2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996)

Highlights

• Well-sorted example of wide-body C4S
• Tiptronic transmission 
• Freshly serviced by Porsche specialist
• Recent major suspension and brake overhaul 
• Custom stainless exhaust system

Overview

Every classic car has its moments, and the Porsche 911 ‘996’ is currently having one. Much-lauded when new as one of the finest performance cars – if not THE finest – of its era, the first water-cooled 911 was initially well-loved.

But as time went by, it became underappreciated, with purists preferring air-cooled models and those with bigger money to spend opting for newer-generation cars. Now, though, the 996 is undergoing a resurgence as collectors cotton on to just how good it is. 

After all, it’s now 29 years since the model was first revealed, and there are plenty of people who idolised the cars in their youth but couldn’t afford, who are now of an age where they can. And that’s reflected in the market – if you want a 996, then our advice is to get one now, because you only have to look at values of 964s and 993s to see what’s going to happen next...

After all, while some 911 purists sniff at the water-cooled engine and shared parts, other fans of the marque recognise it for what it really represents – Porsche bringing the 911 bang up-to-date, while maintaining a number of key elements of its essential DNA, namely the iconic coupé-body profile, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine in its rump, and the upmarket but accessible supercar image that the 911 had portrayed so well since its inception. Then there’s the suspension set-up, with the advanced multi-link rear and Boxster front end creating a driver’s car that’s nigh-on impossible to beat.

It sounds terrific, too – especially when you fit a custom stainless-steel exhaust, which is what can be found on this example.

It’s a late-model Carrera 4S from 2004 – the final year before the 997 came in to replace it. 

Initially available from 2002, the Carrera 4S featured a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre version of the original M96 flat-six engine driving all four wheels, all the while looking slightly more muscular than the standard 996, as it used the wide body from the 911 Turbo, along with the more potent model’s suspension and braking setups. Developing 320bhp, it’ll reach 0-60mph in under five seconds

This one has been owned by a 911 enthusiast for the past five years, who has never shirked on maintenance and in February 2026, had the car serviced and fettled by a respected Porsche specialist. The car has also had a recent major suspension and brake overhaul, with new suspension arms, brake discs and pads, and Bilstein PS10 adjustable coilovers fitted. The car is only for sale because the vendor has a new job overseas, otherwise it would be kept and enjoyed indefinitely. 

These late wide-body C4Ss are among the most sought-after, and most entertaining of 996s, and this one is clearly a well-sorted car.

History and documentation

•  Full UK V5C in the name of the vendor

•  First registered on 8 July 2004 and supplied by Porsche Centre Sutton Coldfield

• MOT until 27 February 2027     

• Two keys

• Original Porsche book pack and manuals

•  Service book stamped as follows: 2005 @ 6,602 miles (main dealer), 2007 @ 21,803 miles (main dealer), 2009 @ 38,510 miles (main dealer), 2012 @ 40,824 miles (specialist), 2013 @ 47,637 miles (specialist), 2014 @ 52,434 miles (specialist), 2015 @ 56,264 miles (specialist), 2018 @ 59,057 miles (specialist), 2021 @ 63,622 miles (specialist), 2022 @ 63,870 miles (independent), 2023 @ 69,688 miles (specialist)

• Additionally comes with a file of invoices, including one for a specialist service and brake overhaul in February 2026

Interior

• Original seats are installed in the car
• Adjustable carbon-fibre Carrera GT-style seats can be bought separately if desired

• Minimal wear to driver’s seat bolster 

• Custom paddle-shift steering wheel conversion

• GT3-style lower console delete

• Original Porsche stereo

• All dials and controls work as intended

• Climate control

• Cruise control

• Professional window tints

• Spacesaver spare wheel and original tool kit

Exterior

• Stunning Basalt Black Metallic

• Smart overall condition with a few minor cosmetic areas to improve

• 18-inch factory alloys with matching Michelin Pilot Sport tyres

• Turbo-style rear reflector and rear wiper delete

• Appears sound underneath with some surface rust to some components

• Bonnet has a number of stone chips

• Minor corrosion inside nearside front wheel arch and also a tiny bit on the offside

•  Rust bubble to off-side rear wheelarch edge

• Overall very smart, but buyers should expect some wear and marks commensurate with the car’s age and mileage

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre water-cooled flat-six

•  Six-speed Tiptronic transmission with paddle-shift conversion

• New brake discs and pads all round

• 320bhp M96 engine

•  0-60mph in 5.0 secs

• 178mph top speed

• Brand new brakes – discs, pads and rear shoes (approx. 10 miles use)

• All suspension arms replaced front and rear

•  Bilstein PS10 adjustable coilovers

• Updated engine mounts

• Silicone air intake with resonator delete (correctly plugged)

• BMC performance air filter

• Full custom stainless steel exhaust system – purposeful, race-inspired sound but not intrusive

Summary

If you want to own one of the most iconic and rewarding cars of the 2000s, then look no further, because a 996 Carrera 4S is as characterful, evocative and exciting as they come. 

With tenacious grip from the all-wheel-drive system and the beefed-up wide-body Turbo look, the C4S is a rapidly emerging modern classic, as well as an astonishing driver’s car.

As modern classics go, there are very few that even come close. 

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. The car is located in Inverness-shire, Scotland.