2002 Porsche 911 ( 996 ) Carrera 4

If you are searching for a Porsche 911 (996), you will already be aware there is quite a selection to choose from. However, if you want something that little bit different and more desirable than the average 996, then this lovely 2002 Carrera 4 finished in the rare colour of Speed Yellow is the perfect choice.

Not only is the 911 the facelift gen 2 996, but it also comes with a number of subtle upgrades and many new parts fitted. There is also an extensive 24-stamp service history, the most recent being a major one carried out on 13th May 2024, which, as we all know, is a key part of taking over any Porsche ownership, and this leaves it ready for the new custodian to fully enjoy the German classic.

There isn't another colour that stands out quite as much as the fantastic and desirable Speed Yellow, which this 2002 Carrera 4 is finished in.

Looking around the car, the paintwork presents very well when you consider the car is now 22 years old. Starting at the front, there are the usual stone chips you would expect to see and some crazing to the paintwork on the bumper. The headlights have a few small age-related stone chips in keeping with the mileage, but these could possibly be reduced using one of the off-the-shelf headlight restoration kits you can buy. The bonnet aligns as it should and also retains the factory code sticker on the underside, which is a good indication that the bonnet is original.

From the side, the classic 911 silhouette can be admired in all its glory. The doors appear to align well, with an equal gap on both sides. The windows look in good condition, with no excessive scratches other than a few very light age-related ones. There are a couple of small scratches on the quarter panel, but these are difficult to see. It is also worth mentioning that this is the more desirable non-sunroof model, which does give slightly more head height, especially handy if you are tall.

At the rear end, the bumper is in good order with no scuffs or scratches, both lights are free from any splits or cracks, and the boot spoiler operates as it should.

Fitted with the original five-spoke Carrera wheels, these have a few minor marks and a small amount of corrosion around the valve caps, but generally, they present well. Correct Porsche N rated Michelin Pilot Sport tyres keep you connected to the tarmac, and as we always say, matching tyres are a good indication a car has been well cared for. The fronts were changed during the latest service and the rears were replaced in 2023 with just 400 miles of use on them since.

Inside the 911, the factory leather electric front seats feature factory crested headrests and a memory setting for the driver’s side. The Black leather is in very good condition for the mileage and age, and other than a little shining, shows minimal signs of wear. The rear seats are also in good order and don’t appear to have ever been used an enormous amount. Both door cards are in good condition, with a small mark in the leather handle on the passenger side.

The owner also has a pair of Cobra Nogaro bucket seats with low-mount subframes available for the car. These are finished in Black leather with custom Yellow stitching and Yellow VW Tartan inlays, with the option of reverting them back to the plain Black Alcantara. Price to be negotiated, but offers in the region of £1500 would be considered.

Placing yourself in the driver’s seat, you are faced with an upgraded MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, which has a Porsche crest horn and for the purists amongst you, the original steering wheel is included. The dashboard is in good condition, with just a small scuff noted on the glove box. The instruments are working correctly, with the odometer reading 124,061 miles, and there are no warning lights displayed when the car is running. The car also has cruise control fitted and the Porsche PSM traction control system.

Replacing the factory head unit is a Blaupunkt Nürnberg 200 Bluetooth DAB unit, which is coupled to the optional Bose speaker system. The centre console has been deleted, similar to a GT3, but this is included should you wish to refit it. The gear knob is custom black anodised with yellow detailing for the shift pattern. This is surrounded by Black leather, and a Yellow stitched gear gaiter is fitted to match the bucket seats. The original Porsche gear shifter is included in the sale should the new owner wish to revert to original.

The carpets throughout the cabin are in good condition, and a set of factory-fit Porsche mats are fitted. Inside the boot area is clean and tidy, and in place are the spare wheel, jack, wheel brace, and compressor.

The 3.6-litre flat-six fires up as it should without hesitation and has no issues reported with the running of the car. It also sounds fantastic with a slightly louder tone than the factory exhaust, thanks to the Dansk system, which was installed in 2018. This gives a more appealing sound under acceleration but remains quiet on the motorway.

The gearbox is a six-speed manual which has a precise feel and change, and the 911 pulls strongly through the gears.

Originally the car came with the M030 factory sports suspension package; over the past three years, this has had various components replaced to freshen it up. These have included new anti-roll bars, new M030 Bilstein B4 dampers, and M030 springs, which sit the 911 30mm lower than a standard car. This is said to be the perfect set-up for road use as it offers a firmer ride without going to the extent of a full-on track set-up. And with the reassurance of the four wheel drive system, you have a perfect car for UK road use come rain or shine.

Stopping the Porsche is done with new Porsche discs, Pagid RS Blue fast road pads and Goodridge braided brake hoses, giving a firmer feel to the pedal; these were fitted in May 2022 and have no issues reported.

On the underside of the car, there are no noticeable oil leaks, which we could see. The plastic undertray has cracked in a few places; however, this is quite common on sports cars that sit quite low.

Coming from a five-year ownership, it appears when you look through the large history file that this 2002 Carrera 4 has been well cared for. It has 24 service stamps from various well-known specialists, such as Hartec, Autofarm and, for the past few years, Revolution Porsche, Birstall, West Yorkshire. This is where the latest major service was carried out, as mentioned earlier.

The vendor also has the car on a maintenance plan with Revolution Porsche, which covers all servicing, MOT and all labour costs related to repairs, including wear and tear items like brakes, suspension, etc. Full details can be found on their website, and this is transferable to the new owner at a cost of £105+VAT per month should you wish to carry it on.

The two service history books document the following work:

·       01/09/03 & 12,369 - Official Porsche Centre

·       01/12/04 & 27,120 - Official Porsche Centre

·       24/01/06 & 37,456 - Official Porsche Centre

·       08/01/07 & 45,435 - Official Porsche Centre

·       24/10/07 & 47,322 - Official Porsche Centre

·       02/05/08 & 48,050 - Official Porsche Centre

·       19/12/08 & 49,205 – Hartech

·       07/04/09 & 50,246 – Hartech

·       06/04/10 & 52,634 – Hartech

·       05/04/11 & 54,739 – Hartech

·       10/08/11 & 56,477 – Marshall of Knebworth

·       31/07/12 & 65,328 – Clive Smith Porsche Specialist

·       15/03/13 & 71,420 – Clive Smith Porsche Specialist

·       19/04/14 & 79,690 – Clive Smith Porsche Specialist

·       08/04/15 & 88,938 – Clive Smith Porsche Specialist

·       10/12/15 & 94,297 – Autohaus Werkshoppe Ltd

·       22/11/16 & 98,085 – Autofarm

·       17/11/17 & 104,439 – Autofarm

·       13/05/19 & 109,738 – Ramus Porsche Specialists

·       29/06/20 & 114,720 – Revolution Porsche

·       12/07/21 & 117,470 – Revolution Porsche

·       26/05/22 & 121,465 – Revolution Porsche

·       22/05/23 & 123,485 – Revolution Porsche

·       13/05/24 & 123,856 – Revolution Porsche

There are three keys with the car, the owner's manuals are present, and there is a valid MOT, which was carried out on 14th May 2024 and passed with no advisories. The car has also made an appearance in 911 & Porsche World magazine.

At the moment, this is probably the cheapest way to get yourself behind the wheel of a Porsche 911, and what a car to do it with!

This 2002 Carrera 4 ticks all the boxes; it is finished in the rare Speed Yellow, the factory M030 suspension has been refreshed with the correct components, it has a sporty Dansk exhaust which is pleasing to the ear without being intrusive, the steering wheel has been upgraded, and it comes with an excellent service history.

We estimate this modern German classic will fetch in the region of £12,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.