2003 Porsche 996 Turbo Tiptronic

The 911 (996) Turbo offers genuine supercar performance in a compact and practical package. The turbocharged version of the 996 appeared in 2000, three years after the normally aspirated 996 had replaced the much loved 993 and was as radical a departure from the 993 Turbo as its, opinion-dividing sibling had been. Arriving with four-wheel drive as standard, a water-cooled engine, a smooth new bodyshell and a radically updated cabin, the new 996 Turbo was a thoroughly sophisticated, all-weather, competent supercar and although it went out of production in 2005, in real terms it's still as quick as anything on the road.

Water cooling, a first for Porsche, allowed an engine redesign that included four valves per cylinder, enabling higher power outputs to be achieved with much better fuel economy. Although the Turbo is water-cooled it's not the same engine that's in the regular 996. The 3.6 litre Mezger engine in the Turbo, can trace its ancestry back to the old air-cooled units and is directly related, not only to the 996 GT3, but also the GT1 racer with 3.2 litres and 600bhp. This engine has proved virtually bulletproof and the standard 420bhp can be comfortably extended to 500bhp with confidence.

The 2002 model, sometimes known as the Mark 2, also saw body revisions which increased stiffness, improving handling and crash safety. In 2002, the Turbo was offered with an 'X50' option which included larger turbochargers (K24) and intercoolers, a revised ECU and exhaust which raised output to 450 horsepower. Other features introduced in 2002, were a glove box, centre mounted cup holders, an optional Bose stereo and rain-sensing wipers. Mid-range punch is the 996 Turbo's party trick and while 420bhp might not be a headline power figure today, it still feels seriously rapid with instant thrust that ensures you are pressed against the back of the seat and a flow of power that feels almost linear. The chassis and brakes are a perfect match for the engine's performance, whilst the ride is taut but retains enough suppleness for long journeys to remain comfortable. With four-wheel drive and the engine slung out the back, both grip and traction are incredibly strong, promoting a feeling of confidence that can border on invincibility.

This prime example, with an MoT until March 2017, was delivered new through the Porsche Centre Newcastle on 1st March 2003 and presents beautifully today with an indicated mileage of just under 46,000. Appropriately serviced at the following yearly intervals:

Porsche Centre Newcastle 20/02/2004 at 3,493 milesPorsche Centre Newcastle 18/10/2005 at 8,198 milesPorsche Centre Newcastle 06/11/2006 at 9,701 milesPorsche Centre Sheffield 21/11/2007 at 11,778 milesPorsche Strasse, Leeds 04/09/2008 at 12,665 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 24/04/2009 at 22,500 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 20/02/2010 at 31,176 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 09/02/2011 at 36,591 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 20/2/2012 at 38,677 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 04/03/2013 at 40,090 milesRichmond Garage Services, Richmond 25/03/2014 at 41,172 milesPorsche Centre Cardiff 14/12/2015 at 45,248 miles

Brake fluid changes were made at 11,778, 32,076, 38,677 and 45,248 miles respectively.

Few, if any, modern cars can offer supercar performance at this price level, whilst offering the dependability made famous by legendary Porsche engineering standards. Gaining momentum in the collectors market, the 996 Porsche Turbo will always be that little bit more special than its siblings.