Porsche 911 (996) Classic Club Coupé
If there ever was a model generation of the Porsche 911 that can be considered unpopular among fans, it is the 996. Between 1997 and 2006, it was the first water-cooled model in the series to roll off the production line. During this time, 175,262 examples of all variants were produced. This generation was the first to be available as a GT3 with a powerful naturally aspirated engine and a motorsport orientation. So much for the plus points. On the other hand, for many 911 fans the design with the flippantly christened “fried eggs” headlights is a big negative point. In the immediate vicinity of the lights the front indicators were also housed. It wasn’t until a model update in 2002 that these were in grey instead of orange. Today, the controversial opinion about the 996 is expressed in the used car prices. Apart from the GT2, GT3 and Turbo S, the various versions can be had relatively cheaply – at least compared to other 911 model generations.
911 (996) Carrera as the basis
Over the past two and a half years, a special one-off was created for the Porsche Club of America (PCA) as a project of Porsche Classic’s newly launched Porsche Sonderwunsch (special requests) programme. It is based on a used 911 (996) Carrera built in 1998. Internally, the car was known as “Project Grey” in reference to “Project Gold”, the 911 (993) Turbo rebuilt from original parts that was auctioned in 2018. However, those involved were mainly inspired by the 911 (997) Sport Classic presented in 2009. This special edition, limited to 250 units and painted in Sport Classic Grey, is now a sought-after collector’s item. Its double-bubble roof and the rear spoiler in the style of the duck tail from the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7 are now also found on the one-off. Even the paintwork in Sport Grey metallic is reminiscent of the Sport Classic. The wheel arches are also fitted with classic 18-inch Fuchs wheels in black with glossy rim. Light grey and blue stripes round off the look.
Pepita pattern braided leather
In addition to the exterior changes, Porsche Classic is also working on the interior. Here, the PCA-typical Club Blue is found on the seams, steering wheel 12 o’clock marking and embroidery pattern on the headrests. Elaborated braided leather in a Pepita pattern is worked into the door panels and the seat center panels. A metal plaque with the inscription “911 Classic Club Coupé – 001/001 – Classic Series” sits above the glove box. The central rev counter carries the body’s decorative stripes into the interior. It also bears the inscription “911 Classic Club Coupé”. The Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (infotainment system) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been integrated into the center console. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine rumbles in the rear. This was brought up to the specifications of the 911 (996) GT3 of the second expansion stage. This means that 280 kW/381 hp are available. The chassis and brakes are also taken from the GT3.
From used car to a one-off
Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualisation and Classic at Porsche, met representatives of the PCA two and a half years ago. The idea for this one-off was born in a casual conversation. “The Type 996 is unjustly overshadowed by the other 911 ranges. That’s why we were happy to choose it as the basis for demonstrating all the things we can do with Porsche Classic and the recently expanded Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche AG. In 2009, the 911 Sport Classic, a limited series of 250, had already generated worldwide interest. However, this special model was not sold in the US. With this one-off, we’ve now managed to bring a similarly exciting vehicle concept to the U.S. as well”, says Fabig. At the beginning of the planning process, only insiders knew that a used car in poor condition would be transformed into a new car with many unique elements. A special prototype did test laps in Nardo and Idiada (Spain).
Images: Porsche
