Exceptional 2004 Porsche 997 C2 3.6 manual – FSH, 62K miles and borescoped

For sale: 2004 Porsche 997 C2 3.6 C2 (Gen 1) manual coupe with full service history, high specification and only 62K miles. Very rare GT Silver with full Cocoa Brown leather interior, hard-back sports seats, sport chassis, LSD, 19” ‘Lobster claw’ alloys and bi-xenons. Supplied and serviced by Chappell Sports Cars, this 997 is in exceptional condition throughout – mechanically and cosmetically. Fresh MOT and borescope inspection. It’s understated and distinctive, drives superbly and boasts solid provenance. An appreciating classic, and one for the enthusiast. £24,995.

The Porsche 997 needs little introduction, After the polarising 996, it was regarded as a return-to-form for the company at launch. Using the previous model as its starting point, Porsche stylists and engineers honed and refined what was already a great package into one that exuded sophistication and class. The iconic 911 shape was given greater attitude with a wider track; more pronounced ‘Coke-bottle’ hips, and a smoother 993-inspired front end. Inside, the cockpit materials and design set the template for what all Porsches have offered since: comfort, clarity and quality. Detail changes were made to the engine, suspension and transmission, which resulted in a more planted, fluid drive. This particular example is a remarkable example of the model.

I bought the car in late January this year from Chappell Sports Cars. If you know Porsche, you’ll know the name. The owner, Kier, specialises in offering some of the lowest-mileage, best-prepared Porsches available – and the company had sold and looked after this 997 for many years. It was this relationship with the car that allowed Kier to sell it on again with his customary – and personally-guaranteed – warranty. The odometer showed just 60,200 miles at purchase; the service history was fully-stamped, and a folder of invoices further documented the car’s level of maintenance. Prior to sale, the following work was carried out:

Major service with new spark plugs and drive belt replacement

Four new Bridgestone Potenza RE050A, N-rated tyres

Fresh battery

Two new A/C condensers


New oil pressure switch


New brake light switch


One new coil pack


New fuel fuel flap hinge


New air filter


New tyre gel



The car has driven less than 2,000 miles since.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

First, there’s that lovely, water-cooled flat-six – a howling, cultured masterpiece of engineering with razor-sharp throttle response; excellent low-down torque, and turbine-smooth pull at the top-end. They don’t make ‘em like this any more; and indeed, Porsche doesn’t.

Of the Gen 1 997s, many road-testers have stated that the 3.6 unit is the one to have. It is purportedly freer-revving and less likely to suffer IMS issues, bore-scoring or cracked cylinders than the larger 3.8. The motor has passed a borescope inspection by independent Porsche garage, Hillcrest Specialist Cars. Photos prove it's healthy and fit. All I can say is it’s an absolute gem.

325 bhp and over 274 ft/lb of twist are more than enough to ensure the car is still real-world fast. The mileage of 62K is genuine – and the motor doesn’t smoke, hunt, miss or consume oil or water. It just feels incredibly fit and strong. It’s pretty good on fuel too: over 30MPG is easily achievable on a run. The gauges for water and oil temperature, plus pressure, remain rock-steady. And the soundtrack is glorious: rich and sonorous below 4000rpm; reedy and hard-edged to the redline.

Second, the six-speed ‘box is a joy to use. It’s slick, tight and beautifully-measured in weight. The optional LSD locks up nicely, and predictably – aiding traction in slower turns, and allowing the car’s beautiful rear-drive, rear-engined balance to be exploited at will.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Then there’s the ride and handling. Regular 997s are good, though a touch soft – easy to drive fast, but easy to unsettle too. And while the Sport Chrono Package Plus is a great option; it’s also quite complex. The lowered, stiffened, passive set-up on this car works incredibly well and makes for a more straightforward, ‘old-school’ drive. While firm, the ride remains comfortable and composed, offering plenty of feedback and feel through the steering and hard-backed sports seats. It’s wonderfully taut, precise and alive – with no nasty noises, harshness or vibrations.

You can really attack roads in this car, and frequently find yourself covering ground with effortless speed. Thankfully, the brakes provide huge stopping power. Again, and again. As with all the major controls, the analogue factor really shines through: there’s lots of feel, no fade and they’re easy to modulate.

WHEELS AND TYRES

The optional 19’’ ‘Lobster claw’ alloys really work with this 997’s aesthetic: the wheel-to-arch ratio is spot-on. They’re all in very good condition with no chips, curb-damage, bubbling or marks. Tyres are virtually brand new, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A all-round, and correctly N-rated. A footprint of 235/35/ZR17 fronts, and 295/30/ZR19 rears, provides plenty of grip – wet or dry.

BODYWORK

Mechanically, this car is on the button with a fully-stamped service history and options that tick all the right boxes. Cosmetically, it’s just as good. I’d never describe any car as immaculate, much less one that’s 14 years old; but the bodywork and overall condition are remarkable.

All panels align perfectly with tight gaps, and no dents, scratches or scrapes. If the car’s had some paint over the course of its life, it’s been expertly applied. And there’s no rust: the wings, windscreen surrounds, bulkheads and undercarriage are free of corrosion.

The GT Silver paint is pretty special too. It was a hugely-expensive option, and is a lovely colour – so much more interesting an nuanced than regular silver metallics. The car retains a deep, rich sheen, confirming it’s been kept garaged for most of its life.

Compared to the current generation of bloated 911s, the 997 variant is shapely and compact. The car has a lovely, aggressive mien – but there’s delicacy in its slim pillars, large glasshouse and overall dimensions. To anyone who’s lusted after Porsche’s Carrera GT or 991.1 R, the look and colour scheme of this car will appeal.

INTERIOR

Inside, the seats, carpets, rooflining and leather trim are all unmarked and unworn. It’s virtually as new. That’s testament to fine build quality; but also to the care of the car's previous owners. But it’s the colour that really sets this 997 apart: Cocoa Brown lends such an air of sumptuous quality to the cabin. It’s much warmer than black, and contrasts with the chrome fittings and GT Silver paint perfectly. If I’d ordered the car new, this is the colour combination I’d have chosen. I love it.

The materials and ambiance are markedly superior to a 996s, and everything functions as it should.

SUMMARY

The Porsche 997 is perhaps the greatest expression of the 911’s long evolution. A model in which the line’s size, looks, quality, feel and performance all came together to best effect. It’s certainly being touted as a high point in the 911’s story, and is a supremely usable, likeable machine in today’s age of homogenised, hybrid, bland-mobiles. This example has been lovingly-looked after, and can only appreciate in value. Its rare colour and specification, combined with its condition and history only add to that fact. Comprehensively-prepared for sale by marque-specialist, Chappell Sports Cars, less than 2,000 miles ago, this 997 wants for nothing and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. Fresh MOT and borescope inspection. Genuine and regrettable sale. £24,995.