Debuting at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Type 996 marked the largest evolutionary leap in the 911’s thirty-four-year history. A clean-sheet design, the 996 stirred controversy as it was the first 911 to transition from air to water cooling to better meet emissions and noise regulations. As per custom, Porsche built different versions of the 996 throughout its production, including a 4S variant for the 2002 model year. Based on the Turbo, the 4S featured a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat six making 320 hp, all-wheel drive, revised suspension, larger brakes, and flared rear-quarter panels.
This Porsche 996 Carrera 4S was completed by the factory in February 2002 and was one of 1,974 examples imported into the US for that model year. Finished in striking Zanzibar Red Metallic – a dark orange with a hint of copper – over a Savanna Beige full leather interior, this 996 was equipped from the factory with the desirable six-speed manual transaxle, color-matched hardback sport seats, sport exhaust system, rear window wiper, and an AM/FM radio with CD player.
Acquired by Rudy Mancinas in 2021, this example presents very well in all respects, with an odometer reading of just under 85,000 miles at the time of cataloguing. Finished in a vibrant, rarely seen color, and equipped with some of the most desirable factory options, this 996 Carrera 4S represented a sweet spot in Porsche’s 911 lineup when new, and is still more than capable of providing stout performance today.
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