The Porsche 911 (996) that was manufactured from 1999 to 2005 was the first 911 to switch from the classic air-cooled engine to a more modern water-cooled flat-6 engine. This generation also received a radical redesign that made the 996 one of the most iconic versions of the 911 in popular culture. The 2001 model year saw the introduction of the 996 Turbo, which was powered by a water-cooled twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.6-liter flat-6 engine that Porsche pulled straight from their 1998 Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 race car. It put out 414 HP and 415 lb-ft (563 N⋅m) of torque through an all-wheel-drive system and either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission. The Turbo was further improved in 2002 with the addition of the optional X50 power enhancement kit that included larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU, and a quad-pipe exhaust that boosted the power output to 444 HP.
This particular example, VIN No. WP0AB29923S686871, is a beautifully kept car that was ordered straight from Germany by the original owner through the European delivery program. After being driven around Germany for a few months, the car was then delivered to Arizona where it spent most of its life. It was purchased by the second owner in Montana in 2017 before it was sold once again to its most recent owner in Pennsylvania who has owned it since. The combination of the X50 power enhancement kit with the Zanzibar Red paint job makes this 996 an especially rare and desirable example for any Porsche enthusiast with likely few others in existence.
This 996 has been meticulously serviced since it left the factory and runs beautifully to this day. The engine starts instantly and runs strong throughout the RPM range. As previously mentioned, this one is equipped with the very rare X50 package that makes it an even more desirable version of this generation. All signs of function point to an example that has no issues and is in order, having just been inspected by a reputable independent Porsche repair facility. The transmission shifts as intended with no slipping while the brakes work exactly as designed.
The gorgeous Zanzibar Red body presents in nearly perfect condition, save for a few pencil point-sized chips on the front of the car. The glass and trim look to be original to the car with no excessive wear or flaws. The five-spoke wheels are also original and in excellent condition overall. The passenger side does show a minor 1-inch scuff near the bead on each wheel which is not worth refinishing if one intends to drive this car often.
The interior, like the body, is in excellent condition overall with signs of minor use as should be expected from a car that has been driven its entire life. Everything is in working condition throughout the interior except for a minor issue with the spoiler alert light. While the spoiler is in correct working order, going up at 70mph and then retracting as designed, it does signal a fault at the end of cycling in the down position. This goes away upon a restart of the vehicle. The engine bay, trunk area, and underside are also largely untouched, complete with original oil and options stickers in the engine bay and trunk respectively.
Upon purchase, the owner will receive the receipts detailing the plethora of services this vehicle has received alongside the car’s original books, window sticker, and delivery program documents. The power that this flat-6 provides is incredibly fast even by today’s standards, especially due to the X50 box being checked on the original order form. The fact that this is a well-optioned example makes that experience look and feel even more special. This is a Turbo that stands out, is a blast to drive, but retains the comforts of a luxury GT car where needed, with an AWD system that doesn’t let you get too carried away. In other words, this is the most well-balanced version of the 996 that does not sacrifice power for luxury or vice versa.
The Details
EXTERIOR
Body And Paint
Zanzibar Red is a color that shows very well on the 996, allowing one to easily identify texture in the paint and any inconsistencies. This example is straight down the sides with no issues noted, appearing to be and metering as original paint. There are a handful of pencil point-sized chips on the front of the car, both on the bumper, hood, and one or two elsewhere to be found. We have found this to be common with cars that live in populated areas of the South West. Nothing that warrants refinishing.
Glass And Trim
The glass appears to all be the factory original and without any issues except the windshield which shows light peppering, consistent with the flaws noted toward the front of the car. The trim is all in good original condition without the excessive fade that these cars are prone to. The wipers are all still nicely finished as is the lighting with no cracks or fading which can also be common on 996’s exposed to the sun for too long.
Wheels
The wheels on the driver’s side are in excellent condition. The passenger side does show a 1 inch scuff near the bead on each wheel, minor but not worth refinishing if one intends to drive often.
Notable Flaws
Besides the blemishes noted on the paint, the driver’s side of the front lip also shows a rash where it made contact with the ground.
INTERIOR
Seats And Surfaces
The interior is in excellent well-preserved condition overall. The door sills show little to no scuffing, and all of the leather surfaces are as they should be with no pulling, scraping, or flaws to note. The door cards, kick panels, headliner, center console finish, etc… are all in excellent condition. Consistent with the mileage, the best way to describe it is signs of minor use but no damage.
Functionality And Accessories
Everything is in working condition throughout the interior. There is nothing to note here beyond one minor item, which is that of the spoiler alert light. While the spoiler is in correct working order, going up at 70mph and then retracting as designed, it does signal a fault at the end of cycling in the down position. This goes away upon a restart of the vehicle.
ENGINE BAY AND TRUNK
Engine Bay
Tidy and without any issues to note beyond simple signs of use. Original oil tag still in place, stickers still in place, with the inspection light coming on upon opening the deck lid. The only issue to note is a minor area of wire covering on the passenger rear of the engine bay, which is slightly frayed.
Trunk Area
The front trunk is in excellent untouched original condition. With all plastics in good conditions, all clips present with nothing missing and options sticker still affixed to the hood.
Underside
The underside of this example is that of one that has seen some use but nothing is out of place or noted to be damage in any way.
MECHANICALS
Engine
The engine starts instantly and runs strong throughout the RPM range. Making loads of power thanks to the very rare X50 option this example has. All signs of function point to an example that has no issues and is in order with extensive service to match that is also up to date having just been inspected by a reputable independent Porsche repair facility.
Transmission
This 996 Turbo shifts exactly as intended with no issues noted and strong clutch operation with appropriate release points, no slipping, and overall a very tactile experience.
Brakes And Suspension
The brakes work exactly as designed and very well as Porsche Brakes tend to. No issues noted.
Tires
The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40ZR18 in the front and 295/30ZR18 in the rear, with date codes from 2016.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Incredibly fast even by today’s standard. This is a well-optioned example that makes the experience look and feels special, with a little extra power thanks to the X50 box being checked upon placing the original order. This is a Turbo that stands out, is a blast to drive, but retains the comforts of a luxury GT car where needed, and an AWD system that doesn’t let you get too carried away. A joy to drive.
