2001model Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996) – エステートセールスプレマシー

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2001model

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996)

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Now is precisely the time to enjoy the sheer pleasure of driving an early water-cooled 996 Carrera 4 equipped with Tiptronic S…! Preserved in outstanding condition both inside and out, this 2001 early-model Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996) stands as a truly sensational narrow-body icon of the water-cooled era…!

Chapter One…

A closer look at the Carrera 4 finished in the rare Vesuvio Metallic exterior, paired with a Boxster Red interior…

From the moment you catch a glimpse of its original factory color, Vesuvio Metallic, rarely seen even today, and peer through the clear side windows to discover the Boxster Red interior accents within…

There is a refined richness and dignity to this car. Combined with the very essence of what defines a true sports car—“911 Carrera”—the pleasure of commanding its character through Tiptronic S elevates the experience to an altogether higher level of sophistication.
If one were to describe this exceptionally beautiful early 996 Carrera 4 in a single phrase, that would surely be it…

In recent years, as global safety standards have intensified and electronic control systems have multiplied, modern sports cars from every manufacturer have grown increasingly larger and heavier. Even vehicles once celebrated for their compact dimensions and lightweight agility have transformed dramatically in just a quarter of a century.
Within the long evolution of the 911 lineage that began in the 1960s, the 996—marking the transition from air-cooled to water-cooled—emerged just before this era of excessive enlargement.
It can now clearly be said that the 996 represents a rare “rebirth of the narrow model,” a 911 that does not rely excessively on electronics, but instead allows genuine dialogue between machine and human sensibility.
Any true car enthusiast will immediately understand the depth of its appeal the moment they drive it…
There is a very clear reason to choose the Type 996 today…!

Grip the steering wheel, turn the key, and the legendary flat-six roars to life…! Rest your foot lightly on the accelerator, and that unmistakable sense of “lightness” instantly communicates itself…!
The direct mechanical responsiveness—so regrettably diluted in modern sports cars—and the seamless unity between driver intent and vehicle reaction are precisely what make this era of Porsche so intoxicating.
And then there is the Carrera 4… As a full-time four-wheel-drive system, it never feels overly heavy at the front, yet fully exploits the rear-engine traction unique to the 911 layout. It allows anyone to savor the thrilling dynamics of rear-engine performance—accelerating with a massive, road-gripping force that feels as though the car is glued to the asphalt…!
That entire sequence of movement is natural, fluid, and profoundly satisfying—this is the essence of the Type 996 Carrera 4…

Without relying on excessive electronic intervention or brute power, it creates speed through the rigidity and balance of the chassis itself—an experience that resonates with the driver’s intuitive right brain.
It is, in essence, a “sports car built to be driven”—one that reminds you that the driver is the true protagonist.
The deep Vesuvio Metallic exterior, contrasted with the vibrant elegance of the Boxster Red interior, expresses an elevated level of refinement.
This distinctive contrast in texture and presence—something you simply want to keep touching and experiencing—is truly remarkable.
One can confidently say that this 996 Carrera 4 is not merely a means of transportation, but a machine that creates extraordinary moments within everyday life…

In speaking of this particular example, one must also highlight the numerous service records preserved since new…
Every entry performed by authorized Porsche Centers further attests to the vehicle’s pedigree and refined character.
These are not merely inspection logs, but tangible layers of time itself—documents that reveal the intrinsic value and authenticity of this highly desirable example…

Listing these records chronologically reveals the following…

■ 2001
First registration… The story begins here…
Delivered through a Porsche Center, confirming that the car was maintained within the official network from the very beginning…

■ 2002 (Approx. 3,967 km)
Initial inspection at Porsche Center Shonan…
A critical post-break-in check, highly important for long-term condition preservation…

■ 2003 (Approx. 9,476 km / 12,543 km)
Two periodic inspections conducted around the 10,000 km mark…
An ideal maintenance cycle had already been established, with routine oil and filter servicing clearly documented…

■ 2005 (Approx. 16,096 km)
Inspection at Porsche Center Yokohama…
Management transitioned from Shonan to Yokohama, yet continued within the official dealer network…

■ 2006 (Approx. 19,764 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Approaching 20,000 km, fluid changes and wear-part checks ensured continued mechanical health…

■ 2008 (Approx. 27,211 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Annual mileage progression remains natural, clearly indicating a vehicle that was “used and properly maintained”…

■ 2010 (Approx. 36,986 km)
Inspection at Porsche Center Yokohama…
Even at this mileage milestone, official dealer management was consistently maintained…

■ 2012 (Approx. 48,139 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…

■ 2013 (Approx. 52,563 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Entering the 50,000 km range, preventative maintenance becomes increasingly important…

■ 2014 (Approx. 56,566 km)
In addition to routine servicing, the following were performed:

Ignition coil replacement
Spark plug replacement
Drive belt replacement
Air cleaner-related service

For the 996—where ignition components and auxiliary systems are known weak points—this timing of maintenance is extremely significant.
It marks a shift from simple upkeep to proactive condition management…

■ 2016 (Approx. 60,349 km)
Inspection at Porsche Center Aoyama Setagaya…
While the management base moved to a Tokyo dealer, the high standard of servicing continued…

■ 2017 (Approx. 60,674 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Mileage accumulation slowed, suggesting usage focused on condition preservation…

■ 2018 (Approx. 61,721 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Ongoing fluid changes and wear-part management…

■ 2019 (Approx. 62,143 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…
Mileage accumulation and maintenance history remain perfectly synchronized, confirming excellent health…

■ 2020 (Approx. 62,524 km)
Periodic inspection conducted…

Engine oil replacement
Brake fluid replacement
Wiper system service
Meticulous attention even to everyday wear components…

■ 2021 (Approx. 62,900 km)
Continued maintenance performed…

Looking at this vehicle’s history as a whole, what emerges is not simply a stack of inspection records…
It is the undeniable fact that “the right areas were serviced at the right times, without fail.”
Above all, the uninterrupted documentation spanning more than two decades elevates this example to a truly refined and distinguished level…

Chapter Two…

Mastering left-foot braking transforms the Tiptronic into something dramatically more engaging…!
Lightning-fast downshifts are executed through precise throttle work…!
The true joy of Tiptronic S lies in the fascinating dialogue it creates between driver and machine…!

Among Porsche enthusiasts in Japan, it is certainly true that the overwhelming majority still revere the manual transmission.

I myself have spent considerable time with both an early 996 six-speed manual and a later 996 equipped with Tiptronic S. Having thoroughly experienced both, I can honestly say that the Tiptronic S—whose new-car price was significantly higher—feels far more “Porsche-like,” more engaging… and, to be frank, wonderfully effortless.

Developed jointly by ZF and Bosch as a next-generation transmission, Tiptronic S has earned a reputation for remarkable durability—one rarely hears of failures. And yet, whether on early-morning weekend winding roads and mountain passes, or even in spirited driving including occasional track use (depending on how it is utilized), the Tiptronic S can be fast and smooth.
For this generation of Porsche, I am convinced that Tiptronic S actually suits the car’s character better.

It hardly needs to be said, but “Tiptronic” is Porsche’s trademark for the manual shift mode within an automatic transmission. First introduced in 1988 on the Type 964, this transmission—jointly developed by ZF and Bosch—was hailed as revolutionary at the time, featuring an electro-hydraulic control unit that symbolized a new era for the 911.

The original torque-converter Tiptronic functions like any conventional automatic in “Drive,” shifting on its own. However, the evolved Tiptronic “S” fitted to the 996 allows manual shifting by moving the selector lever into M mode—or even in D mode, via steering-wheel switches that remain active at all times.

Porsche equipped the Tiptronic S gearbox with an “Intelligent Shift Program.” This ECU-controlled system monitors vehicle speed, engine RPM, throttle position, and both longitudinal and lateral G-forces. Based on these inputs, it selects among five shift programs, adjusting gear-change points according to whether the driver seeks relaxed cruising or maximum performance.

Needless to say, in city traffic or congestion, AT mode is truly a blessing. No aching clutch leg, no weary resignation of “That’s enough for today…”—instead, a healthy and enjoyable Porsche life without unnecessary strain. This ease is not a compromise, but an important part of savoring the car’s essence.

And then… on weekend winding roads or highways, switch to manual mode.
At 5,000 rpm, Variocam changes over—the explosive surge as it climbs onto the cam, the otherworldly howl of the flat-six behind you, the massive body glued to the road as it accelerates as though warping forward…
That is the indescribable joy of truly “driving a Porsche.”

But here is the real secret…!
The enjoyment of Tiptronic S is not limited to the steering-wheel up/down switches. In fact, these switches involve a slight time lag. To achieve lightning-fast downshifts without delay, the key lies in how you “converse” with the ECU—the car itself.

If you treat Tiptronic S as merely a conventional automatic and attempt acceleration via simple kickdown on the highway, you may have felt the response to be somewhat sluggish.

In truth, the Intelligent Shift Program ECU responds not just to throttle position—but to the speed at which you operate the accelerator pedal.
Briefly lift off the throttle, then quickly (this is crucial) blip it—and then press down again…! Faster than manual mode, and with almost no shift shock, the transmission instantly changes gear even while remaining in D. The result? A surge of acceleration that feels immediate and forceful.

Take this throttle-blipping technique further… and master left-foot braking—and suddenly, Tiptronic S becomes dramatically more engaging on winding roads.
Control the brake with your left foot while your right foot focuses on throttle input.
While braking, give the accelerator a quick blip—the ECU senses the deceleration G-force and delivers a lightning-fast downshift.
Exit the corner, release the brake, and you are instantly in full acceleration mode with zero lag. That thrill awaits anyone who masters left-foot braking.

On the 996, Tiptronic S allows use of the steering-wheel upshift switch even in D mode, enabling these lightning-quick shifts seamlessly.
It becomes true sports driving—conducting a dialogue with engine and transmission at will.
This is the true fascination of Tiptronic S.
To dismiss it as merely an automatic without understanding this is simply a waste.

Indeed… once you understand left-foot braking and how to communicate with the ECU, a Tiptronic S-equipped 996 transforms into a Porsche you can pull from the garage without hesitation.
Your wife or daughter—limited to automatic licenses—can drive it comfortably for errands. Then, without changing cars, you can head straight for a winding road and reset your spirit in a short, exhilarating drive. It is truly a Porsche that is joyous to own and drive.

And then there is the aesthetic pleasure… The narrow-bodied 996 in Vesuvio Metallic, paired with Boxster Red interior accents, is a sight to behold—something you can admire alone in the garage late at night with a quiet smile. It is an “only-one” kind of presence that deeply satisfies the desire for ownership.

The 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996) is, without question, a car through which one can fully savor the profound depth of Porsche’s character…
A machine of remarkable breadth and richness…

Chapter Three…

2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996)… The Author’s Closing Reflections

The pairing of Vesuvio Metallic exterior and Boxster Red interior trim… combined with the factory-optioned 18-inch wheels fitted from new, made this Type 996 Carrera 4 a truly captivating example.

With the exception of a recent upgrade to a Japanese-market navigation system—an undeniably positive modification—the car presents itself in otherwise entirely original form.
The common European issue of soft-touch plastic deterioration due to hydrolysis has been carefully refinished in a subtly nuanced metallic tone. The result is so well executed that one would hardly notice unless told—indeed, it even adds a tasteful accent of individuality.
Additionally, at the current owner’s preference, the speed-activated rear spoiler system has been deactivated.

For reasons unknown, Porsche models often seem particularly susceptible to stone chips on the front end. However, this example shows remarkably few blemishes on its front face.
It is clear that throughout its several owners over the decades, the car has almost certainly been garage-kept. Its body and undercarriage condition are such that one would scarcely believe more than a quarter century has passed since its birth.

The exquisite color combination, the current condition of this individual car, and the documented history that supports it—all speak of a vehicle that has been maintained at the proper intervals, without ever being abused or overstressed.
One understands this immediately upon taking the wheel… it is precisely this careful stewardship that creates such a natural, satisfying driving experience.

As you have likely already realized by now, after twenty-five years, finding a low-mileage, high-quality example such as this is no simple matter.
It is truly a car that “cannot be found by searching… only encountered by fate.”
That sentiment suits this remarkable example perfectly.

Now is precisely the moment to rediscover the joy of driving an early water-cooled 996 Carrera 4 equipped with Tiptronic S…! Preserved in outstanding condition both inside and out, this 2001 early-model Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996) stands as a truly sensational narrow-bodied icon of the water-cooled era…!

We warmly invite you to visit Gunma Prefecture and experience firsthand the supreme Type 996 Carrera 4.

This truly exceptional 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (Type 996) is currently located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As this is a private sale, no consumption tax or additional fees will be charged.
However, upon purchase, the buyer will be responsible for the prorated automobile tax (annual amount: ¥66,700) as well as the recycling deposit fee settlement (¥19,590).

Transportation arrangements are to be made by the purchaser. Should you require assistance, please feel free to consult us.

Regarding Inquiries

This vehicle is listed on the cross-border EC platform for classic and collectible cars, Estate Sale Supremacy®︎.

What is a “Supreme (Supremacy) Estate Sale”?
Estate Sale Supremacy®︎ is the Japanese adaptation of North American estate sale culture, introducing vehicles cherished by their owners through interview-based articles and video presentations.
We faithfully convey the current owner’s sentiments—preserving their memories while ensuring a seamless transition to the next generation—offering guidance and sales intermediation with integrity.

The contents of this article were written based on an interview conducted with the owner on March 9, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM, over approximately three hours under clear skies.
As the inspection was conducted within a limited timeframe, the vehicle’s condition may not be described with 100% accuracy. Furthermore, not all written details have been independently verified. Any comments regarding condition reflect the weather and circumstances at the time of inspection, as well as the author’s personal impressions. We kindly ask for your understanding in this regard.

For questions regarding the listed vehicle or to request an in-person inspection, please contact us via the link at the bottom of this page.
As this is a private transaction, and to prevent non-serious inquiries, vehicle viewings will be arranged only for customers who are genuinely considering purchase.

Thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration.