,000 miles ago

• Vendor reports that the car is great to drive and has no known or apparent issues

Summary

If you want a summer-ready-free 997 that’s in a great colour scheme, this one is well worth investigating further. A two-wheel-drive Carrera S, it’s a rear-wheel-drive, wind-in-the hair sports car that’s perfect for the summer months. 

It’s a great car and one well worth buying now, as 997s won’t be cheap forever – and this one has clearly been impeccably well maintained.

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 car is located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.