2006 Porsche 911 (997.1) Turbo (manual)

• UK-supplied (C16) right-hand drive 911 (997.1) Turbo in Slate Grey Metallic with Sport Chrono package
• 6-speed manual gearbox, the most involving and driver-focused means of swapping cogs
• Legendary Mezger 3.6-litre engine; 473bhp, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 193mph
• Just 23,000 miles, a full service history and diligent ownership
• Given a clean bill-of-health following a full Peter Morgan (Porsche specialist) inspection

The Porsche 911 needs little in the way of introduction and the signature model of the road car line-up has, since 1975, always been the Turbo. When it first appeared, the 911 Turbo was something to be feared. Drivers clung on to this fearsome thing, its 258bhp making it one of the quickest production cars on sale. Each successive generation saw the 911 Turbo become more powerful and better resolved. By the time the water-cooled '996' generation car appeared in 1999, the Turbo had become genuinely civilised; rocket ship fast but civilised nonetheless.
The '997' generation 911 was an evolution of the 996 with many changes designed to improve quality while retaining that car's winning blend of performance and usability. Although the 911 (997) Carrera models appeared in 2004, it wasn't until 2006 that the Turbo version was launched. First shown at that year's Geneva Show, it was initially offered as a coupÚ (and later as a cabriolet) with an impressive specification. The Mezger 3.6-litre engine was continued, now producing 480bhp at 6,000 rpm and featuring VarioCam Plus and a pair of clever Borg Warner variable geometry turbochargers - a totally new technology for Porsche. With a manual gearbox, the 997 Turbo requires just 3.9 seconds to reach 62 mph and will go on to 193 mph. Power is transmitted to all four wheels with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. This intelligent technology provides variable drive to each axle. The front/rear split is continuously adjusted based on current road conditions and driver inputs. Although biased towards the rear, the front receives more power whenever the situation requires.
The car presented here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, 2006 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Generation I - which, importantly, means it utilises the well-proven and legendary 'Mezger' race-derived engine, which has a bulletproof reputation and doesn't suffer the same potential faults as the engine found in 997 Carreras or the later 997 Turbo Gen ll cars (launched in September 2009). This car really suits its Slate Grey Metallic paintwork and also has a 6-speed manual gearbox, providing the most involving and driver-focused means of swapping cogs. The car's specification, including the Sports Chrono package, is also very desirable (for full specification codes please see image attached of Vehicle Identification sticker in front of the service booklet).
This car has obviously been much-cherished, bestowing a level of condition, maintenance and performance that would have you believe it is perhaps only a few years old. It was first delivered new, through the Porsche Centre West London, on the 22nd November 2006, and has an enviable service record, which ratifies its low mileage, being methodically serviced back at Porsche Centre West London, Porsche Centre Hatfield, Porsche specialists 'Two Plus Two' of the West Midlands, and latterly Porsche Centre Bristol (the latest at 22,993 miles). The car has now covered a very conservative 23,052 miles.
Back in January 2015, our fastidious car-enthusiast vendor was searching for the best 997 Turbo example he could find and commissioned renowned Porsche specialists 'Peter Morgan Consulting' to thoroughly inspect the car. They gave it a 'clean-bill-of health' and produced a detailed report for reassurance (a copy of which will accompany the car), with our vendor subsequently buying the car in March 2015. He has used it very sparingly on dry days, always ensuring it was garaged and serviced as required. Regrettably, due to an impending house move, our vendor has conceded that the car must now find a new owner.
These cars are just so well engineered and generate a real sense of purpose, being both a consummate GT car and an all-out race-car, when and if required. This is a real opportunity to buy a superb Gen l 997 Turbo for a remarkably tempting guide price.