2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet (997)

Highlights

• 350bhp
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Full Porsche main dealer and specialist service history
• In superb condition throughout
• Incredibly low mileage

Overview

Could the 997 Carrera S be the most usable 911 Porsche ever made? It's certainly an interesting argument and one that we find it difficult to refute. Introduced in 2004 it was a hugely capable sports car that fans of the marque were anxious to get their hands on after the somewhat divisive 996 that came before it.

With plenty of tech, but not so much as to become obtrusive, the 997 was, and still is, an incredibly driver-focussed machine that took everything Porsche had learnt over the previous decades and instilled it into a graceful yet powerful two-door sportster. Think ballerina wielding a sledgehammer and you'll be in the right ball park.

Available as a coupe, convertible and with a targa-top, the 997 was well received, and with a surprisingly large boot and plenty of space in the cabin it was not only rapid but really rather practical too.

Porsche stepped things up a notch in 2005 when it added the Carrera S to the line-up. With an increase in displacement to its glorious naturally aspirated flat-six engine (from 3.6 to 3.8-litres), as well as uprated suspension and a sports exhaust, the S was 997 plus and produced 350bhp, all going directly to the rear wheels and accompanied by that iconic sound.

And that's exactly what we have available here: a first-gen, 2005 Porsche 997 Carrera S in cabriolet form, so perfect for summer cruising. In fabulous condition throughout the car is wholly original, has covered just under 24,000 miles from new and comes with full Porsche main dealer and specialist service history.

Suffice to say this one is a bit of a peach so if you're after a meticulously-maintained, convertible 911 that's beautifully engaging, drives brilliantly and is practical enough to use every day then call off the search.

History and documentation

• 2005 model year
• V5C present and correct
• First registered 19 Sep 2005
• Two keys
• Original book pack
• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: minor+drive belt check+brake fluid at 5,486 miles (2007 – main dealer), major+spark plugs+drive belt check at 6,832 miles (2009 – main dealer), minor+spark plugs at 10,461 miles (2011 – main dealer), major+brake fluid at 13,105 miles (2013 – main dealer), minor at 18,116 miles (2016 – main dealer), major at 20,205 miles (2018 – main dealer), major+spark plugs+drive belt replaced+brake fluid at 21,384 miles (2021 – specialist), major+spark plugs+drive belt check+A/C re-gas+brake fluid+air bag system check at 23,103 miles (2024 – specialist)
• The seller reports that the engine was checked for bore score at the 2024 service and obtained one of the best outcomes ever seen by Unique Porsche
• Two, six and eight year condition reports
• Numerous invoices for parts and work done throughout the car's life
• Advisory-free MOT until 24 Apr 2026
• The private plate will be removed from the car prior to sale and it will revert to an age-appropriate number plate
• HPI clear
• 23,911 miles

Interior

• Thanks in part to the car's limited mileage the interior presents exceptionally well
• There are no signs of any damage
• Minimal wear and tear
• The leather seats remain in excellent condition
• Carpets, door cards and dashboard appear to be in great shape
• All gauges function correctly, as does the infotainment screen
• The steering wheel and gear knob are wearing well and there is no apparent deterioration to the shifter gaiter
• The Carrera S kick plates are free from marks
• Stainless threshold plates and door hinge trims look great
• The boot area is clean and tidy and comes complete with warning triangle
• The engine bay presents well and everything appears to be in order

Exterior

• The exterior of the car is in excellent condition with no apparent marks or blemishes to the paintwork
• All body panels appear to be straight and damage free and all shut lines look spot on
• There are no obvious signs of rust anywhere on the car
• The rear spoiler is fully functional
• The convertible roof looks to be in great shape and appears to fit perfectly
• The original “lobster claw” 19” alloy wheels are all in fantastic condition with only a small mark to the nearside rear to note
• Tyres are all Pirelli P Zero models and the vendor states they are all in good condition
• The polished chrome exhaust tips look great
• The underside presents impeccably

Mechanical

• 350bhp, 3.8-litre flat-six engine
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• Drive belt replaced at 21,384 miles
• Checked for bore score 2024, all clear and a new thermostat fitted as a preventative measure
• Recent new starter, alternator, starter, starter cable and Bosch battery
• 0-60mph in 4.1seconds
• 179mph top speed
• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor states that the car drives as new and sounds fantastic

Summary

There aren't that many two-door sports cars of this calibre that you can realistically use every day but the Porsche 997 Carrera S is definitely one of them. It's a surprisingly practical beast but that usability doesn't come at the cost of performance or driver engagement because this car has both in spades.

Fastidiously maintained, in stunning condition and with incredibly low miles this particular 911 ticks pretty much all the boxes that need to be ticked.

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 Bolton, Greater Manchester.