This 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera (VIN NOT AVAILABLE) has a claimed 21,000 miles and is finished in Black over Black. The seller states, “This car is 1 of 1 in the U.S., custom ordered with X51 power kit and sunroof delete”. Added bonus, this car has had its IMS/RMS/AOS replaced. Find this one offered here on Autotrader in Los Angeles, CA for $39,000.
So yeah, this car has been for sale on the rennlist forums for a LONG time, but it’s unique and we’re tired of featuring $20K base Carreras (the perfect firstflatsix BTW). 2003 was the 2nd year for the updated/facelifted 996. The narrowbody base Carrera had underbody fittings for improved aerodynamics, front and rear bumpers were restyled, but most importantly Porsche gave the Carrera the Turbo’s updated headlights with standard bi-Xenon lamps (no more Boxster look!).
The wheels on this car are aftermarket 18″ V.E. Wheels, with no mention of the whereabouts of the stock 18″ Sport Designs. No indication of tire wear/condition from the seller.
The facelifted Carrera’s also got new engines. The original 3.4L M96/02 were all replaced by a single 3.6L M96/03 type producing 320 HP. These new engines also came with a new VariocamPlus system and a new DME that mimics the Turbos minus the boost control. Unfortunately, the M96/03 still suffers from the same IMS issues as the M96/02. Fortunately for you, the seller claims the IMS/RMS/AOS work has been completed in addition to a new water pump.
What makes this car special is the M96 Flat-Six engine here is fitted with the optional “X51 engine power enhancement kit” that provided an extra 25HP which made total output 345 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.
This car is also fitted with a number of aftermarket performance goodies including, Bilstein coilovers, GT3 Swaybars and Cargraphic exhaust. From the factory the car was fitted with the Sport Exhaust and M030 suspension. No word if original components come with the car.
The interior is finished in full “Black” leather, PSM, power seat package, Bose High End package and leather rear seats. Please note, Porsche Stability Management was standard on 2003+ 911’s. The best part of this interior…the GLOVEBOX! Poor 996.1 owners didn’t even get a glovebox.
We’re not sure about pricing here. The car has been for sale for a long time at the $39K ask, so market is saying it’s high. We featured a 29K mile 40th for $30K not too long ago. This isn’t a numbered 40th car, but mechanically, it was the same from the factory (X51, M030 susp). The only thing missing here is the GT Silver paint and the Turbo front bumper. A 20K mile non-X51 Carrera is prob a $30K ask car. So it comes down to if you the buyer think X51 and sunroof delete is worth the additional $9K ask. Tough decisions! Make sure you get eyes on the IMS receipt/invoice/workorder and don’t forget that PPI! Make this 996 your #firstflatsix
