The “Kettle” - 996.1 GT3

[yoda]

While I have what I consider to be my perfect “road trip car”, I occasionally find myself wanting something a bit more civilised so that I can take my good wife out for a drive in comfort. I was thinking decent seats, no scaffolding, air con, music and some luggage space for trips away. I thought about the Porsche back catalogue and have wanted to try every RS / GT variant they’ve made. I would love a 993 RS or a 997 GT3 but they are a lot of money. 997 GT3 prices in particular seem to have shot up in the last couple of years. A chance email offering a car I had previously admired led me to this …..



2000 996.1 GT3 Comfort in Arctic Silver. It’s RHD and covered 44k well looked after miles with a great service history. After an initial look over and a thorough professional inspection, I picked the car up yesterday. It wasn’t the best weather for it to be honest but I managed a good drive to meet a friend for lunch on the way home trying to avoid localised flooding and lots of debris on the road.

This is my 3rd GT3 (including a 996.2 I had a few years ago) so I knew what to expect. The car seems to have a nice road set up so is surprisingly comfortable and doesn’t hunt around as much as my previous one. The interior is a lovely place to be with deeply bolstered sports seats and the car is pleasingly rattle and creak free. The engine feels quite normal at lower revs but comes on very strong and sounds glorious as you wind it up. Handling is very good and the steering razor sharp. The gearbox is a bit notchy when cold but much better once warm. Overall, a good first drive and a nice present for my wife!

Car and picture supplied by our very own Robert Barrie who was an absolute pleasure to deal with. I wish all car purchases were so easy.

[Bootsy]

Very nice. Great choice

[hot66]

The original GT3 touring

Looks nice that Feroz.

[jeremyg]

Very nice. Always got to have a ‘kettle’ on the go or you’re missing out on a whole different driving experience.

[johnM]

Hi Feroz

Where it all began for the GT cars. Looks great.

Perfect accompaniment for your early car.

[stretch]

Nice Feroz. Decided i need an early 3.4 C2 kettle.

[DustyM]

Nice. I sold my 996.2 GT3 late last year as I simply didn’t get the opportunity to drive it. I’d have another in a heartbeat if circumstances change.


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[inaglasshouse]

Nicely done Feroz. I look forward to seeing it.

[Boydyrs]

Lovely Feroz

[yoda]

The original GT3 touring

Looks nice that Feroz.

It could well be James. GT3 Touring is an epic car but I think it’s just too much - too big, too powerful, too fast etc. Fabulous looking thing but scary fast when on it and a struggle on narrower B roads e.g. around Wales. Handsome fella though.

[yoda]

Thanks guys. I am hoping a first series GT3 has some of the characteristics of an early car with the convenience of later cars. I also like the history and cars that have come after it. This is a good article and helped convince me to give it a go.

https://www.evo.co.uk/porsche/911-gt3/2 ... ars-on?amp

[DustyM]

Did you deliberately choose a Gen 1 over the 996.2 or was it just a case of what came your way?

[yoda]

Did you deliberately choose a Gen 1 over the 996.2 or was it just a case of what came your way?

Hi Jon. I was looking for a 996.1 as I think they are better road cars. I had a 996.2 GT3 and while that is arguably a better car (stronger engine, better brakes / gearbox etc), it felt very raw and aggressive. I’ve tried a few and they all feel similar. It was great on track and on very good roads (had an amazing Alps trip in it) but struggled to get a good set up for A / B road use. The 996.1 is definitely slower but already feels much better set up for road use. The looks are growing on me and ageing well. Plus there is always the appeal of having the original Porsche GT car that was made in very limited numbers if you want RHD. I am hoping that will add to the ownership experience.

[jeremyg]

I think you’ve made a great choice. I can see why the Dickie Meaden article inspired your thinking too. It’s very much his thing these days to go for cars that are useable and not overpowered in deteriorating modern road conditions. I have a (by comparison) undercooked 996 C4S but it’s great on the road, and gave Trish and I the best drives we’ve ever had in Switzerland on the Grimsel and Susten passes.

[210bhp]

Nice car Feroz. It will be interesting to see if this gives you the ride/performance/handling combination you are looking for on your road trips in comparison with your others. As you say, it’s a rare car too. Congrats

Regards
Mike