2001 Porsche 911 (996) GT2 Clubsport

With the advent of the water-cooled 996 in 1999, it was inevitable that a GT2 version would be on the cards soon after and, in 2001, Weissach duly obliged. First revealed at the 2000 North American International Car Show, costing £114,900, around £30,000 more than the already-bonkers Turbo, the GT2 was powered by the M96/70 3.6-litre, twin-turbocharged flat six producing 463bhp and 620Nm of torque, all transferred to terra firma through the rear wheels. The Mezger engine fitted to the GT2 utilised the newly introduced 'Variocam Plus' system and had 10% more power than the Turbo, which was achieved by fitting larger turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised air intake, a modified exhaust system and a re-programmed ECU.

The GT2 also made use of a race-derived gearbox, which was reworked and fitted with the lubrication system from the GT3 RS, plus the addition of a friction-plate, limited-slip differential tuned to match the car's ultra-stiff suspension which was 20mm lower than the Turbo to achieve a lower centre of gravity. Coupled with aluminium monobloc 'Turbo Design' wheels, a larger 89-litre fuel tank and completely new front panelling to reduce aerodynamic front-lift at high speeds and increase air intake, the GT2 was brutal from Day One. Naturally, performance was electrifying with a 0-62 mph time of just 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 196mph.

Body modifications improved the car's dynamics and, although similar wide wings and arches were used along with a more aggressive nose and a larger rear wing. The whole effect was more subtle than the slightly 'tacked on' look of the 993 GT2. Power was not the only objective, and the car's weight was reduced by 90kg from the basic 911 Turbo which, when combined with stiffer springs and other suspension modifications, resulted in superb handling. In period, this was the fastest road car Porsche had ever produced.

However, to appease those who had been hoping for a new 'turn-key' racer, the Clubsport package was offered, featuring fire-retardant cloth lined Recaros, six-point race harnesses, a bolt-in rear roll cage (front section supplied separately), fire extinguisher, and a battery cut-off switch.

The car presents beautifully in Polar Silver paintwork with a black leather interior to Clubsport specification, as it left the factory. Just 1,287 GT2s were produced worldwide in all guises, 70 of those were RHD, and just 17 of those were UK-supplied C16 Clubsport cars, making it the best option it could be.

Having covered just 58,600 miles, it is accompanied by a full, comprehensive service history, all carried out by Porsche or independent Porsche specialists as expected. Its last service was in July 2022 by marque specialists JZM, with the most recent major service in April 2021 by Porsche Centre Silverstone at 58,071 miles.

The car is in wonderful condition throughout, with just the lightest of stone chips as expected with use. Sympathetically improving its usability it's fitted with climate control/air conditioning, an extended leather interior and has been updated to the latest Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) for Sat Nav and smart phone connectivity. The lightweight 18" Turbo Twist alloys are in great shape and are wrapped in matching Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with plenty of tread remaining. Currently the car is fitted with a smaller MOMO Alcantara sports steering wheel, however the original is present and in fabulous condition. The full book pack is present, along with past invoices and both keys.

Rear-wheel drive, 463bhp and no driver aids, it is so easy to see how it quickly gained a reputation as the ultimate driver's car and deserves its reputation. Seemingly underappreciated in today’s market, make no mistake that the GT2 is an outstanding drivers’ car, still capable of humbling the vast majority of cars on both road and track and showing outstanding value, one to buy now and watch for the future.