Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 2 3.4 Manual

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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.”

As this RAC review made clear, 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 with up to 25mpg economy. And all this to a spine tingling soundtrack from the howling flat-six.

First registered in February 1998, this Carrera 2 3.4 has covered only 36,000 miles from new and comes with a full service history being last serviced less than 1,000 miles ago. Red with a grey leather interior, it has the desirable 6-speed manual gearbox and is described by the vendor as being “in excellent condition throughout”.

The clutch was replaced about 1,200 miles ago and it has also recently been treated to new front brake discs and pads, new radiators and a new air conditioning radiator. Supplied with all its original handbooks and two sets of keys, it also comes with a card that entitles it to free MOTs for life at Evans Halshaw. MOTd until July, the car has been in the current ownership for six years and is said to “drive like new” with “no known faults”.

These 996 models are sensational cars to drive but are currently being completely overlooked in the stampede to buy older air-cooled models – hence their otherwise inexplicable drop in value. You can’t buy any other 911 for this kind of money, a situation that surely cannot continue. Give it some time and this low-mileage cracker will look like a steal at the guide price suggested today.

Please note that the personalised number shown is not included and will be replaced by the age-related number R920 LOB before the sale.