2004 Porsche 996 40th Anniversary Edition

The 996 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured between 1999 and 2004 and was replaced by the Type 997 in 2005. The 996 had little in common with its predecessor being built on the first new chassis platform since the original 911 and fitted with a new water-cooled engine. Technically, it was a major change, a complete breakaway from the original car other than the general overall layout.

At its debut, the 996 featured the most significant change from the classic 911 series, a water-cooled engine replacing the previously air-cooled engine. Progressively stringent emissions and noise regulations, environmental concerns, a higher expectation for refinement and a high-performance 4 valves per cylinder engine made the switch necessary. Other major changes include a completely new platform with a sleeker body with a more raked windscreen and re-designed interior.

The 2004 commemorative model (40th Anniversary) was based on the rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera but offered more horsepower, enhanced handling features, and unique interior and exterior styling. The 40th Anniversary 911's 3.6-litre flat-six engine produces 345 horsepower, 25 horsepower more than the base model 911. As a result, the model is one second faster than the regular 911 from 0 to 120 mph with a time of 16.5 seconds. The car's top speed, 180 mph, made it the second fastest non-turbocharged model in the 911 range. Aggressive sport suspension settings help to enhance the limited edition's handling. Combined with the standard electronic Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, an additional mechanical rear-axle differential lock provides even better traction and optimum acceleration.

The 40th Anniversary 911's distinguishing styling features include GT Silver Metallic exterior paint colour (exclusive to this model and the Carrera GT), front cooling air openings adapted from the 911 Turbo, body colour air intake grills, left and right sill trims, an aluminium "911" logo on the engine cover, shot-blasted, polished 18-inch Carrera wheels, and high-gloss polished exhaust tailpipes. A sliding sunroof, bi-xenon headlights with dynamic beam angle control and a headlight cleaning system complete the standard exterior features.

The interior is trimmed in naturally soft dark grey leather. Other interior details include sport seats with two-stage heating; centre console, seat backs and dashboard groove trim strips and handbrake lever side covers finished in 'GT silver metallic', aluminium-finish instrument dial rings, and a numbered "911-40th Anniversary" plaque on the centre console, with this car's number proudly embossed as 0990 of just 1963 units produced.

One of just 200 or so UK right-hand drive cars, according to data only some 118 40th Anniversary Editions are SORNd or taxed currently in the UK, number 0990 shines brightly in the spring sunshine. Delivered new on the 15th October 2004 by the Porsche Centre Glasgow, the car travelled to the sunny climes of Jersey, where it received a replacement engine under warranty on the 4th October 2005. The car has been appropriately serviced at the following intervals:

Porsche Centre Jersey 26/10/2005 at 3,657 milesOakhurst Garage, Jersey 02/02/2009 at 9,639 milesFreelance Motor Group, Jersey 2/01/2011 at 14,291 milesNo Stamp 02/08/2013 at 26,218 milesFull Service Centre, Jersey 07/08/15 at 37,262 milesDiscount 9 Autotech, Bridgend 11/02/2016 at 40,633 miles

Brought back to the UK from Jersey, the car is currently on a NOVA, with taxes settled, and all the new owner would need to do is re-register the car wth the DVLA. With the current mileage reading just shy of 41,000 and offered to auction with an MoT until October 2016, number 0990 with its six-speed manual gearbox is a must for any Porsche enthusiast and is presented in supeb order. It must be noted that special edition Porsches, particularly anniversary editions, not only offer factory fitted cosmetic upgrades but differ greatly in terms of horsepower, transmission and suspension over their siblings, a factor to consider for the future collectors market perhaps?