Treasure hunter Stefan Rusam found two museum-worthy 996s

In the former sugar factory of Enns in Upper Austria, on the second floor of a stylishly converted industrial loft, two Porsche 996.2 models stand side by side – a Carrera and a Carrera 4S. Their appeal lies not just in their existence, but in qualities rarely seen even among collectors. Of course, both come with matching numbers and are accident-free. But more than that – they’re like new! Their mileage is so low, even Porsche’s museum 996s might have seen more of the world. These cars were discovered by Stefan Rusam from Autoclassics, a dealer with the heart of a collector, the instincts of a treasure hunter – and a man who would rather turn down ten cars than compromise on one.

The purist time capsule: One of the last Porsche 996 Carreras ever built

This 996.2 Carrera’s story was special from the beginning. Its first owner purchased it new in 2004 at Porsche Zentrum Vienna. At that point, the next generation of the 911 – the 997 – had already been released. This car is therefore one of the very last Porsche 996 models to roll off the production line in Stuttgart Zuffenhausen. It marks the final evolution before Porsche returned to round headlights.

The color combination is anything but ordinary: Lagoon Green Pearl Effect. Not silver, not black – but a nearly poetic green that changes in the light and gives the 996 a timeless look. Ferry Porsche himself might have approved. Inside: Savannah Beige leather, so light that even the tiniest signs of use would be visible – if there were any. With not even 5,700 km on the clock and no trace of UV aging on the headlights, this 996 looks, smells, and drives like a brand-new car. Among collectors, this is what you’d call a time capsule.

Bought as a statement to the neighborhood

“This is a one-off – there’s probably no other 996 C2 like this in the world”, Rusam says proudly. Back in the day, the car was exceptionally well equipped: sound package, original PCM, sunroof, Carrera wheels, manual 6-speed transmission. Add to that matching numbers, 100% original paint, full documentation – and an owner who cherished the car more than he drove it.

The story of the first owner is just as remarkable. A toolmaker from Vienna bought the car at age 62 – as a kind of retirement statement. “He wanted the Porsche to signal that he had made it.” The 996 spent almost its entire life in a garage, driven only for annual inspections or on two short trips to the nearby Burgenland each year. Otherwise, the retiree would simply roll it out on sunny days – “Just to show it to the neighbors.” When Rusam bought the car, the man was 82 – and the Porsche was in a condition that left even experienced inspectors speechless.

Factory preserved, 100 per cent original condition – a car for the museum

Rusam gently woke the car from its slumber. “I basically just dusted off the Carrera – no aggressive detailing, everything left as it was. Even the original tires are still on. Of course, it received a major service from a Porsche specialist with new fluids, filters, spark plugs, belts – the full works.” For a vehicle over 20 years old with an average of less than 300 kilometers per year, it was the perfect approach.

In terms of driving experience, this pristine 996.2 Carrera is an absolute delight. The Carrera 2 Coupé – especially with a manual transmission – is arguably the purest way to experience a 996 outside of the GT3. Compared to today’s 911s, it feels compact, agile, light and direct. Despite being on its original 20-year-old tires – which Rusam left on as part of its preservation – it still drives exactly like a 911 should.

This 996 has no signs of use. It’s a time capsule.

Stefan Rusam, Autoclassics

Porsche 996 Carrera

2004

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From below, the originality is undeniable. This 996 Carrera – usually not a typical collector’s item – looks like it was tucked away right after delivery. During its tech inspection, a crowd gathered around the car – nobody could believe what they were seeing. It may have never been wet underneath in its life – aside from during careful handwashing. This 996 has no signs of use. It’s a time capsule. And honestly, it belongs in a museum.

Rusam’s 996 Carrera 4S is a collector’s piece as well

Seal Grey Metallic on the outside, Boxster Red on the inside – even on paper, this 996 is a visual statement. But it’s the story that makes it exceptional: originally delivered in Japan, serviced yearly by Porsche, meticulously documented, and imported to Europe in 2017 with only around 8,000 km on the clock. The Tiptronic coupé with extended leather package, Bose sound system, matching numbers and – of course – original paint feels like a time machine. Its condition is more reminiscent of a recent showroom car than a two-decade-old classic.

“Without the Japanese documentation, I would never have bought this Carrera 4S”, says Rusam. “But everything checked out – every service, every translated record, every detail.” The car eventually made its way via Munich and Hungary to Upper Austria, where it found its new home with Autoclassics.

And it’s truly captivating. “Boxster Red is one of the most beautiful interior colors of this series. Inside, nothing creaks, nothing rattles. It smells like new.” The Tiptronic might not be everyone’s first choice, but for the way this 4S drives, it’s the perfect fit: a cruiser, not a track tool. While the C2 feels sharper and more agile, the 4S is composed and smooth. All-wheel drive, comfort, sound – it’s all there. A car that doesn’t demand – it pampers.

Porsche 996 Carrera 4S

2002

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A collector without the budget to keep all the cars

“I’m really just a collector who can’t afford to keep all the cars – so I became a passionate dealer instead”, says Stefan Rusam with a wink and a grin. He’s been working with cars since the age of 17. What started in his mother’s garage has become a professional car loft with style – backed by a passion and philosophy that sets him apart. His love for Porsche was inherited early on – after all, his father once drove a manual 928 S.

“I prefer to check three times. If the history isn’t right, I won’t buy. And if I do buy, the car has to be something I’d drive long-term myself.” He recalls a 996s in Salzburg with hidden crash damage, a poorly repainted 997 GTS in Vienna and a 996 Turbo S with a questionable history from Italy. “I’ve gone on road trips across Austria and half of Europe – only to return without buying a single car”, says the Upper Austrian.

Today, Stefan Rusam is a kind of treasure hunter – someone who prefers to stay in the background, but knows exactly what he’s looking for. Autoclassics isn’t a large showroom packed with cars – it’s a carefully curated collection. His modern and future classics across all brands stand out for their bulletproof histories and exceptionally low mileage. Rusam is a man who values quality over quantity – and that’s exactly what his customers appreciate.

Two cars, two characters – one standard

A purist manual Carrera in Lagoon Green – almost too rare to drive. And a comfortable cruiser with an international story that appeals to collectors and connoisseurs alike. Both cars are proof of what’s possible when someone like Stefan Rusam is involved. “The cars I buy speak for themselves,” he says. And when you’re standing in front of this 996 duo, you know exactly what he means.

© Photos: David Fierlinger, Elferspot