It probably goes without saying that the 996 GT3 (MK1), with approximately 1,860 examples built, is the rarest of all GT3 model series. It should also be well known that the 996 GT3 (MK1) was the first Porsche model with a top speed of over 300 km/h. Just as it should be known that the 996 GT3 (MK1) was the first production car with a lap time of under 8 minutes on the Nürburgring. And that Walter Röhrl personally co-developed this model is also common knowledge among GT3 connoisseurs. So let's focus on the essentials:
This Porsche 996 GT3 (MK1) is exactly the same equipment as the one in the Porsche Museum: Guards Red, no center console, bucket seats, radio, and air conditioning – the end of the optional extras. The original owner waived the free Clubsport package. While this may be a cause for concern, this choice at least makes the car a little more suitable for everyday use.
This 996 GT3 (MK1) was delivered in Leipzig in January 2000. It then went to North Rhine-Westphalia. In 2004, the car came to Sweden, where it remained until 2020. Naturally, the vehicle was serviced throughout its entire lifespan at Porsche Centers or Porsche specialist workshops. After returning to Germany, the car was technically prepared for the owner's vacation to Italy in one such workshop in Fürth—and even registered for it. Before this trip could take place, I bought the car on the spot as a replacement for my then-current 964 C2 and took it with me to beautiful Munich. The gentleman from Fürth then went on vacation in an Audi Q7…
The 996 GT3 (MK1) has been parked in a single garage in Schwabing ever since and is only registered for the summer season. Over 2,000 Porsche fans from all over the world have been following "the.red.996.GT3" on Instagram and enjoy spectacular images of stunning Alpine tours – as well as some really great shots from Munich and the surrounding area. Anyone who wants to see even more pictures should check out Instagram. The account comes free with the car.
The car will receive a new MOT in the first week of May at Autoaktiv Classic, a Porsche specialist workshop in the south of Munich, and can also be viewed there if necessary. There is also a Classic Data report from 2024 with a grade of 2, but only with a "minus" – which is mainly due to the rockfall souvenirs from the Alpine tours described above. Technically, the car is of course flawless, having been regularly and professionally serviced by Porsche specialists throughout its entire lifespan. The service booklet is accordingly complete.
So if you're looking for a really good, maximally agile, and above all, super sexy driving machine in the very best color, this car is 100% the right choice. If you're looking for something completely flawless in collector's condition for your garage, or if you prefer something a little more inconspicuous, you'd better look further.
Finally, a sentence about the potential for appreciation: The 996 GT3 (MK1) was not registered in the USA in 1999. Porsche simply avoided the effort and expense given the small number produced at the time. As a result, this model is missing from all US GT3 collections today. However, interest there is huge, which is more than evident from the feedback on Instagram. So, once this silly customs issue is no longer an issue, the price should rise noticeably. Because now, after 25 years, the import of the 996 GT3 (MK1) into the USA is finally possible for the first time.
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