The 996 generation marked one of the most significant turning points in the history of the Porsche 911. Introduced for the 1998 model year, it was the first series-production 911 to use a water-cooled flat-six engine and represented a major technological step forward from the preceding 993 generation.
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet combined open-top motoring with Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system and the new 3.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-six. Producing 300 hp, the engine retained the characteristic flat-six configuration of the 911 while introducing an entirely new generation of Porsche powertrain technology.
As an early 996, this example represents the original interpretation of the water-cooled Carrera: relatively compact dimensions, naturally aspirated power and a driving experience that today feels distinctly analogue compared with later generations. In Cabriolet form, the Carrera 4 combines this character with the versatility of an electrically operated soft top and the added traction of all-wheel drive.
Our Carrera 4 Cabriolet was delivered on 7 October 1998 and is finished in the classic combination of L92U Arctic Silver Metallic with a black full-leather interior, including a leather-trimmed dashboard and door panels. The car has now covered 136,800 km and presents in excellent condition throughout, both inside and out, as well as mechanically. The car is also supplied with an original Porsche hardtop and wind deflector.
One of the strongest aspects of this example is its extensive maintenance history. The original service book contains regular entries beginning with the first documented service in 1999 at 6,900 km, with maintenance continuing through Porsche Centres, Porsche-authorised workshops and specialist workshops in Germany and Finland.
Between 2016 and 2022, the car was in the hands of a knowledgeable enthusiast who changed the engine oil every autumn before winter storage, meaning the car was always put away with fresh oil. According to the information provided, necessary repairs and maintenance were also carried out whenever required. The following owner continued to maintain the car according to the same principles between 2022 and 2025.
Under the most recent ownership, the car has undergone a considerably more extensive programme of preventive mechanical maintenance. The work was carried out together with an experienced mechanic, with the parts used and further details documented in the accompanying records.
The work included replacement of the IMS bearing and Rear Main Seal (RMS), together with the timing-chain hydraulic tensioners and chain guide surfaces, coolant expansion tank, oil suction pipe, oil filler tube, spark plugs and ignition coils, water pump, air-oil separator (AOS), auxiliary drive belt and associated tensioners.
With the oil sump removed during the work, the cylinder bores were visually inspected and no signs of bore scoring were observed.
Following the work, the engine oil was changed again after approximately 500 km. The car has subsequently covered no more than approximately 1,000 km on the current oil.
Together with the extensive stamped service history, this recent preventive maintenance addresses several of the important mechanical areas associated with the early 996 generation and leaves the car well prepared for continued use.
Service History
6 Sep 1999 – 6,900 km – Annual service, Porsche Zentrum Karlsruhe
4 Mar 2002 – 28,845 km – Scheduled service, Porsche Zentrum Karlsruhe
7 Nov 2005 – 57,859 km – Scheduled service, Porsche Zentrum Karlsruhe
5 Mar 2008 – 71,706 km – Scheduled service, Porsche Zentrum Karlsruhe
16 Apr 2009 – 76,704 km – Major service, AutoCarrera / Porsche Service
3 Jun 2010 – 81,576 km – Annual service, AutoCarrera / Porsche Service
15 Jul 2011 – 92,411 km – Annual service, AutoCarrera / Porsche Service
27 May 2013 – 100,591 km – Scheduled maintenance, Sammaisten Autohuolto
30 Jun 2015 – 108,894 km – Annual service, Porsche Service Center Turku
24 Oct 2016 – 114,216 km – Major service, Porsche Center Turku
2016–2022 – Engine oil changed annually before winter storage; additional maintenance and repairs carried out as required
2022–2025 – Continued maintenance according to the established maintenance routine
Recent maintenance – approx. 136,000 km – Extensive preventive mechanical maintenance including IMS bearing, RMS, timing-chain hydraulic tensioners and guide surfaces, coolant expansion tank, oil suction pipe, oil filler tube, spark plugs, ignition coils, water pump, air-oil separator (AOS), auxiliary drive belt and tensioners. Cylinder bores visually inspected with no signs of bore scoring observed.
Current mileage – 136,800 km
Additional documented maintenance
In addition to the scheduled servicing, the service book records regular brake-fluid changes and periodic airbag-system inspections throughout the car’s history.
The documented mileage progression provides a particularly useful record of the car’s history, progressing from 6,900 km in 1999 to 28,845 km in 2002, 57,859 km in 2005, 76,704 km in 2009, 100,591 km in 2013, 114,216 km in 2016 and 129,460 km in 2024.
The car comes with its original Porsche service book and extensive supporting documentation. Combined with the substantial recent preventive maintenance — including the IMS bearing and RMS replacement and inspection of the cylinder bores — this makes for a particularly well-documented early 996 Carrera 4 Cabriolet that is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next owner.
Please contact us for further information and additional photographs.
