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1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe
VIN WP0AA2998TS321033
Black with Black Leather Interior

An instant classic, the 993 iteration of the venerable Porsche 911 continues to be highly sought after decades after introduction. As the last of the air-cooled 911s, they are the most developed and refined of the 1963 original that spawned more than half a century of sports car excellence. The layout of the instruments, the door sheetmetal, and the entire greenhouse remain fundamentally unchanged from the original 911, delivering a feeling of solidity and craftsmanship that still remains impressive nearly twenty five years later.

A marvel of engineering and design, the 993 offers sophisticated multilink rear suspension and massive rear tires, delightfully coupled to the torquey but very livable twin plug 3.6 liter flat-6 cylinder engine. The brakes, always a Porsche strong suit, are superb, while Porsches robust 6-speed G50 gearbox offers amazing balance and response. Sophisticated and high performance even when compared to modern cars, the 993 still captures the classic essence of the original 911, offering the best of both worlds a true classic that can be driven and enjoyed daily while delivering the finest in Porsche performance.

The 993 was available in a variety of forms, with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines, rear and four wheel drive, wide and narrow bodies, and in open and closed body designs. One of the most desirable of all the variants is the Carrera 4S. Combining the clean profile and naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter twin-plug flat six of the Carrera 4, the 4S features widened flares, wider wheels, Carrera suspension, and the famous big red brakes of the Twin Turbo. The combined performance features and unique design of the 4S truly creates a unique and exciting performance sports car.

According to the window sticker, this Black Carrera 4S was delivered to Carlsen Porsche in Palo Alto, California with the following options:

Black Leather Interior - Leather Seats
Supple Leather front and rear
Power Seat Package
AM/FM Radio w/CD Player
Hi-Fi 10 Speaker Sound Package
Porsche Floor Mats - Black

The first owner, a resident of Northern California, purchased the car at the dealership, properly servicing and maintaining it until transferring ownership to his son. Throughout this single family ownership, the car has remained in California, while being serviced as needed. Service records include regular oil and filer changes, a new seat motor installed in 1997, 30k service performed in June 2001 (31,763 miles recorded at a cost of $1,600.00), brake pads, exhaust cleaned, and other minor services (33,696 miles recorded at a cost of $1800.00), Oxygen sensor installed in 2003, a new battery installed in December 2005, and new hood struts and A/C charge performed in 2009. In 1998 a perforated air box was installed and the rear bumper cap refinished. In 1999 a set of factory Porsche Sport Alloy Wheels were installed with 3mm rear wheel spacers and Porsche factory anodized lug nuts installed ($4,500.00). Additionally, a Turbo tail was painted to match and fitted (original tail included). Further evidence of general service is recorded in the factory service record book up to 43,000 miles.

Today, this Porsche presents beautifully with very nice black paint that is glossy throughout, though showing some use marks, primarily on the forward facing surfaces. Overall, the car presents nicely, consistent with the current 55,000 miles. The body is in excellent condition showing excellent factory door, trunk, and hood gaps, factory fit along the front and rear bumpers, very nice trim, excellent lenses, and original factory glass. The updated Porsche Sport Alloy wheels (original wheels included) are in very fine condition with no curb rash and beautiful silver finish contrasting the glossy black body and bright red big brake calipers. The overall look and feel of this car is all the more dramatic, blending the 911 profile subtly draped against the tinted glass lines. This distinct and quintessential Porsche 911, sits ready, hunkered down, combining elegance and performance, particularly with the handsome upgraded wheels, a Turbo tail, and striking stealthy black finishes.

The original interior shows minimal use, with very nice leather seats and extended (optional) leather surfacing throughout the interior maintained in very nice condition. The door panels, including door pulls and door pocket lids are all in very nice condition, with nice snappy returns when closed. The center console features the original radio and of course, the 6-speed gearshift; a legendary and now rare hallmark of Porsche performance cars. Switches and various knobs are properly responsive to the touch while the various nomenclature and control details are in very good condition. The carpeting is clean and very nice, protected by the optional floor mats, which show mild use evident in the drivers footwell. The dashboard, gorgeous instruments, and center console are all in very nice condition. All operate as expected, including the AC which blows ice cold, with the exception of the retractable rear wing. Due to the installation of the Turbo tail, the wing does not raise at 50 mph. A warning light will appear when that speed is reached, but it is easily cleared with the press of a switch. Should the original wing that is included with the car be installed, this functionality would return. The headliner and sun visors are all uniformly preserved and free of notable blemishes. The overall fit and finish of the interior is tidy, cohesive, and well maintained.

The engine compartment and trunk are both unmodified and in good condition. The original engine has been properly serviced and maintained without the need for any major services. The trunk area is complete and tidy including the collapsible spare tire, proper black molded components, factory treated metal parts, and correct hardware.

The car starts instantly and the clutch and gearbox work in perfect harmony, owing in part to the regular servicing from the father and son owners since new. The motor provides a wonderful induction roar due partly attributed to the perforated air box installed in 1998 (original one included with the car). The performance is genuinely remarkable, even by modern standards, with the suspension delivering that uniquely responsive 911 character, while the brakes are easily modulated even under a firm pedal. The chassis is composed, tight, and authentic, showing no evidence of structural compromise when inspecting the underside. The next custodian of this car should expect to replace the rear tires immediately.

The car comes with the original window sticker, a complete set of factory books, owners manual and factory pouch, five sets of keys, tool roll with tools, and factory jack. The original wheels and original air box/engine cover are also included with the car.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a nicely optioned one-family California car that has been properly maintained since new. Certainly one of Porsches most desirable cars from the last three decades, this Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, finished in stunning black on black, is ready for enjoyable driving and ongoing enthusiastic appreciation as the last of the great air-cooled engineering marvels of the 20th century.