Porsche 996 Carrera

The vehicle in detail

The 996 is truly a model that currently has the wind in its sails. For a long time, it was the “ugly duckling” of Porsche’s back catalog, but over the years more and more people have come to appreciate what an incredibly fun and affordable sports car it is. Time has, however, taken its toll on many examples, and today it’s not easy to find cars that are in excellent condition and well maintained. At Epicar, we love an underdog that gets its revenge, and we’ve therefore embraced the 996 with open arms—especially the early cars, which are very analog and better equipped. For example, they have a throttle cable instead of e-gas, appealing color combinations, and relatively often desirable options such as a limited-slip differential or sports suspension. They’re also lightweight cars with just the right amount of power from the rev-happy 3.4-liter engine. Fit a sports exhaust (this one is equipped with Dansk mufflers) or go for the budget option, the “Gundo hack,” and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear every time you take it out on the road.
 

This particular example is presented in exceptionally fine condition and had its IMS, RMS, and clutch replaced in 2024. The specification is very appealing, with leather in unusual places, an aluminum gear lever and handbrake, as well as the 220 limited-slip differential and a sports exhaust silencer. This is NOT a neglected car with countless owners, but rather one that has been a cherished and well-maintained companion throughout its life by just three previous owners.

The body is flawless and the paint is in excellent condition, with no big resprays, door dings, or scratches. It performs superbly in both engine and gearbox, with a tight and precise feel in the steering and chassis.

Many have criticized the interior of the 996, and sure, there are things that could be improved—especially if you happen to sit in a worn example with “pleather” (plastic leather) everywhere. That is not the case with our car, where the first owner selected several expensive leather options from the Sonderwunsch department, enhancing both the sense of quality in the cabin and its overall smell.

Options:

408 – 18″ wheels with Technology rims

436 – 3-spoke leather steering wheel

446 – Wheel caps with colored crest

490 – Hi-Fi sound package with speakers

982 – Supple leather front and rear

E70 – Leather interior package

P14 – Heated front seats package

XJ4 – Ignition lock surround in leather

XMP – Leather sun visors with illuminated mirrors

XMZ – Rear center console in leather

XTN – Door mirror mounting in leather

Y06 – Aluminum/leather gear shifter and handbrake handle

Y29 – Aluminum/chrome X71 exhaust tips

09981 – Vehicle transfer (factory/internal code)

09991 – XMP, X97 + X98 = Metropol Blue; XMZ, XNN = Graphite Grey

220 – Limited-slip differential (LSD)

XKL – Loudspeaker covers in leather

XN3 – Side air vent in dashboard in leather

XNG – Lower instrument panel section in leather

XNN – Center air vent mounting in leather

XNU – Trim strip (groove) in leather

XV1 – Defroster trim in leather

550 – Hardtop

The car is sold with complete documentation since new, full service history, and all keys.