Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996)

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“If you can't afford a 996 Series Porsche 911, don't drive one. Resist the temptation. Just say no. As one of the best driver's machines around, it will transform you into a motoring malcontent, cursing your previous car's flabby steering and gutless throttle response” – RAC review.

The 996 version of the legendary 911 was every bit as addictive as its forebears. Around in one form or another for over half a century, the 911 had carved a reputation as a brilliant but slightly malevolent, air-cooled rear-engined beast. In 1997, with the launch of the 996 series, the 911 had 'malevolent' and 'air-cooled' struck from its vocabulary. These water-cooled Porsches were a huge step forward, their dynamic excellence silencing most of the critics who felt it heretic to liquid-cool a 911. The handling was transformed as well, giving the 911 a more mature, benign personality.

Powered by a 296bhp 3.4-litre engine, it weighed just 1,320kg, was slippery as a bar of soap, and could sprint to 60mph in just 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174mph. And all this to a spine-tingling soundtrack from the howling flat-six – and 25mpg economy.

First registered in June 1998, this 996 Carrera 2 6-speed manual has had five owners to date, the current since 2009. It has covered 96,800 miles with 10 service stamps in the book, all at main agents or specialists, the last at 77,980 miles in 2009 plus invoices for three subsequent services, the last at 96,000 miles when it was also treated to four new tyres, new discs and pads all round, a new battery and the 19" 997 Turbo wheels were refurbished. In 2005 at 58,870 miles it had a new clutch and the IMS bearing was also replaced.

Finished in black with a black leather interior, a steel sunroof and a factory aero kit, it retains all its handbooks, tool kit and spare wheel, is in regular use with an MOT until July 2020 and will be driven some 200 miles to the sale.