2003 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4S

This car is now being supplied with grey wheels and not silver as pictured in the catalogue

When Porsche introduced the 996 in 1998, it heralded a big departure from the timeless 911 concept, for not only was it radically different to its predecessor, but for the first time a Porsche 911 was water cooled. Stringent emissions/noise regulations, a higher expectation for refinement and a high-performance, 4-valves per cylinder engine made the switch necessary. Other major changes include a completely new platform topped with a sleeker body, a more raked windscreen, and a redesigned interior. The new car was far more practical too, with more space for touring, a roomier cabin and a structure that was 45% stiffer, yet despite all of this, the 996 was 50kg lighter than the outgoing model.

In response to customer demand, the four-wheel drive Carrera 4S was introduced in 2003 fitted as standard with many options including a wider body with turbo-style wheels, lowered suspension, and a sports exhaust coupled to the 3.6ltr engine which developed 320bhp @6800rpm and 273lb/ft torque. Aided by the inclusion of 'Variocam plus' which improved power delivery through the range, the car was capable of 0-60 in 5 seconds and a top speed of 174mph.

This lovely, manual gearbox, Carrera 4S bears the desirable Porsche 'C16' Code meaning that it was destined from 'Day 1' for the UK market and has been equipped accordingly. It was ordered in Midnight Blue with deep blue carpets and a Natural leather interior and was distributed through the Porsche Centre Exeter.

Currently indicating a modest 45,200 miles, the car boasts an excellent main dealer Porsche service history with 12 stamps in total, 9 from the supplying main dealer where the car was maintained annually for 9 years. Following this, the upkeep of this cossetted car has been the responsibility of the Porsche Centre Sutton Coldfield and latterly, in October 2016, the Porsche Centre East London. The car has recently undergone a '111-point Check' with Renaissance Classic Sports Cars and any items that arose in the report were attended to. Just 2,000 miles ago, the car also benefitted from the fitting of a complete set of new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and the alloys were refurbished at the same time.

With the Porsche is a superb history file with, not only its original book pack but invoices for the majority of services undertaken on the car along with other invoices for remedial work completed. This particular Carrera 4S is a fantastic example of a well maintained desirable specification modern classic and rarely do 911s come to the market in this stunning condition with such modest mileage and superb maintenance history.

Low mileage Porsches are the "perfect storm" for investment potential with the 996 gathering inertia and this delightful car is definitely in that category.