2000 Porsche 911 (996) Millennium Edition

The Porsche 911 (996) was first introduced in 1997 and represented a dramatic (and controversial) change for the company as it was the first water-cooled 911. The 996 was the first truly modern 911 - drive a 993 today and, by comparison, it will feel great but old, almost like a classic with its archaic switchgear and awkward ergonomics. The new car was far more practical too, with more space for touring, a roomier cabin and a structure that was 45% stiffer, yet despite all of this the 996 was 50kg lighter than the outgoing model.

In 1998, 'Car and Driver' put the Carrera 2 up against the Ferrari 355 and the Porsche came out on top. Furthermore, it was prized as the 'EVO' Magazine car of the year with "its ability to be approachable and accessible like a sports car, but still with the ability to inspire awe like a supercar... on the road its purity of purpose, poise, finesse and honed athleticism allowed it to dominate a test that included the Ferrari F355 and Elise 135". The pre-facelift 996 is the lightest of all water-cooled 911 variants, including the 996 GT3 which weighs 35kg more. Its 3.4-litre, 300 bhp engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with the four-wheel drive version widely considered to be the most accomplished mainstream 911 then available.

The car offered here is no mainstream or ordinary 996. This is a very rare model indeed. This is a 2000 Porsche 911 (996) "Millennium Edition'. In celebration of the Millennium, Porsche created just 911 special versions of its 996 Carrera 4 Coupe, appropriately named and based on the well-regarded all-wheel drive Carrera 4 with the 3.4-litre 300 bhp engine.

This is number 493, denoted by a commemorative plaque on the dashboard, and we believe it's 1 of only 3 RHD UK "Millennium Edition' cars. Delivered new to Jersey, the car has had two owners and covered just 23,088 miles having spent some of this time in a private collection, before being registered in the UK in 2015 with all taxes paid at the time. The car comes with a full service history, showing eight stamps in the book by Porsche main dealers and marque specialists,and was last serviced on the 7th May 2015 at 23,088 miles. Also in the history file is the original Bill of Sale along with numerous receipts for servicing and maintenance.

These extraordinary cars are all painted in the unique colour of Chromaflar Violet (very deep purple), contrasting favourably with an interior combination of Millennium Natural Brown hide and dark Burr-Maple trim. This model also comes with the short-shift 6-speed manual gearbox and sports suspension (being 10mm lower than standard). As you'd expect for such a car, they have a very high specification including 18-inch Chrome 'Turbo Look' wheels, power sunroof, digital sound package, heated seats, power seat package, lumbar support, headlight washers, rear window wiper, Litronic (Xenon) headlights, on-board computer, Remote CD changer, navigation system and Porsche car-phone etc.

The car is described by its fastidious vendor as being in immaculate condition, both inside and out. Knowing something of his exacting standards when it comes to his cars, it really will be. This particular example has been rarely used, and is in beautiful original condition, including the underside. The chrome alloy wheels are unmarked and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

At the time of writing, there are no other "Millennium Editions' currently for sale in the UK. This particular car is most likely the best example available anywhere. The 911 3.0, SC and 3.2, along with the 993 are seeing their values rise in the wake of the '911 explosion', whilst the competent and well-engineered 996 is now happily being recognised as a very desirable 'modern classic'. These rare limited-edition models are much sought-after by Porsche enthusiasts for good reason, and this is a superb example of a rare car.