Early adopter, first edition, founders' edition, launch edition, day one edition...

Nowadays marketing departments know the first version of anything will one day be regarded as special, so they get ahead of it. Most of the time they're wrong. Early products get recalled, discontinued, or quietly forgotten.

But sometimes the thing actually delivers, and those first editions become genuinely coveted.

This week we feature such an early car, and in excellent condition.

Onwards!

RF

The je-ne-sais-quoi of an early 996 (edit: gone)

🔗 1999 996 911 Carrera 2 | Manual | Lakewood, WA | $29,996

This 1999 996 is essentially the Founders’ Edition of nine nine sixes.

It’s best known for its cable throttle (your foot pedal pulls the throttle open with a physical cable) instead of drive-by-wire (uses sensors and an electric motor with no direct mechanical link).

So naturally the purists value its more direct, connected feel.

On top of that, this particular car also features uncommon factory options: M030 Sport Suspension (sharper cornering), sport seats (improved lateral support), and the rare “Technology” hollow-spoke wheels (reduced weight).

For those of you after a very specific early 996, this is a rare find.

EDIT: As I’m reviewing this issue one last time before shipping, I see this special 996 is gone. It only lasted 2 days on the market! Luckily I got a snapshot before it was gone. Check it out here.

Market Report

Early 996s have a particular mystique. Some sellers lean into that too much and price their cars like museum pieces.

This one doesn't. At $29,996 (cute), it's in line with other clean, sub-75K examples, and the rare factory options justify the slight premium without asking you to pay extra just for the birth year.

What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know

These early 996s feature the dual-row IMS bearing. While not a permanent solution, their documented failure rate is under 1%, which is indeed more reliable than the single-row design found in 2000–2005 cars.

The radio is missing the code. Even without it, the radio has a button combination to display its serial number. With that you can get the code from online decoding services or from a dealer for a small fee (normally $20-$30).

Best of the Rest

These cars also passed the Pepita filter this week:

🔗 This one-owner 997 Carrera S in Cobalt Blue, with lots of options, under 100K miles and under $40K.

🔗 Another early 996 in Guards Red with IMS already replaced, and automatic transmission for $23,500

🔗 This mint-looking 2006 Boxster with only 18,500 miles in the odometer for $21,500.

🔗 This 987.2 Boxster in a gorgeous color and interior combo, loaded with options, under 82K miles and manual transmission for $25,995.

Out There

I love the world of custom first and second-gen Cayennes and what some people do with them.

The inspiration for this one is the 1970 917 K number 23, the red and white Salzburg livery that gave Porsche its first-ever overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood drove it through pouring rain for 24 hours straight to make history.

Now you can drive this Cayenne S through the pouring rain to get your groceries or on a nice and sunny day to a car meet, where you are assured to be the talking point of the gathering.

🔗 2005 Cayenne S 917 tribute | St. Louis, MO | $24,985

Adopted Puppies

Porsche Problems

See you next time with more affordable picks!

Take care,

—RF