2006 Porsche 911 (997) C4S

The 997 became the most commercially successful 911 to date, having sold 100,000 units of the first generation alone between its introduction in 2005 and July 2007. It has also received lots of positive reviews from the worldwide motoring press, with even the Porsche-baiting Jeremy Clarkson noting that the 997 will "make love to your fingertips and stir your soul."

For over fifty years the Porsche 911 was the only mainstream sports car available, that would reliably start on cold mornings, thunder down the motorway, corner with confidence and had enough room in the back for shopping or children on the way to school. It became the professional's sports car of choice, without the histrionics of Italian exotica or the occasional frustrations of British sports cars.

The 997 C4S was, and still is, widely regarded as the greatest non-turbo version of the 911 with the four wheel drive system providing the grip that ensured stable handling and predictable cornering, eminently suitable for our wet British roads. The C4S differed from its sibling with an increased engine capacity to 3.8 litres, lowered suspension with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), in simple terms dynamically adjustable dampers, 19inch wheels and an uprated braking system from the 911 Turbo. The larger wheels suited the car well and the sports exhaust made the 997 C4S a bit of a growler, prowling through town, sheathed in flawless, understated metal with Zero to Sixty being achieved in comfort and safety in a mere 4.5 seconds.

To some, the 997 was aesthetically muted and lacked a little of the supercar drama that they sought. The factory fitted Aero Kit had been a popular choice on its predecessor the 996 and a similar kit was available for the 997 and is fitted here. Some would argue that flawless beauty is often enhanced by understated styling details, and the Aero Kit enhances the 997's sleek lines without vulgarity. The car we have on offer today, ticks every available box for the driving enthusiast who requires a performance car that can be used daily. The factory fitted Aero Kit headlines the option list that includes 19inch Carrera wheels, automatically dimming interior and rain sensors. This UK right-hand drive manual first generation C4S has been cosseted its entire life with Porsche main dealer servicing and is finished in the wonderful colour combination of Midnight Blue with Sand leather.

Owned since 2009 by a discerning lady doctor, the car's third owner, and kept in a heated and dehumidified garage whilst connected to a battery conditioner, the car was regularly to be seen stretching its legs on a misty morning along the winding lochside roads through the glens of Scotland. The car has covered a mere 37,000 miles and comes complete with a number of substantial service bills and a valid MoT until September 2016.

In this heightened Porsche market, an opportunity to own a superlative car that is virtually identical to the current model, at a third of the price, is rare and not to be missed.