2004 | Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 996 model is a superb car; quick, reliable, well-made and representing the birth of the water-cooled 911. With a wide range of models on offer, the most iconic is, of course, the Turbo. Featuring four-wheel drive and a 3.6 litre, intercooled engine derived from the 1998 Le Mans winning GT-1 car pushing out 420bhp and hitting 60mph in a whisker over four seconds, this is genuine supercar territory. The 996 was seen as a more relaxed and usable 911; however, in Turbo guise, the driver would get the best of both worlds; a luxury leather interior with every creature comfort combined with the ability to drop the hammer and reach a top speed of a claimed 190mph. In 2002, the X50 package was offered as an option on the Turbo that included larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU and quad-pipe exhaust which raised power output to 444bhp, however in 2005, Porsche introduced the Turbo S model available as either a coupé or cabriolet. The Turbo S was essentially a 996 turbo with the X50 option but also included PCCB, six-disc CD changer and aluminium-faced instruments. Worldwide production for the 996 Turbo S (including both Coupé and Cabriolet) was 1,563 cars. This makes this model very limited in numbers.

A collectable and rare example of the 911 presented in Artic Silver with contrasting black leather trim, this example of the iconic Turbo S was first registered on 4th October 2004. Originally a Porsche Press car and featured in magazines including Autocar, Evo magazine, Porsche 911 World and 911 Magazine, copies of which can be found in the history file. Costing when new a shade under £100,000, this example has covered a mere 61,900. Importantly, a manual example of the ultimate incarnation of the 996 Turbo, this is one of just 1,563 units produced of a desirable Turbo S boasting the X50 engine and believed to be one of less than 60 UK manual cars. Upon inspection it was advised the car would benefit from new tyres and a wheel refurbishment, but our vendor has sensibly taken this into account when pricing the car allowing a new owner to adorn the Turbo S with their own choice. The bodywork and trim are all in good order and the car has an MoT test certificate which is valid until July 2024 with the only advisories regarding tyre wear. The car boasts just six former keepers in its 19 years along with the original magazine from its use a press car and a large folder of paperwork and invoices.

We are informed the car drives well and is still eye wateringly fast as it should and, as a flagship Turbo S made at the end of the 996 generation’s life, comes with the X50 option pack as factory standard. This includes larger turbochargers and intercoolers that propel the car to 60mph in four seconds and combined with Porsche’s excellent stability control, makes for a sensational and satisfying drive. This stunning example is an ideal usable modern classic investment that can be fully enjoyed at a fraction of the original cost and boasts ‘Press car’ provenance. Consigned by Mathew Priddy.