In 2003 Porsche celebrated four decades of the 911 with the 40th Anniversary Edition, also known as the “40 Jahre,” a limited run of just 1,963 coupes numbered in honor of the year the original 911 debuted. Every example was finished in GT Silver Metallic and received a distinctive package of upgrades, including a Turbo style front fascia with enlarged cooling intakes, Aerokit side skirts, polished exhaust outlets, unique rear badging, an automatically deploying rear spoiler, integrated fog lights, a sports suspension, cross drilled brake rotors with black calipers, and 18 inch Carrera II wheels with colored Porsche crest center caps.
Power comes from the 3.6 liter M96 flat six fitted with the factory X51 Powerkit, which added revised intake and exhaust manifolds, reprofiled camshafts, updated engine management, and improved cooling for a rated 345 horsepower. That output reaches the rear wheels through a six speed manual transaxle and a limited slip differential, making the 40th Anniversary one of the most driver focused 996 variants Porsche ever built.
This example is number 234 of 1,963, as identified by the serialized plaque on the center console. It is finished in GT Silver Metallic over Natural Grey leather, which covers the heated, 12 way power adjustable front seats as well as the dashboard and door panels. Factory options include a rear window wiper, driver’s seat memory, a Bose sound system, and a remote six disc CD changer, complementing the Becker CD stereo, automatic climate control, cruise control, and sunroof. The odometer currently shows approximately 50,000 miles.
Important preventative maintenance has already been completed. In August 2019 the IMS bearing was replaced with a single row unit, and at the same time the water pump, drive belt, rear crankshaft seal, spark plugs, ignition coils, camshaft plug, tensioner gasket, and solenoid adjuster were all renewed. In June 2022 the car received an oil change and a new battery. It is accompanied by the owner’s manual, service records, a Porsche branded luggage set with storage bags, and a clean Carfax report showing no accidents or damage. With its limited production, X51 power, and manual gearbox, this 40th Anniversary 911 is a wonderful opportunity to own a special chapter of Porsche history.
