Footnotes

Representing a major step forward, the Type 996 version of Porsche's perennial 911, introduced in 1997, really did justify its maker's claims to be 'all new'. With the 996's introduction, Porsche finally adopted water cooling for the flat-six engine, which remained behind the rear wheels of a car that shared no panels with its immediate predecessor and was longer, wider, and higher than before. Devotees of the 911 Turbo had to wait a few years before they could get their hands on the 996 version, which did not arrive until the autumn of 1999. The new 3.6-litre Turbo engine was derived from that of the GT3 sports-racer, featuring twin turbochargers, and now developed its maximum of 414bhp at a relatively low (for a sports car) 6,000 revs, with 413lb/ft of torque available from 2,700 to 4,600rpm. As usual, the Turbo was styled more aggressively, with a wider body, broader rear wing, and air intakes in the front bumper and ahead of the rear wheels. Like its predecessor, the new Turbo was only available with all-wheel drive.

Not surprisingly, given the Type 996's wholesale re-engineering, the successor Type 997 - introduced in 2004 - represented evolution rather than revolution, the most significant changes being to the interior and exterior styling. The latter marked a welcome return to the 911's traditional oval headlights, and the interior too was more classic 911 than that of the outgoing 996. The base 3.6-litre engine remained essentially the same as the Type 996's, while the more expensive 'S' models came with a more powerful 3.8-litre unit. The Turbo, though, kept the '3.6', which now featured Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbo-chargers for better throttle response. There was also a new four-wheel drive system. As is the case with many modern auto 'boxes, Porsche's Tiptronic got the Turbo off the line quicker than the manual-transmission version, the former racing to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds compared with the latter's 3.9.

Finished in paint to sample Nordic Gold metallic with Magnolia interior trim to sample, the one-owner, low mileage 997 Turbo offered here was built to Swiss specifications and comes with copies of the bill of sale and full listing of its specification. Highlights of the latter include the following:

Tiptronic S gearbox
Sycamore wood package
Heated seats
Rear wiper
Ceramic composite brakes
Top-tinted windscreen
Park assist
Sport Chrono Package Turbo
Supple leather front and rear
Door entry guards in stainless steel, illuminated
Roof lining in leather
Instrument dials in Speed Yellow
Porsche crest in headrests
Seat belts in Speed Yellow
Footrest in aluminium

This Turbo also has extensive extra leather trim throughout the interior. Offered with (copy) Swiss Carte Grise, the car has been stored in recent years and will require re-commissioning before use.

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. The administration for clearing customs is called a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and costs £350 (plus VAT). Both the Import VAT and NOVA charge will be added to the buyer's invoice. Please note that this fee does not include registering the vehicle in the UK. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released once customs is cleared. If you have any questions regarding customs, please contact the Motorcar Department.

Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.