There’s been a lot of talk recently about the Porsche 996 ‘coming of age’, well… to back that up there’s an incredible article in today’s Octane Magazine, and if you haven’t seen it yet you should get out and grab a copy!

As the 996 hits 25 years since it was first launched, there is a lot to be said for where it sits now. Whilst it’s had its critics over the years, there is no disputing its ‘barmy low price tag’ in today’s market.

There’s a uniqueness with the 996, as It was the first 911 model to be powered by a water-cooled engine, rather than the air-cooled engines that had been used in previous 911 models. However, beneath the skin it was obvious that Porsche were still extremely serious about the 911. The were several configurations of the 996 available, including the Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa, GT2, GT3, and Turbo models. 

Some say the 996 was shrouded in controversy, but was it really? Or was it down to one simple feature that had everyone talking? Yep, you got it…the “fried egg” style headlight design! But… we’ve gradually seen more and more warming to this as a recognisable feature of the 996, so it wasn’t really all bad was it?

The 996 was also no slouch, with the Carrera and Carrera 4 models powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six engine, that produced 296 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Carrera 4S and Turbo models had a larger 3.6-liter flat-six engine that produced up to 444 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and The GT2 and GT3 models were even more powerful, with the GT2 producing up to 483 horsepower, and the GT3 producing up to 375 horsepower.

The 996 was also the first 911 model to feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission available as an option. The car’s handling and driving dynamics were praised by many automotive journalists, although some criticised its interior & exterior styling.

25 years on, what’s the score? It was always going to happen, and we’re starting to see the shoots of a future classic, and in some cases the prices are already starting to rise. In the eyes of enthusiasts the Porsche 996 is now considered a ‘classic’, and this means that prices for well-maintained examples are starting to appreciate. Its legacy as the first water-cooled 911 and its distinctive design elements have made it a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors.

It’s now time to take notice of the 996, and don’t leave those good examples sat in the showroom, because they deserve now what they’ve always deserved… to be cherished as a damn good Porsche that takes its place in Porsche 911 history.

The 996 models are looking super value and we can’t see them remaining at this level in 5 years time. By then there will be many fewer good examples on the market, this always happens when cars become more of a ‘hobby’ car, as people keep them and less circulate for sale.

Prices already look ‘too little’, for ‘too much’ car, and we have seen all this before. Great examples of 996, and indeed 986, have been creeping upwards. They are a great driving car, so we’d urge you to get in while you still can. We select carefully, and can offer a selection including 4S, turbo, GT3 and GT2.

Current Porsche 996 for Sale:

Porsche 996 (911) Carrera 4 S Manual Coupe 2003

Porsche 996 (911) Carrera 4 S Manual Coupe 2004

Porsche 996 (911) Turbo Manual Coupe

View all Porsche available for sale at Williams Crawford.