9/17/18 UPDATE: Gone
This 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition (VIN WP0AA29924S621104) has a claimed 97,555 miles and is finished in special “GT Silver” (as used on the GT2) over “Natural Gray” leather upholstery and trim. No sign of the luggage and no information regarding any IMS/RMS work. Find this one offered here on Cars.com in North Hollywood, California for $21,885.
The Anniversary model is based on the 996 Carrera Coupe but with a few added features not seen on the base Carrera. Beyond the GT silver paint, the 40th Anniversary was also fitted with the “US M030” suspension. Be careful, because “US M030” does not equal “ROW M030”. While US m030 is lower than standard Carrera’s, it’s not as low as the ROW M030 suspension. 40ths also received polished 18″ Carrera wheels (the lightest 18″ from the factory).
The 40th also received the “Turbo” bumper from the 996 Turbo and polished exhaust tips.
The drivetrain featured some well received upgrades as well. The M96 Flat-Six engine was fitted with the optional “X51 engine power enhancement kit” that provided an extra 25HP which made total output 340 HP for this model. The X51 option was a $14K option that not a lot of base Carrera owners checked off when purchasing. Porsche also optimized the DME to maximize gains with the X51. To round out the drivetrain, the 40th Anniversary was the only Carrera model besides the ’99 Coupe offered with an LSD. The LSD had locking rates of 22% under acceleration and 27% under lock-up.
The interior comes in one official color, Natural Gray leather and trim. Other changes from the base Carrera include, “911 logo” door sills, GT Silver center console, and a special leather grain on the handbrake, gear shift boot, air bag and seat center.
As an added bonus, the 40th model owners also received two pieces of exclusive leather luggage (1 Large, 1 Medium) a key case and wallet all made of the same Natural Grey leather. Unfortunately, no indication from the selling dealer that the luggage is part of the package here, bummer.
These things are definitely at the bottom of the depreciation curve and maybe even on the way up. One of these 40th Anniversary 911’s sold on Bringatrailer not too long ago (with 87K-Miles) for $33K. That one had its IMS/RMS and Clutch serviced, but that can be done by an indy for $3500. Buy it and drive it. Make this 996 40th your first flat-six.
