Porsche's brand new "996" iteration of its 911 model , introduced in 1997, was an instant success.
Just 35,184 Miles:
2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
Cabriolet with Hardtop!
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This car, the company's first liquid-cooled 911, while incorporating all that was tried-and-true in a 911, firmly propelled the venerable rear-engined stalwart into the 21st Century.
With 300 horsepower from a naturally aspirated engine, a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel-drive, and power everything, the 996 was truly fully equipped, straight from the factory.
This fine example, VIN *WP0CA29951S654327*, was sold new on June 27, 2001 at CARLSEN PORSCHE of Palo Alto, Calif. and had just two long-term owners in the past 19 years. Always driven sparingly, it has covered a mere 35,184 miles -- less than 2,000 miles annually.
The car comes with a clean vehicle history report, documenting California upbringing, mileage, and the fact that the car is accident free.
Black leather pouch contains all the original books, including stamped maintenance booklet, owner's manual, radio brochure, warranty information book, roadside assistance brochure and Quick Reference guide. The last service performed was the major 30k-service (we have the receipts) and there are no IMS, RMS or ABS issues to report.
Beyond the aforementioned, extensive standard equipment, this Porsche comes with a host of special-order options, among them:
- Heated seat, left
- Auto anti-dazzle interior mirror and rain sensor
- Auto anti-dazzle door mirrors
- Headlamp washers
- Heated seat, right
- 18" 993 Turbo-look wheels
- 3-spoke steering wheel
- 8-way power seat, left
- 8-way power seat, right
- 4-way power lumbar support, right seat
- Seat memory, left
- Wind deflector with carrying bag
- 4-way power lumbar support, left seat
- LITRONIC (Xenon) headlamps
- OnBoard computer
- NOKIA Digital Sound Processing (DSP) audio system
- BECKER Porsche CDC-3 six-disc CD changer
- Draped leather rear seats
- Leather dashboard and door panels
- Draped leather front seats
Quite obviously, this Carrera 4 was one very exclusive, expensive automobile, back in '01!
Above scan shows the invoice for the scheduled 30K mile service, done to the tune of $1,053.38.
Front trunk looks spotless, like it has never been used.
Left to right: 6-disc changer, carrying case for wind deflector. Wind deflector. Untouched spare tire, tool kit, compressor, plastic gloves and tarp.
Lifetime California car equals spotless undercarriage. There are no traces of corrosion or damage anywhere. This Carrera has always been garaged and covered, and it shows.
Pristine floor pans.
Could this be a Coupe, after all? Nah, it's just a pic of the Cab with its optional hardtop installed.
Hardtop looks unused. Made of aluminum alloy, it's easy to handle.
The car still carries 100% of its factory Forest Green Metallic finish. Coachwork is immaculate, with no dings, dents, scrapes, bubbles or any other kind of imperfection. The car has always remained completely free of accidents or other unintentional damage.
Black German canvas soft top is raised and lowered automatically by the touch of a button. It looks and works absolutely like new.
The Cabriolet's preferred modus operandi : top down, ready to cruise!
The fabulous 18" turbolook wheels, a welcome carry-over from the 993 days, are devoid of road rash.
Porsche's cockpit presents itself virginally clean.
The original owner specified the full leather interior, with bovine-sourced trim covering the dash and door panel surfaces.
A new interpretation of the classic VDO gauges, the 996 instruments are still simple, mostly analog, and easy to read. The Zuffenhausen engineers installed a plethora of warning lights and alerts, making the dash light up like a Christmas tree when you turn the ignition key. Miraculously, they all work as they should. No issues here!
Rarely seen Cinnamon leather, a well-planned choice to complement the lustrous, deep green exterior, is still like new, supple and very rich-looking.
No wear, no tear, no stain, no dirt, no dust, no dander. No smoking, either!
Nobody ever drank a soda or ate as much as a cookie inside this Porsche, and it shows.
Used only on sunny Sunday afternoons to tool around the countryside, this Carrera has led a charmed life.
Note: original selling dealer's license plate frame still on display.
3.4 liter flat six features four valves per cylinder. Torque and HP were superior to even a late-1980s Turbo!
Yes, this is the original, matching numbers engine and transmission. The car has been recently serviced and runs as new.
No drips, no weeping, no fluid losses of any kind. Stock exhaust system, too.
Monday, March 9 was another sunny day in our quaint Mission town and we were looking forward to a test drive.
The Carrera starts, runs, drives, handles and brakes like a showroom-new vehicle. Piloting it will put an instant smile on your face.
The view from behind the wheel never gets old. Pure Porsche fascination.
Top down, radio volume down. Let's make some time to enjoy the beautiful music of the rear-mounted boxer motor!
Returning home, we are in awe of the Carrera's road manners. It's a truly modern 911 that has retained much if not all of the essence of what a sports car should be. It's fast -- very fast -- and reacts nimbly to driver input. The 6-speed transmission is an absolute delight, and the big brakes are breathtakingly effective. Seats are heated and adjust any way you want for most comfortable long-distance travelling. All of today's expected conveniences, such as a great stereo system and effective air conditioning are included.
Naturally, word spread quickly and Porsche built quite a few of these fine 996s. Two decades later, to encounter a low-mileage, well-optioned specimen featuring an alluring color combination is no easy feat. Still, you will be able to own this spectacular 911 at a most attractive price point. Just do it -- and treat yourself to a little slice of sports car heaven!
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Addendum:
We sold this Porsche 996 to a collector in California in 2020.
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