Porsche 996 Carrera 4

On the leading edge of that revolution were cars like this 2001 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Designed with permanent all-wheel drive, the new 996-generation Carrera 4 was added to the 911 model series early on in 1999. The Cabriolet was designed in concert with the Coupe, eliminating much of the potential harshness from the typical open-topped variant. What had shocked many just a few years earlier had turned into a sales success, with Porsche enthusiasts warming to the idea of a water-cooled 911 and ordering special examples like this one.

Delivered to Brandywine Porsche and finished in optional Slate Grey Metallic over an unexpected Natural Brown leather interior, this Carrera 4 Cabriolet features a six-speed manual transmission at a time many were ticking the Tiptronic transmission option box. The nebulously named “Technic Package” added headlight washers, a hi-fi sound system, a wind deflector, litronic headlights, an on-board computer, CD-radio, and CD shelf. It was further optioned with maple burr wood trim, a three-spoke leather and wood steering wheel, heated / power front seats, and 18-inch Sport Classic wheels.

With so much optional luxury it might be easy to overlook that the early-2000s 911s are quite the performance car with zero to 60 flashing by in 5.2 seconds and a top track speed of 174 mph. According to the accompanying Carfax, this Carrera 4 Cabriolet remained with its long-term, original owner located in Pennsylvania for 21 years.

By June of 2022 with 35,498 miles on the odometer it was in the hands of Dougherty Automotive Services (DAS) in West Chester, Pennsylvania with service records on file from DAS indicating the car had been sitting idle for three years. While at DAS it received a thorough freshening and IMS Bearing replacement. An oil change, a fresh battery, and a replacement of the fuel pump were all performed with spark plugs and ignition coils changed out as well. The water pump and alternator were replaced, and the catalytic converters were upgraded with supplied units from Soul Performance Products. The rarely seen Sport Classic wheels were refinished and shod with fresh Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Cabriolet top saw attention, returning it to functioning condition after long-term storage. Finally, two big-ticket items were addressed. The IMS bearing was replaced with an LN Engineering ceramic style bearing and, while DAS was completing that work, a new single-mass lightweight flywheel and performance clutch were installed. Today, this well-optioned Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet features just over 36,500 miles and a thorough recent service, delivering its occupants the fantastic sensation to “row your own” in a 911 with the top down.