2004 Porsche 997 Carrera S

Hailing from November 2004, this fine example is and early example and one of just 1,917 Carrera S Coupe models produced in 2004. This example is a UK supplied and specified model being supplied to the lucky first owner by Porsche West London on 17th November 2004. Specified in Arctic Silver Metallic livery with an Ocean Blue leather interior, many valuable optional extras were specified, too. These include the Tiptronic S transmission, 19-inch Sports Design wheels, multifunction steering wheel, electrically adjustable seats, uprated audio system and rear Park Assist to name a few.

Current owner, Ian, acquired the 911 in March 2014 to become its fifth registered keeper. At that stage the Porsche had covered a shade over 69,000 miles. On the day of our shoot, the electronic odometer was recording 95,533 miles equating to around 2,500 miles per year on average in Ian’s stewardship. Ian has been diligent about the upkeep of this Carrera with much spent, including an £8,500 expenditure less than 3,000 miles ago.
 

American designer, Grant Larson ensured that the 997 was a 911 which was much more evocative of revered earlier models than the 996 had been. Along with the welcome return to upright, round headlamps the design team had added a more muscular treatment to the rear haunches, lending the car a more athletic and purposeful demeanour. 

For a 20-year-old car having covered over 90,000 miles the condition of both paintwork and bodywork seems to be excellent. Age-related blemishes and marks seem to be few and far between with just some minor paint bubbling to some wheel arch inners and a handful of stone chips here and there. The paint exhibits a deep and lustrous shine throughout, and the panel gaps appear to be of the usual Porsche pin-sharp variety. 

Other 997 S signatures include the quad, chromed, tail pipes and active rear spoiler that deploys at around 70mph or can be operated at will from the cabin. The optional rear wiper is also noted. Those optional 19-inch Sports Design alloy wheels look to be in a fine overall condition with just the odd scuff and mark noted. The wheel bolts’ heads have become a little corroded and could easily be replaced or refurbished if desired. The uprated callipers are finished in bright red and feature Porsche branding in white.
 

Much like the exterior, the comfortable cabin remains “recognisably 911” and, as such, superbly fitted and finished. Predominantly trimmed in dark Ocean Blue leather, the interior exudes a sporting yet luxurious ambiance. The high-backed “tombstone” sports seats are a highlight, exquisitely finished in supple, perforated leather. The front seats are electrically adjustable, and the driver’s side also features a three stage memory function. The rear seats look equally well preserved but are essentially tokenistic at best. Perhaps best used in folded down guise as additional luggage space if or when required.

The carpets are in a complementary dark hue and retain a good pile. Protection is provided by Porsche branded carpet over mats. The door cards are trimmed in the same Ocean Blue leather and appear pristine. The multifunction steering wheel sits ahead of a comprehensive instrument binnacle with the big, signature 911 tachometer mounted slap, bang in the centre and hence always in the driver’s eye-line. The centre console houses assorted switchgear as is the Tiptronic gear selector. Manual gear changes can also be performed via wheel mounted switches. Other refinements include parking sensors, heated windscreen and cruise control. This 911 was specified with an upgraded Bose head unit from the factory. During Ian’s ownership, this has been replaced by a more modern Pioneer double-DIN display screen. The overall condition throughout the cabin seems excellent.

The front luggage compartment is trimmed in matching black carpet and houses the original warning triangle. The Porsche CD changer and satellite navigation DVD drive are safely stashed away in a bulkhead locker here, too.
 

The 3.8-litre water-cooled M97.01 engine fitted to the 997.1 Carrera was originally rated at 355bhp at 6,600 rpm and 295 Ib-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. This is mated to a five-speed Tiptronic transmission in this model. The Tiptronic transmission can be used as a fully automatic system or as a clutch-less manual transmission with changes performed either by steering wheel mounted switches or sequentially via the chunky gear lever. This configuration was originally sufficient for a sub five second 0-60mph time and a 180 mph plus top speed. Still surprisingly competitive despite the intervening 21 years.

As the accompanying paperwork will attest, this is clearly a well-cared for 911. Within the last 3,000 miles, for example, a thorough engine out schedule of works has been undertaken. Items such as brake pipes, vacuum oil pump and engine mounts have been replaced, together with a full service being performed. This work was undertaken by a specialist independent business at a cost of around £8,500.

The compact, rear situated engine bay presents very well with clean looking black engine covers being the main order of the day. To this day, it remains a puzzle how Stuttgart fit all this power, tractability and reliability into this seemingly tiny space. What can be seen of this 911’s underside appears clean, straight and leak free.
 

This 997 comes with a good range of provenance providing paperwork as you will see from our 40-plus image photographic package. First and foremost is the current V5 registration document in Ian’s name and noting four previous owners. The current MoT is present in hard copy and is valid until the end of February 2026. Numerous earlier MoTs are also present.

Other history highlights include a Porsche UK Certificate of Authenticity and numerous high value invoices, many from Ian’s period of ownership, that underscore this 911’s diligent stewardship to date. Two original Porsche keys are also on hand.
 

Purists like to mull over and debate the relative merits of the various generations of 911. Porsche being Porsche there are no real duffers in the lineage, of course. That said, the 996 was perhaps one of the less exalted offerings and so the arrival of the 997 was, by comparison, a true return to form. Of the 997 range the Carrera 2 S is much admired for its two wheel drive adjustability combined with the extra urge of the 3.8-litre flat-six engine. 

This car stands out as a great exemplar of an important 911 model, too. In a seemingly entirely original condition and compete with plenty of valuable and desirable options, it’s a real gem. It presents in a popular livery and the condition appears impressive for a 911 of this age and mileage. With significant amounts recently spent bringing this car up to standard it is now ready for its next lucky owner.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £16,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.