2021 05 17 CCC Featured External Listing
2003 Porsche 911 996 Turbo 6-speed manual
The first generation of water-cooled Porsche 911s were controversial to say the least: radiators for the first time; non-round headlights; troublesome intermediate shaft bearing on the non-Turbos, to name a few. However, collectors have been starting to pay them a little more mind in the past few years, resulting in increased values. This car features the Mezger engine and, thus, no IMS problems. We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the recent passing of the man for whom the engine is named, Porsche engineer extraordinaire Hans Mezger June 10, 2020 at the age of 90.
CCC Vital Info
Odometer – 147,000 km
Engine Info – Twin-turbocharged 3.6L flat-6 mounted in rear
Transmission Info – 6-speed manual
Exterior Colour – Arctic Silver
Interior Colour – Black leather
Other features – Porsche crest embossed into headrests, aluminum/chrome interior trim, heated seats, Porsche mats
Seller – Private
Category – European
Model page
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VIN
a map link to seller location
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a lot number
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The Mezger engine earned its reputation as near-bulletproof on the racetrack. Its roots extend back to the legendary Porsche 959. If you are not familiar, it may be because it was not built to be street legal in North America – though now it is old enough to be exempt from the crash test regulations requiring four cars be donated to be sacrificed (Porsche refused) that originally precluded it from this continent. The 959 engine, water-cooled, was developed and refined for the GT1 race car which won Le Mans in 1998. Further adaptation got a version of the engine into this car and other versions in GT2s, GT3s and 997 Turbos.
All that to say that the 415 HP engine powering this car has no IMS issue about which Boxster, normally-aspirated 996 and normally-aspirated 997 owners fret, unless their car has had installed an aftermarket solution. There are lower mileage 996 Turbos to be had but this car, with 147,000 km, is no garage queen and drivers need not worry, so long as they are prepared to do the required routine maintenance.
This car is advertised on a local chapter site of the Porsche Club of America (don’t be fooled, the PCA counts many active chapters in Canada). Generally speaking, a PCA member is better than average at maintaining his vehicles. The seller of this vehicle includes the phrases “meticulously maintained” and “service up to date”, which presumably indicates a willingness to address inquiries about past service and maintenance, as well as records for same. It would have been nice to see at least one photo of the engine bay, but the owner has left a little to mystery.
The cosmetics of this car appear to be consistent with the claim of well-kept. They are not addressed in the text of the listing, but the car shows very well in the photos. The colour combination of Arctic silver on black leather is not a big differentiator but it will never go out of style.
Options listed in the ad include Porsche crest-embossed headrests, aluminum and chrome interior trim – which would be a nice complement to the silver paint – heated seats and Porsche mats. Those knowledgeable about the marque would know that option codes are itemized on an under-hood decal in the front trunk. This is always a good place to check that you have the straight goods on options.
The 996 benefited from a refresh in 2002. Being that this car is post-refresh, the seller astutely includes the features that this car enjoys over a pre-2002 model: strengthened body, cup holders, glove box (that’s right 996.1 cars did not have a glove box), and non-amber markers within the headlight lenses. Headers are mentioned as the only upgrade from stock.
We also like the stock wheels, Turbo-dedicated front bumper, red calipers and intakes fore of the rear wheels. Sport seats and the original head unit make the interior pop.
Find this 2003 Porsche 911 996 6-speed in PCA’s Wild Rose Region on the PCAWR web site for $58,900. Thanks to CCC original member Alex for submitting this external listing.
Please share your comments below, be they on the topic of this car, other 911s, the first time you drove one, air-cooled vs. water-cooled, or some of your other favourites who are rivals to the 911.