2003 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo Cabriolet Tiptronic X50

The turbocharged version of the 996 appeared in 2000, three years after the normally aspirated 996 had replaced the much loved 993 and was as radical a departure from the 993 Turbo as its, opinion-dividing sibling had been. The 911 (996) Turbo offers genuine supercar performance in a compact and practical package. Arriving with four-wheel drive as standard, a water-cooled engine, a smooth new bodyshell and a radically updated cabin, the new 996 Turbo was a thoroughly sophisticated, all-weather, competent supercar and although it went out of production in 2005, in real terms it's still as quick as anything on the road. Water cooling, a first for Porsche, allowed an engine redesign that included four valves per cylinder, enabling higher power outputs to be achieved with much better fuel economy. Although the Turbo is water-cooled it's not the same engine that's in the regular 996. The 3.6 litre Mezger engine in the Turbo, can trace its ancestry back to the old air-cooled units and is directly related, not only to the 996 GT3, but also the GT1 racer with 3.2 litres and 600bhp. This engine has proved virtually bulletproof and the standard 420bhp can be comfortably extended to 500bhp with confidence. The 2002 model, sometimes known as the Mark 2, also saw body revisions which increased stiffness, improving handling and crash safety. In 2002, the Turbo was offered with an 'X50' option which included larger turbochargers (K24) and intercoolers, a revised ECU and exhaust which raised output to 450 horsepower. Other features introduced in 2002, were a glove box, centre mounted cup holders, an optional Bose stereo and rain-sensing wipers. Mid-range punch is the 996 Turbo's party trick and while 420bhp might not be a headline power figure today, it still feels seriously rapid with instant thrust that ensures you are pressed against the back of the seat and a flow of power that feels almost linear. The chassis and brakes are a perfect match for the engine's performance, whilst the ride is taut but retains enough suppleness for long journeys to remain comfortable, and, with the roof down, the open roads beckons. With four-wheel drive and the engine slung out the back, both grip and traction are incredibly strong, promoting a feeling of confidence that can border on invincibility. This prime example, with an MOT until August 2017, was delivered new through the Porsche Centre Swindon on 16th October 2002 with the following factory options, including the all important X50 pack; aluminium Tiptronic shifter and instrument dials, oval tailpipes and leather-trimmed vents. Presenting beautifully today with an indicated mileage of just under 59,500 and supplied with matching hard top in Polar Silver. The car has been serviced at the following intervals: 20/12/2004 Porsche Centre Glasgow 3,842 miles07/03/2006 Porsche Centre Silverstone 13,041 miles19/12/2006 Porsche Centre Silverstone 24,179 miles13/10/2011 RSJ Sportscars Porsche Specialist, Slough 35,543 miles19/09/2013 RSJ Sportscars Porsche Specialist, Slough 45,000 miles05/10/2016 Steve Bull Porsche Specialist 59,785 miles

Brake fluid changes were made at 13,041, 38,543 and 45,000 miles respectively.

Presented to auction from a small private Porsche collection, it must be noted that the private registration number is not included in the sale and our vendor informs us that the age-related number WX53 WDP is expected to be issued.