Porsche 996 GT3 - is it a future classic?

Porsche 996 GT3 - is it a future classic?
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#PorscheGT3 #996GT3 #Futureclassic
This week, TheCarGuys visit Ashgood Classic and Sportscars and pick up a stunning Guards Red Porsche 911 (996) GT3. A car that Damian owned when they were new, and is keen to find out if it is as good as he remembers.
With prices on the increase, has the 996 finally become desirable? Should the 996 GT3 be added to The CarGuys garage? Is this a Porsche that Jason actually likes? All these questions and more are answered in this week’s episode.
To contact Ashgood Porsche, please call them on the following number 01753 299315, or visit the website - www.ashgood.co.uk
Created by two ordinary guys with an obsession for cars, TheCarGuys.tv is a digital channel that celebrates everything automotive - supercars, classics, quirky, hidden gems and those in the TCG garage.
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In this episode, Mr Taylor is wearing Tudor Black Bay GMT ‘Pepsi’. Mr Butt is wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver.
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[@thomasbordvik]

The GT3 has dry-sump and is not affected by the IMS issue. Awsome car! Got one myself. Mk1 ClubSport

[@davidporeilly1]

So guys a lot of general chat and fun but there is so much more to the 996 GT3 than you covered. (I sold them new). The chassis is the Carrera 4 Chassis as its extra reinforcement in the front gave it more rigidity. The rear seats were removed for weight saving so when the Roll cage was fitted it went back to same kerb weight. The suspension was altered by replacing plastic and rubber bushes with brass ones to improve accuracy and steering feel. This car is the only 996 that feels like a 993 and it makes other 996 models feel vague. As others have mentioned the engine is built around the GT1 race engine. This means full dry sump lubrication and no IMS issues. It also means that unlike a wet sump 996 you can run this car on slicks. The higher G forces were a big risk in a stock 996 as oil would move under g loads and risk oil starvation.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks for the info, David - very good to know

[@fourwheeltrader]

I did a full video on the depreciation curves of the 996 model. There can only be one conclusion: They offer amazing value for money! The turbo however already increased significantly in value. Beside that, I think that the front end is just amazing. It gives an aggressive look to the turbo and gt3.

[@modernworldiscrap]

Mk1 production numbers: 1836 Mk2/RS: 3711 Mk1 engine: M96.72 (959, 962, 964, 993 and GT1 parts) Mk2: M96.79 (evolution without parts of 959, 962, 964, 993, GT1) Also special about Mk1, in contrast to the Mk2, is that this is the last street of a 911 that was completely hand-built at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach...

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Wow never knew there were twice as many gen 2s

[@stuartb3502]

Nah. Both designs based on GT1, heads based on 959 but heavily modified for larger cylinder bores. The mk2 had 964 crank case castings up to mid 2004. After that they removed some of the external cooling shapes needed for air cooled and put 996 on the casting. The mk2 engine has lighter pistons, conrods and does away with the crankshaft vibration damper as it was no longer required over 4kg less mass. More power, higher redline. The only objective way the mk1 is arguably better than mk2 is islightly softer damped which is better in the UK on bumpier roads. You can call it feedback if you like, but until you get on smoother roads and higher speeds, the mk2 is nervous and bump steers everywhere. It’s significant enough that you need to think twice/thrice about road surface ahead before overtaking on a narrower road. I use mine sometimes on the roads in this video and the combination of poor surfaces and traffic means you really can’t experience it at it’s best. Some of that’s adjustable but even with standard road geometry they do this. That may make the car sound bad. Spoiler alert...it’s not :-). Took mine out yesterday after a gap and it’s still breathtaking. BTW, the handling in the wet is not fundamentally flawed as suggested in this video. The presenter was clearly scarred by their experience. It’s just that you need to understand what a strictly mechanical (i.e. no electronics) locking differential will do if you accelerate while one driven wheel has significantly less grip (standing water). It will lock and spin you off the road. This is an analogue car which you need to drive with understanding and that’s why it will continue to be appreciated more as time passes.

[@davonpointer2310]

996s are great cars., already a classic in my eyes... buy one!☝️

[@Adzy999]

This roll cage is a tequipment option that fits all 996/997 models. Just incase any owners reading want one. It’s about £1600 from Porsche. A great mod. All bolt in, just mounts to seatbelt mount holes, and comes with fixings!

[@Adzy999]

@@englishjames007 blimey, I got an email to say I had a comment on an old comment! Awesome👌🏻👌🏻 And in response, how about you use your twix wrapper, and I use the Porsche factory made steel roll over bar that bolts to the strongest part of the chassis. And we see who ends up looking the best after an accident 😉👍🏼

[@Dudemania3000]

Car Guys, you probably know this but the 996 GT3 and the 996 Turbo are fitted with the Mezger engine which is an amazing engine designed for the track (initially designed for the Porsche 911 GT1 race car in TT guise) and not susceptible to the IMS bearing issue as was perhaps not common but a known issue on the standard 996 and Boxsters. I owned a new GT3 gen 1 from new in 2000 for 2 years in silver, but with a Lotus 340R and a Esprit Sport 300 in the garage also at that time and a Audi S4 V8 as my daily I let the GT3 go, which I'm very much regretting now :-( Great video guys and how about a garage update on any cars that have gone and those that are coming, also would love to hear more on the LCC Rocket.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Hence why there is a caption at 10:41 saying that

[@Dudemania3000]

@@TheCarGuysTV Yeah sorry CarGuys, missed that on the first watch and very true :-) I knew all of the above as I ran a silver 996 GT3 for a year in 2000 from new and about 4 years ago was thinking about a very low mileage 996 Turbo but ended up on a R8 V10 Manual. Keep up the great work and love your channel.

[@MrBatwa]

12:52 it has a beautiful back end!!

[@aviationlba747]

Wow, 2 things in this video with a beautiful rear end!

[@mohammadrasoulfard-habibi3066]

This channel is pure class. Love to drive a GT3. Lights look good now, you are right. Absolute uproar when people saw the lights when it came out. Keep up the good work lads.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Mohammad

[@matteofederighi5507]

The 996 is a great car, can’t quite understand all the hate it gets. I drove a friend o mine’s manual 996 carrera 2 a few times and i totally agree with jason that it just feels right, the driving position, the steereing, the gearbox, everything. Lovely car. Great video guys, really enjoyed it.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank you for watching, Matteo - glad you enjoyed it.

[@sergiooliveira1127]

The 996 is not a future classic... it's already a classic! I love them!

[@koolkat969]

12.50 and 13.07... a bit of a distraction there. Boys will be boys, yes definitely! 😉.... Enjoyed the review as always! 👍

[@IULENZA]

and at 13:08-13:14 they both look at her ;)

[@DIRBert]

996’s always had great arses.

[@rudsey]

That cage is a retro fit. A club sport has a factory body coloured cage, nomex fabric seats, fire extinguisher etc. That’s a comfort model, not many RHD club sports out there.

[@JEFFREYGRIFFIN56]

That is the Porsche Tequipment half cage, not aftermarket.

[@markjohnson8352]

Great video, as per. Thank you guys

[@ronniemeyhoff8306]

Uhh another very nice video from you 2. Love the "classic" cars review more of that please🤘 Hallo from Denmark.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Hej, Ronnie - glad you’re watching

[@sarcodiauk2921]

Great review - thanks guys 👍

[@SteveJones-gz4vd]

I had one of these back in the day, had a cargraphic exhaust fitted , Parr racing remap , upgraded brake sand suspension. Incredible car, BUT what a nightmare in the wet. I swear when you hammer the throttle my eye balls would vibrate , incrdebile car and picked up a Mk2 for 40 Grand , sold it for £ 64K 3 years later

[@rudsey]

It’s a modern classic. First water cooled GT3 with a mezger engine. Prices seemed to have come down over the past year. Lovely cars. The headlights were the subject of huge research a single light unit for all functions.

[@mrjb2939]

Another great video chaps, you are on a roll

[@highbrow76]

Love it when you review Porsche guys fantastic video - where’s ya tool!

[@jordi3599]

That Mezger's N/A scream is amazing

[@mrheisenberg72]

That is a real car 👌🏻keep em coming guys

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Nice Egglamp, I was given a free entry to the Porsche experience at Silverstone when I bought my Cayman in 2009.. Well worth it!! And @ 12:52 that really is a lovely shape!!

[@tonychilds4677]

Bought a 996.2 Carrera 2 manual nearly 3 years ago. Bang for you buck there is nothing that comes close IMO. Every time I look at it and drive it, I can't help but smile. I wanted a 997 originally but couldn't find one. Now I appreciate a 997 but don't feel I am missing out on anything with the 996. Great review guys.

[@nickblake1166]

I had a 996 turbo with the gt2 body kit and carbon fiber trim. LOVED it . But then went to DMS. ...600 bhp .

[@malcolmjohnson4249]

After searching for over 12 months I've taken ownership of my 05 996 GT3 in Altas Grey. Everything and more. The exhaust note from the engine is pure symphony. Handling is pin sharp.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Amazing to hear - congratulations

[@Driven-Productions]

Nice video guys! I’m reviewing a 2001 GT3 this morning this was helpful.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@the911meet]

Amazing cars! Own one almost identical to this just with ceramics. Legendary drive.

[@davidreynolds81]

Nice to see an older great car being reviewed. Keep it up. Also amused by the Maranellos garage drive by...

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You noticed

[@jamesparkin7322]

You were driving all around my local area of Egham and Old Windsor. The white LaF W could have been John Collins car from Talacrest? I drove a 996 GT3 at Paragon Porsche and I completely agree with your thoughts. It brought out a big smile!

[@Maurice_Moss]

I might me alone, but I always liked the 996 headlights, especially the facelifted version, they look aggressive.

[@t.3465]

You're not alone, I love them too... Don't get me wrong, I like the 911's circular lights too, but... I guess it's just refreshing to see something different once in a while.

[@moon7thsky]

You fellas rock. This is a proper review. Thank you!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Much appreciated!

[@matthewday9898]

Another good video guys ! Is it sad that I get excited for the close ups to see what watches you’re wearing 😂 AP and Pepsi cola good choices please do a full watch collection video👍🏻

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Nothing wrong with a spot of watch watching

[@TallDrink911]

This Porsche enthusiast approves of this video! Lovely car. Aged perfectly and what a noise!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank God! I was worried there for a second.

[@TallDrink911]

@@TheCarGuysTV Nothing to worry about. You've done yourselves and the car justice. A Porsche on some twisty roads is automotive porn

[@waynemoore9951]

Love the black bay gmt tribute video 👍

[@ambersykes1419]

Great video

[@s2artfraser]

Glad you tested it in the DRY and you'll be back next week. Otherwise you'd be in the hedge @12.52 mate :-):-):-):-)

[@atastefortheroad4475]

I have always struggled w/the front end looks, but you both make an excellent case for the car as a whole. The noise is fantastic and the fluidity of your driving (both) and your collective need for only small precise inputs makes the GT3s credentials clear. At the 50k mileage mark - even w/track days - the car looks very tidy and tight. I may need to peruse the classified. Thanks for sharing.

[@AJTalks]

Ohlins suspension would improve the plushness of the suspension and the wet weather handling. I have been running it for years and love it. Great video!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good tip, thanks AJ

[@manudelmarche]

Agreed: I have put ohlins road and track shock absorbers on my 996 GT3. They are awesome

[@VRSProductionsInc]

50,000 miles! Owner is a legend. And screw drunk drivers

[@joeblow1942]

Wow, what a beauty!

[@rockulikahuricane]

great review guys. I never minded the 996 front end that much. Porsche was trying to move on and do something a little more modern with it. The head light bulges were slimmed down. It's still a good looking car, though. Then everyone went nuts and the next gen looked more like the older ones. Kind of like how people flipped out when the vette went modern and lost the round taillights.

[@waynemoore9951]

12 mins 56, spectacular hedge in the background

[@streetcat666]

🍑

[@LaSource911]

Good video that covers most of the key points. A couple of inaccuracies but doesn’t take away from the overall message. You’ve also captured the sound of the accelerating engine pretty well :) I’ve got a Guards red factory clubsport model. The 996 mk2 GT3 are my favourite GT Porsche model. So pure and analogue. As you say they sit well at the inflexion point of old school feel but with decent modern performance and pace. The 996 GT3 homologated parts for the factory 996 cup race cars. The 996 RS homologated parts for the 996 RSR race cars. I believe none of the later 997+ variants were homologation cars. Ref the engine rebuild, these are detuned race engines running at lower RPM and therefore literally bullet proof. Blown engines are unheard of even for heavily tracked cars. I’ve had some 6x mk2 996 GT3 or RS cars over the years and never an engine issue. In the unlikely event that you do have an issue, you will not need to buy a £50k engine! These can be rebuilt for far less. Good work. Check out my YT page for lots of example videos of 996 GT3 on track :)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Great advice & info, LaSource - thanks

[@ziggyfreud5357]

Yes. Luverly car. Learnt a few things about 996 GT3's too. Thanks guys.

[@ayowser01]

The proportions of the 996 gt3 are just perfect; it's the right size car. I prefer the gen 1 wing. I have a feeling most of the grip is mechanical anyway.

[@michaelrobinson5592]

Very good video. Nice AP 👍👍👍👍

[@Nikko40691]

My favourite car to date - After the Integra ;) Your videos are really engaging to watch and I think you've come a long way in a relatively short period.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Keiran B after the integra, your a Honda man like myself. Porsche is number 2 for me also, it’s just as well cause I can’t afford a Porsche

[@touringteg]

I am wondering what they think of the Integra Type R vs the 996 GT3

[@Patr1ck2332]

Cracking review guys!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Patrick

[@jurgenbaur7298]

Sehr informatives Video und es gibt die verbundenen Emotionen super wieder.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Danke

[@ghostridertom]

The steering feel is the best example what these do better than even todays amazing Porsches.

[@CPiGTi]

Great review. Makes me want one

[@NathanElcoate]

Absolutely awesome.

[@mattfisher3514]

Love these,.... GT3 RS is also a gorgeous car

[@000GunterGabriel000]

Would love a comparison with the MK1 997 GT3.

[@93455Driver]

Awesome video. Think 996 turbos was a bargain, but their values seem to be going up.

[@paulthorpe766]

For me the 996 GT3 is the best driving and the last neo-vintage Porsche 911 with a real analogue feel - I took my mk1 lhd car V295 HGS on a piece with Evo Car magazine (Dickie Meaden, John Hayman and Gus Gregory and me) in Italy for the Targa Florio in Oct 2000 - 11 page write up in magazine that month edition 28. Had both and MK1 was purer but MK2 (2003) had more torque and better all rounder imho. The 997 lost the feel of rotating around you and the steering was pants by comparison. Good analysis gents.

[@Tonyip83]

Nice Tudor GMT. Oh the car was nice too

[@popsbubbles1242]

12.53mins in great bottom in the background 🧐 Just read some ones comment lol great hedge in the background what a sad bunch brilliant

[@lucab.5944]

It has the famous Mezger Engine, just like the 996 turbo. Its completely different to the normal 996 engines and nearly invincible when treated properly ;)

[@stephenlane9127]

Great video Damian & Jason. Please tell me if you did buy the Guards Red 996? Sounded & looked fantastic! That’s an appreciating asset going forwards!! Would love that GT3 as a weekend fun car like many of your collection cars! Lucky beggars!! (Well done guys!)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

That car had actually sold by the time we had brought it back to Ashgood.

[@stephenlane9127]

TheCarGuys.TV gutted for you guys and us viewers, but well done that buyer! Loved those wheels and the roll cage, really desirable version of the 996 GT3. I’ve started liking the headlamps design now!!

[@bryngriffith]

Had it in black, loved it to bits

[@Inazuma68]

When I made a testdrive and revved that engine….I had to buy one. What a joy!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good for you

[@Inazuma68]

⁠still drive it, still love it 👌

[@paulw5822]

Investment advice? :) The mark 1 GT3 were built by Porsche Motorsport dept, so ultimately may be more sought after? Engine in GT3 is Mezger and different unit to the often problematic units found in 996 C2/4 variants. These don't weigh the 1300kg mentioned, at least 1400kg with the cage fitted, feels heavy to me compared to earlier cars. Great to see you both enjoying the car, I thought you may have mentioned lack of traction aids (ex Lsd) on these adding to "driver" car credentials.

[@IULENZA]

I like more the 996.1 Gt3 and its one of kind wing but if you love it you definitelly should buy it. I'd buy a 991.1 Gt3, I drove it many times and imho it is the best sportcar ever!

[@housey4297]

Love mine back in 2007, ran it for 14 months and added 20,000 miles! Used it as my daily car, road trips and track days. Special car.

[@iantownsend500]

The only problem with good reviews like this is it puts the price up on cars I want

[@martinsowerby8074]

GREAT VID FROM A PAIR OF TOP GEEZERS

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers

[@Gkuljian]

Speaking of 911 crashes, around 1975 I remember seeing a 911 turbo that had just been totaled by a Karmann Ghia. It really was a sight. Then around 1979 a friend got a job driving cars between dealerships. He and his fellow employee were driving two 911 turbos with brand new tires which didn't work well when trying to suddenly stop. Both cars totaled. Haha. Ouch.

[@FelixIsMyName]

Bloody hell, it's lighter than my Z4MR!

[@YK-fj5bj]

Great car; Ashgood only had this car for a couple of days and then it was sold. 1:56 Car actually weights 1380kg. 2:16 Tested by Hamster on Top Gear, not Clarkson, though I think Clarkson wrote a piece in Sunday Times. The engine costs £40k according to Richard Hammond in his Top Gear review. Anyway, I enjoyed the video; I can never get enough of 996 GT3; no PSM, no PASM, no RWS, no PDK, just you and the machine. And the NOISE! I love mine.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Engine was £50k according to my insurance claim - think that trumps the Hamster’s radio ‘research’ . Clarkson tested the 996 GT3 gen 2 vs the challenge straddle, actually.

[@YK-fj5bj]

TheCarGuys.TV ahh, insurance claim, ouch. Clarkson tested the 996 RS.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

YK 15 You’re right, my mistake

[@iainmcglynn833]

Love love love this properly love it

[@hmk911]

I much prefer the 997 GT3s and in particular the RSs, but acknowledge that the 996s also deserve their fan base.

[@markallan106]

Best car channel on KZbin

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You're too kind. Dad.

[@niosanfrancisco]

Lovely car. I had an 05. Absolutely a wonderful track monster @gt3point2

[@shabanmohammed9388]

Great cars 996 the Best value for money Porsche 911 & the 996 GT3 best of both new and old school.

[@dylanh1978]

What a car

[@mastershake9551]

I mean i only have a 996.2 carrera, but im still happy. But the gt3 is just soooooo lovely :D

[@ahzyar]

Currently have a 996 C4 which I love but will get one of these one day! But there are so few around in Australia (and they're all silver).

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks another GT3 more Porsches' please and i realise you had a gen 2 but could you drive a gen 1 GT3? maybe please they are cheaper smiles' per Porsche mile,,, :)) definitely a dream car but i would be like Jethro Bovington and buy a cheap 996 and upgrade... :D

[@philrob110]

Nice vid. I love the 996 GT3. I'm working towards adding one to my collection in the next few years. I don't think they'll hit £100k - I think they will hold firm where they are, or drop slightly.

[@cabby0120]

They hit £100k!!! Glad I picked one up in 2019. Amazing how they are appreciating.

[@philrob110]

@@cabby0120 I picked one up last year! Haha I forgot I'd made this comment

[@parky5329]

12:50 - Exquisite 👌

[@KimiRai-lf3gn]

Really good video: no bullshit, just talking about the car and how it feels to drive it.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

That’s what we’re all about 👍

[@roystephens568]

The 996 reminds me of Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars.

[@cajanrossler8193]

Something off topic, but I like and appreciate your Tudor black bay GMT :D

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks 👍

[@para_bellum_1984]

Rocking that Tudor GMT while driving a red 996 GT3 somehow seems appropriate.

[@Ascottie75]

There is a lovely blue one on PH private sale in Surrey.

[@sp00ky1969]

Loving your content! So, would you have a 996 GT3 or a 964 if you could pick only one? I’m looking at both of these at the moment, having toyed with the idea of a 599 but the potential costs are of concern.

[@hashimkay140]

Who else had a minor lapse in concentration around the 12:51 mark 😋

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Yes, sorry about that. Imagine how surprised we were when we played back the footage?

[@damachine3]

I test drove two 996 Turbos today. I'm making an offer on one of them.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Good for you

[@stms4411]

Tudor GMT on wrist? Nice!

[@theprepperrevelator]

Currently driving 2018 M4 comp pkg and next car will be GT3 of some sort God willing! Rick

[@keyo525]

Peolpe slag off the 996 a lot but for the wrong reasons , the interior quality is brilliant you will be hard pushed to see a saggy leather seat , the 996.2 lights the same as the turbo are quality looking, however bore scoring is the killer with these and now Im starting to see a lot of gearbox rebuilds alongside the engine. This is not relevant to the GT3 or Turbo. The clutch will probably just need replacing thats why it feels stiff.

[@FenderUsa]

i'm pretty sure the lights everyone hated were only on the original pre facelift car, that facelift GT3 has the turbo lights

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Same lights, just without the orange indicator bits

[@FenderUsa]

@@TheCarGuysTV they are a different shape i.imgur.com/zDvqe5z.jpg

[@radityaindera3442]

I also did not mind the headlight. If anything it makes 996 stands out AND you can cover the headlight in circle with matching color & shape easily should you prefer. I just did not understand why people makes sucg a fuss about it.

[@grahamtricker4103]

They had a tendency to understeer a little when pushing on a bit...

[@stephhamilton8100]

nice Pepsi....the AP is ok too

[@911928944]

They are not the fried egg headlights! The fried egg lights are on the Mk1 Cars only and were first seen on the mighty Porsche GT1. And lol at 13:07

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Just because they took the yolk out - it’s still an egg

[@911928944]

@@TheCarGuysTV Egg White Headlight :)

[@isambardchisilwitt1232]

Just had a look on line and it's reserved. Curses foiled again.

[@lel65]

Nice gmt