2004 PORSCHE 911

In 1999, Porsche launched a hard-core version of its 996 called the GT3, it still looked distinctly similar to an aero equipped standard car, but its core DNA couldn’t be more different. The Mezger engine set it apart from other normally aspirated 996 models by being based on the unit used in the 962 and 911 GT1 race cars. Power was up from 300BHP to 360BHP with a top speed just shy of 190mph. Developed by two-time World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, race engineer Roland Kussmaul and the Porsche Motorsport department at Weissach, it provided a full-on adrenaline fixing driving experience when fully lit, earning high praise from the motoring press at the time. Autocar described it as an uncensored version of the standard car, and the best 911 since the original Carrera RS, whilst in a more recent twin road test with a 991 GT3, EVO concluded – `And the 996 GT3? In comparison, it’s off the scale, double- concentrated, and just as fast as you want or need it to be, too`

Whist the 996.1 GT3 won universal praise, the Generation 2 launched in 2003 is equally interesting, being the first GT3 to be built under the guidance of Andreas Preuninger, the man responsible for the development of every GT3 since. Power was up to 381BHP, and a myriad of small technical enhancements ensured it shaved 10 seconds off the magical Nürburgring lap time of the original MK1.

An RS version would follow in 2004, with a weight saving of 50KG over a GT3 Clubsport, some homologated parts for motorsport and a limited production run, all of which have ensured values are well on their way north and sadly also ensuring another great Porsche will soon to be reserved for unused car collections.

Whilst this may be good news for the collector who owns one of the 140 RHD cars produced, the best news is that the regular GT3 with its near identical mechanical underpinnings offers 95% of the experience, for approximately half of the price, and let’s be honest, with only an estimated 239 right hand drive examples produced, hardly common place either.

We are pleased to offer this UK C16 example for sale that was registered on the 16th of March 2004. Supplied by Porsche Centre Park Lane, it is finished in the rare shade of Atlas Grey Metallic and specified as a full comfort model with the following factory options. Climate control, CD player, Guards Red seat belts, black extended leather with sports seats with backs finished in body colour and embossed crested headrests, large carbon interior package including door entry guards, steering wheel, handbrake, gear knob, centre console, dashboard and Xenon headlights. It has covered just 33,800 miles from new with four keeps in total, the last since 2012, and has a full Porsche/Porsche Specialist history.

Our Thoughts

Given its relatively low production number run, indeed lower than any GT3 model that followed, pure Porsche Motorsport DNA and the first GT3 to have received the magic fairy dust from Andreas Preuninger, we think the 996.2 GT3 still remains curiously undervalued for now.

And Clubsport or comfort? It’s always that divisive question, with the Clubsport just nudging favouritism, by collectors and track day warriors, although sadly fewer are being used as intended these days.

However, for a road car, we would definitely forgo climbing over scaffolding and a floor mounted fire extinguisher before squeezing into the bucket seats of the Clubsport to enjoy that same screaming Mezger engine and informative chassis, with the luxury interior appointments of the comfort for that European road trip.