2003 Porsche 911 996 Turbo

At the Paris Motor Show in 1974, Porsche presented a high-performance sports car that set new benchmarks in terms of power and luxury: the 911 Turbo 3.0. It delivered 191 kW (260 PS) and had a top speed of 250 km/h, making it Germany’s fastest road sports car for a considerable period of time.

That was a courageous step back then. Although turbocharged engines weren’t new to motor sport, at the time only one manufacturer had dared to fit a road car with a turbo engine. The massive amount of power generated by the turbocharger was usually associated with a drastically reduced engine life expectancy, extreme throttle sensitivity and even more capricious handling. In short, it was believed that a turbocharged engine couldn’t be ‘tamed’.

The die was cast and the 930 Type Turbo in both 3.0 & 3.3 litre iterations set benchmarks, won races and raised eyebrows all over the world, not to mention putting huge smiles on owners faces, with the longest running production supercar spanning 14 years.

The next evolution Turbo model came in 1991 with the Porsche 911 964 Turbo, recognisable from its flared wheel housings and wider body compared to that of the original 964. The 964 Turbo was produced between 1991 and 1993 and went through significant changes during this short lifespan including an increase in displacement from 3.3 to 3.6 litres, and 360bhp

In 1995, Porsche introduced the first 911 to feature a twin-turbocharged engine. With the continuation of the 3.6 litre, flat-six engine, the 993 Type 911 Turbo produced 408bhp and a whopping 540Nm of torque effortlessly combined with a Tony Hatter design that was both aesthetically beautiful and purposeful. It saw the end of the air-cooled era and ushered in a new design and approach to the 911 ideal.

In 2002, Porsche introduced the Mk2 Generation Type 996 Turbo, equipped with four-wheel-drive, the now famous Le Mans racing program derived Mezger 3.6 litre, twin turbocharged flat-six engine producing a romping 420hp, re-styled bi-xenon headlamps, a new wider stance and more aggressive front fascia as well as increased chassis rigidity improving handling and crash safety.

When it was introduced, it suddenly made its competition look outdated. Its all-wheel-drive system and the mix of performance and comfort it added, made it one of the best choices on the market, and new buyers didn't care too much about the fact that it didn't feature an air-cooled engine. With the increased wheelbase, it was also the first time the flagship 911 was offered with the choice of the Porsche 5-speed Tiptronic transmission, making it faster than most of its competitors, and almost as comfortable as a British GT car.

From the outside, the front bumper attracted views due to its large three air-intakes needed to cool the radiators. On its sides, another pair of air-intakes needed to feed the big turbochargers were installed in front of the rear wheels. The wide rear fenders looked muscular. A fixed-wing with electric deployment and retraction was added a-top of the engine lid.

Classic Throttle Shop is pleased to offer this exceedingly well presented 2003 Australian delivered Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe. Sold new by Scuderia Veloce Porsche and factory ordered in Midnight Blue Metallic with Black Full Soft Look Leather Interior, it features the optional 5-Speed Tiptronic Transmission, Sunroof, Park Assist, Aluminium Instruments, Aluminium Doors Sills and Ellipsoid Exhaust Tips finished in Aluminium.

Outside the condition is outstanding. All hallmarks of an exceptionally well maintained car are there from the brilliant depth of finish to the original paintwork, the pristine original “Turbo Design” alloys, typical Porsche precise panel fit.

Inside, all of the touch points from the leather steering wheel, well bolstered electric memory seats that glue the driver to the centre of the car and dash switch gear carry the factory matte finish often lost with both use and time. The PCM 2 Unit controls the Navigation as well as the BOSE High-End Sound System, further increasing the enjoyment.

Once featured at the pointy end of “fastest cars in the world” lists, the 309kW, Le Mans-winning GT1 “Mezger” engine delivers peak power at 6,000 rpm with drive responsive and on the button. The added advantage of getting each gearshift correct, the power delivery is linear and relentless, sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds.

Allow the mist to settle and enter suburbia for the daily commute, the 911 Turbo allows you to join the luxury elite in comfort. With maximum torque available from as little as 2,700prm, you can easily manage the Monday to Friday while you decide on the next weekend’s windy road destination.

Travelled just 57,083 kms and complete with full service history with Porsche Centre and Porsche specialists, it comes from a fresh major Porsche service, complete with all books, 3 keys, 4 new Pirelli tyres, ready to be enjoyed.

A particular milestone within the gilded history of Porsche being the first water-cooled 911 that allowed for higher power outputs, as well as one of the last 911’s to feature the fabled Mezger engine, the Type 996 Turbo was also the Robb Reports 2004 Car Of The Year.

Over the past 46 years, the Porsche 911 Turbo has been feared and revered by manufacturers and enthusiasts alike as a race car, grand tourer and supercar slayer.

This is a unique opportunity to own this stunning example of the trailblazing 911 Turbo and a future classic all in one. Blink and you may miss it.

For more information, get in touch with the team today.