2005 Porsche 911 996 Turbo

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.

A thoroughly sophisticated, all-weather, all-road supercar the 996 Turbo is absolute driving magic.

Yes, it dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds, and yes it looks and sounds superb doing it but the way it telepathically transfers power to the road (any good measure of a driver’s car) is utterly awesome, lineal and unburstable.

The engine- is not the same engine found in standard 996 generation 911’s. The turbo engine can trace its ancestry back to classic air-cooled units and is directly related not only to the 996 GT3 designed to redline around the Nurburgring but also Porsche’s GT1 racer (3.2-litres and 600hp!). This engine is perfectly strong, a legend in Porsche circles and can be tuned up to well over 500hp.

In 2004, the rarely seen Turbo cabriolet debuted and although its reinforced B-pillars and other mods raised weight by 70kg it still posted near identical performance figures to the coupe, an impressive feat.

With the push of a single button the soft-top unlatches itself and tucks behind the back seat, accompanied by a form fitted aluminium hard top as standard equipment. Raising the roof is just as easy too and what makes the Turbo unique is that raising or lowering the top can be done at speeds up to 60 km/h.

The car offered is an exceedingly well presented 2005 Australian delivered Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet sold new by Porsche Centre Sydney South ordered in Black Metallic over Black supple leather and optioned with Sports steering wheel, the silky 5-speed Sports Automatic transmission (because three pedals aren’t the only the only way to motoring nirvana), Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Litronic headlights, Red brake calipers and Aluminium finish interior trim fitted to the shifter, hand brake lever and instrument fascia.

Believed to be 1 of only 8 cars to arrive on our shores through Porsche for the final year of Type 996 production this rare and collectable modern classic has travelled just 79,000 kilometres and is accompanied by all of its original manuals bound within the leather Porsche wallet.

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 Twist” alloys, typical Porsche precise panel fit and zero sun fade to the factory soft-top.

Inside, all of the touch points from the leather steering wheel, well bolstered sports 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. There also zero modifications inside, outside and/or under the bonnet.

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.

Quoted as having the acceleration of a cannonball and relishing long-distance cruising as well as short, frenzied blasts- this “Last Of” and exquisitely well- presented Porsche 996 911 Turbo Cabriolet is a rare beast indeed- one that gets you up off the couch and simply makes you want to drive.