2003 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo X50 (Manual)

When the 996 was launched, it was greeted with almost universal praise, and heralded by most people who knew what they were talking about, as the best sorted and most usable 911 that had ever carried the badge. Richard Hammond was effusive about the 996, describing it as 'visceral and exciting'. Tiff Needell said it was 'better in almost every way' than the 993, offering a driving experience that was 'second to none'.

The 996 introduced the PSM electronic stability control system, which helped four-wheel drive models harness their power and lay it down with more control than in any previous 911. As with earlier iterations, power outputs in the desirable and pricey Turbo or Turbo S versions were significantly higher – north of 400bhp in the later 3.6-litre cars and gearbox options were of the manual 6-speed or 5-speed Tiptronic variety.

In 2002, Porsche introduced the Turbo ‘X50’ option, which included larger turbochargers and intercoolers along with revised engine control software and a reinforced gearbox. The X50 increased power to 450bhp and torque to 610Nm, offering an impressive 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Where other 996s suffered both physically and reputationally from a somewhat over-hyped propensity to eat their own engines in a catastrophic and terminal fashion, the Turbo, GT2 and GT3 variants all came with the legendary - and trouble-free - ‘Mezger’ engine derived from various 1970s racers and the later 911 GT1.

The car presented here is a C16, UK-market 2003 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo (factory-fitted) X50, with the ‘one-to-have’ manual gearbox, fastidiously maintained and highly specified (sunroof, BOSE hi-fi, climate control, heated seats, rear wiper, 6-CD player, original PCM 2.0 satellite navigation, aluminium handbrake and gear knob).

In striking and rare Polar Silver Metallic with black leather trim and Porsche crest-embossed headrests, its aesthetic matches it performance. With just 57,000 miles (a mere 3,500 dry-weather miles covered in the last 10 years) supported by a full and comprehensive service history with a folder of receipts, our vendor describes the car as "immaculate" and Porsche Club GB agreed, awarding it 'R8 Concours Winner' in 2021 - no small feat indeed! To illustrate this, the alloy wheels are unmarked, belying its mileage, fitted with new Pirelli Zero tyres, plus recently new brake discs/pads. The A/C condensers and front radiators have been replaced, which is a common issue with this model. It also benefits from the desirable addition of a Porsche OEM quick-shifter gear mechanism (the original unit will accompany the car). With two keys, a complete and original book-pack and the majority of old MOT Certificates present, this is an exceptional example of its type which has been freshly serviced and MOT'd (until 29th January 2024) ready for sale.

Service History summary:

· 04/11/2004 – Porsche Centre, Wilmslow – 11,870 miles

· 03/11/2005 – Porsche Centre, Wilmslow – 23,563 miles

· 07/11/2006 – Porsche Centre, Wilmslow – 32,498 miles

· 14/04/2008 – Porsche Centre, Wilmslow – 40,274 miles

· 05/05/2010 – Porsche Centre, Wilmslow – 45,344 miles

· 16/01/2012 – RSJ Sports Cars, Slough – 54,350 miles

· 01/03/2013 – Porsche & Euro, Barnsley – 55,132 miles

· 11/04/2014 – Porsche & Euro, Barnsley – 55,759 miles

· 08/08/2015 – Zentrum Porsche Specialist, Mansfield – 56,142 miles

· 31/08/2016 – Zentrum Porsche Specialist, Mansfield – 56,323 miles

· 26/09/2018 – Zentrum Porsche Specialist, Mansfield – 56,544 miles

· 30/09/2020 – Zentrum Porsche Specialist, Mansfield – 56,815 miles

· 17/09/2020 – Cavendish Porsche Specialist, Long Eaton – 57,343 miles

X50 examples are fairly rare - certainly in this sort of condition - and this is a great opportunity to own one of the best available, offering ‘supercar performance’, with a manual-shifting gearbox, in arguably the most desirable colour combination, this modern-classic Porsche warrants proper attention.