2006 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera 4S

14 Bids Winner - last caress
8:00 PM, 17 Apr 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

£23,320

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - last caress

Background

After “fried-egg gate”, the 2004 997 variant proved redemption for both the German carmaker, as well as its fans. Yes, water-cooling remained but gone were the polarising lights, in favour of a more traditional 911 appearance.

Available initially in Carrera and Carrera S forms, the four-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S quickly followed. High performance Turbo and GT3 variants arrived in 2006 with a GT2 the following year. And of course, in time-served tradition Porsche also offered its renowned Targa.

The same 996 platform underpinned all its offerings, but with chassis and engine tech propelled up a notch, once again, the 911 stood proud atop of the performance drivers’ tree.

Today, the 997 is generally considered to be the last great 911. That’s because, Turbo and GT2 models aside, the engines are naturally aspirated and nanny-state electronics at the time weren’t yet at the point of removing that all-important driving ‘feel’.

Generation 2 cars arrived in 2009 with a welcome power hike. 3.6-litre engines now output a very healthy 340bhp and today benefit from cheaper road tax compared to their 3.8-litre brethren (£315 versus £505). Nice to know, but of course no one buys a 911 for reasons of frugality, they buy one to drive.

Allow us to introduce you to a very smart Carrera 4S.

  • WP0ZZZ99Z7S721626
  • 78000
  • 3824
  • manual
  • Grey
  • Black Leather
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom

Background

After “fried-egg gate”, the 2004 997 variant proved redemption for both the German carmaker, as well as its fans. Yes, water-cooling remained but gone were the polarising lights, in favour of a more traditional 911 appearance.

Available initially in Carrera and Carrera S forms, the four-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S quickly followed. High performance Turbo and GT3 variants arrived in 2006 with a GT2 the following year. And of course, in time-served tradition Porsche also offered its renowned Targa.

The same 996 platform underpinned all its offerings, but with chassis and engine tech propelled up a notch, once again, the 911 stood proud atop of the performance drivers’ tree.

Today, the 997 is generally considered to be the last great 911. That’s because, Turbo and GT2 models aside, the engines are naturally aspirated and nanny-state electronics at the time weren’t yet at the point of removing that all-important driving ‘feel’.

Generation 2 cars arrived in 2009 with a welcome power hike. 3.6-litre engines now output a very healthy 340bhp and today benefit from cheaper road tax compared to their 3.8-litre brethren (£315 versus £505). Nice to know, but of course no one buys a 911 for reasons of frugality, they buy one to drive.

Allow us to introduce you to a very smart Carrera 4S.

Video

Overview

This 911’s included V5c document indicates that it was first registered on the 14th of December 2006; since then, a total of seven owners have enjoyed the pleasure of its considerable wares.

Its service book shows Porsche Centre Wilmslow to be the original supplying dealer, and reveals a good solid service history with stamps at the following dates/mileages:

  • 16/10/2008, 20,712 miles – minor service, Porsche Centre Wilmslow
  • 26/11/2009, 30,882 miles – major service, Porsche Centre Wilmslow
  • 14/12/2011, 39,613 miles – minor service, Porsche Centre Wilmslow
  • 09/12/2013, 61,960 miles – major service (drive belt replaced), Porsche Centre Newcastle
  • 01/10/2015, 68,824 miles – minor service, D&G Motor Engineers – Porsche specialists
  • 31/07/2018, 70,771 miles – minor service, Car-Tech&Care – Porsche specialists
  • 18/09/2020, 75,681 miles – major service, Car-Tech&Care – Porsche specialists

There are also indicated brake fluid changes at 20,712, 56,997, 60,632, 66,824 and 75,681 miles, as well as stamps for Long-Life Guarantee Condition Reports at 2 years (20,712 miles), 4 years (56,977 miles) and 6 years (61,960 miles).

The 997 comes with all its original handbooks (in the original leather wallet), as well as two sets of keys and a variety of invoices from its various phases of ownership.

Exterior

This Carrera 4S has such a classily aggressive stance. The front end still feels contemporary, while the rear places it in period a touch more; in combination though, it’s a great looking thing. And one that is aided and abetted here by the addition of Turbo wheels, which lend it a soupcon more malevolence.

In terms of bodywork, it remains pretty clean. The panels present in excellent condition, with first-class fit. Paintwork has a gloriously deep look to it, with relatively few stonechips on that front end. It’s a similar story on the flanks and at the rear. There are one or two very small chips along the vertical edges of each door (just aft of each door handle/lock), but they are minor and to be expected in a car of this age.

The Turbo alloys are each in superlative condition, with the two rear examples shod in relatively fresh rubber (see below). Behind each, is an invigoratingly red Porsche embossed brake caliper; again each of which, looks visually smart – and hints at the brutal stopping power available.

All windows, ‘screens and light lenses remain in very good condition. While at the rear, the quartet of chrome tailpipes remain free from pitting or corrosion.

It’s an arresting sight and one that should have any modern classic 911 aficionado on the cusp of salivation.

Interior

From the condition of this 911’s cabin it’s clear that each of the car’s owners has treated it with the utmost respect. The black leather seats show relatively little signs of wear; the driver’s seat bolster remains very good, with no fraying or discolouration. As you would expect (certainly of most examples of the breed), the rear seats appear almost brand new.

Carpets retain a decent amount of pile and protective mats are fitted in the footwells. Up top, the headlining is pretty much perfect, as are the carpets on the reverse of the rear seats and behind them, as well.

The dashboard leather is good, as are the dials which remain clear, and the centre column. Steering wheel and gear lever both present in similar condition.

All electrics function as they should, which leaves you free to utilise the controls to enjoy getting the most out of the Carrera 4S.

Mechanical

You will find recent invoices for a new driveshaft (21/12/2021, £554), fresh rear brake lines (circa £120, 20/12/2021), a new S/F tandem pump (£700.86, 12/01/2022), new discs and pads all round, fresh IMS and RMS seals new oil pressure and oil tensioner seals, a fresh oil sump seal, new oil solenoid valves, seals and brackets, and two new Bridgestone 305/30 ZR 19 tyres (16/02/2022, £3,652.13). This work has been carried to ensure that the 997 is spot on in terms of driveability, but also very continent in terms of holding its vital fluids.

On the road it’s a thoroughly engaging beast. The engine pulls superbly, with the manual ‘box shifting with aplomb and providing tactile pleasure aplenty (PDK? No thank you, at least here!). Brakes are sharp and pull the car up straight and true; suspension too, is free from any untoward clonks or shonks.

The engine bay presents well, with fresh-looking black plastics. Underneath, there’s a bit or road grime but then this car has been driven. There is a bit of surface corrosion on the jacking points, which could do with being cleaned up; the exhaust system all looks to be good and solid.

On the driving front, this is a car that will certainly entertain its next owner.

History

As well as the V5c document and handbooks, you will find a variety of expired MoT test certificates in the car’s history file. A quick online check of its MoT history reveals a few minor defects over the last few years, but these have been quickly rectified to enable passing the test – its last being on January 7, 2023, and which runs until January 11, 2024.

There were a few noted minor advisories. No deal breakers, but ones that it’s worth being aware of, including: a deteriorated offside front outer constant velocity boot, a small coolant leak at the front and some corrosion on the front brake pipes.

In addition to the work mentioned in the ‘UNDERNEATH’ section above, you will also find a host of pre-2021 invoices running back to 2013, gain showing the various financial outlay made by owners of the vehicle. It’s worth taking your time to flick through them as they demonstrate that the 911 has had the necessary money spent on it to ensure that it has remained in fine fettle.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very good standard.

Summary

Porsche’s 997 flavoured 911 reset the bar for the model and still retains a fanatical following. Time spent behind the wheel of this example demonstrates exactly why, because it’s a well-maintained fresh-feeling example of the breed.

That is no doubt down to the fact that it has been well looked after. It comes with a good, solid service history and is backed up by a history file that demonstrates the level of maintenance and corrective works (as well as financial outlay!) carried out.

This isn’t a concours example, instead it’s one to buy, drive and enjoy immediately. As such, we think it will realise a price somewhere between £27,000 and £30,000, which in 911 terms ensures that the 997 (and this car) remains, and this is surely an understatement, a bit of a high-performance bargain.

If you’ve always had a 911 itch but up until now refrained, then this example is surely good place to begin scratching it. If you’re already a seasoned aficionado of all things Porsche, we’re in no doubt you would still thoroughly enjoy it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located at The Market’s Abingdon HQ; to arrange an appointment 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 or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Trade: MSH2007


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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