2007 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Gen l (manual)

UK-supplied RHD 911 (997) Turbo Gen l in Basalt Black with Sport Chrono Package Plus 6-speed manual gearbox, the most involving and driver-focused means of swapping cogs Delivered new through the Porsche Centre Belfast Serviced at 61,642 miles at Porsche Centre Wilmslow, current mileage is 62,121 Offered at a very appealing guide price 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 2007 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 Basalt Black paintwork and also has a 6-speed manual gearbox, providing the most involving and driver-focused means of swapping cogs. The car was first delivered new through the Porsche Centre (Belfast), being registered on the 13th April 2007. The very early servicing is not known (but would presumably still be on record with Porsche), but a replacement service book picks up at 11,139 miles (service at Porsche Centre Belfast), at 30,132 miles (service at Porsche Centre Belfast), at 44,702 miles (service at Porsche Centre Hatfield), at 55,004 miles (service incl. drive-belt replacement at Porsche specialists 'Portiacraft' of Mill Hill) and at 61,642 miles (service incl. a brake fluid change and a Condition Report Inspection at Porsche Centre Wilmslow on the 2nd August 2017). The current mileage is still only 62,121. This hugely capable car was specified new with some desirable options (see photo), including Sport Chrono Package Plus (l640). It drives and presents as well as you'd expect, feeling tight and taught. These cars are just so well engineered and give off a real sense of purposefulness, being both a consummate GT car and an all-out race-car when and if required. This is a real opportunity to buy a great Gen l 997 Turbo for what is a truly tempting guide price.