Why the 40 Jahre 911 Is the Best, Most Overlooked 996 Ever
It took me months of searching, test drives, and research to realize that the 40 Jahre Porsche 996 is the best sports car bargain right now.
I have two problems. Well, some will tell you I have many more, but I will freely admit to two. First, I am a bit obsessed with Porsche automobiles. Second, I do not have an unlimited amount of money. As a result of these shortcomings, I find myself shopping for a Porsche almost every day, and most of them I can’t afford. I was recently looking for a stablemate to my beloved 2016 Cayman S that I have had since new. The Cayman is slowly turning into a dedicated track car and I wanted something fun for the street. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted; I just knew I didn’t want the loathed 996. So naturally, I bought a 996.
While the 996 is certainly affordable, no self-respecting Porsche enthusiast such as myself could ever buy one. Especially a non-Turbo or non-GT model. I mean the IMS will probably fail on the test drive right? Or even worse, it will fail on my way home after buying it. On top of that, it is ugly, water-cooled, and has a cheap looking interior. It sits between the adored 993 and the darling 997. Why would I even consider adopting the red-headed stepchild of the Porsche 911 world? The reason is because there is a hidden gem in the 996 range that might be the best kept 911 secret of all time.
I have been a Porsche enthusiast my whole life, and have been a member of the PCA since 2003. I have owned a classic 1970 911 Targa, a 2003 Boxster, my current Cayman, and I write for a Porsche website. So, I consider myself fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the brand. That being said, the 40th Anniversary Edition 911 is a car that even I barely remember. It got lost in the whole, “other than the Turbo and GT cars, all 996’s are crap” dialog. It is a shame because I think the 40AE may just be the best Porsche to buy right now.
During my search I considered, and test drove many cars. I really thought I wanted a 991 GT3 or perhaps a Turbo S. Both are fantastic cars, no doubt, but their cost meant I would have to give up the Cayman, and I wasn’t willing to do that. So, I thought maybe a 944 Turbo, but I was not convinced. Then, I focused on the 996 Turbo. Great car, and reasonably priced so I began to contact some sellers of cars that met my criteria.
‘Many of us, including myself, have been tough on the 996 for a long time, but I think it is worth another closer look. Even limited-edition 996 cars like my 40AE will never reach 1973 Carrera RS status, but they probably aren’t going to get much cheaper either.’
The really good examples were more than I wanted to spend, however. Then I saw a listing for a 2004 911 40AE. It had only 7,000 miles on it and was basically perfect. It could be had for far less than an equivalent Turbo. A week later it joined my Cayman in the garage.
Limited to 1,963 examples worldwide, about 800 made it to North America. Porsche did not just slap a badge on this one and call it a day. The 40AE has a number of items that make this car truly unique. Starting with the exterior, the 40AE is finished in GT Silver Metallic. Previously reserved for the Carrera GT, this color looks great on the 996.
The car also wears the Turbo front bumper with body-color painted air intake slats. Around back is a “911 40 Jahre” badge on the rear decklid above the polished exhaust tips, and it has GT3 skirts on the sides. It also sports a set of 18-inch polished Carrera II wheels. The polished wheels seem like a better match for the Corvette crowd, but they work reasonably well with the overall aesthetic of the car.
‘Why the 40 Jahre 911 Is the Best, Most Overlooked 996 Ever’ continued…
