Now here is a question to ponder. When was the last time someone on RL complained or made a negative remark on the 996 headlights? Been a very long time...

 

Just like how a Rolex with an error dial is worth fantastically more when vintage, the 996’s with the “error” headlights will absolutely become the most sought after vintage 911. First of the water cooled 911’s. Last of the analog 911’s. And the ONLY 911 ever with the “unique” monohousing racing lights, taken directly from the fabled GT1.

996 is about to become the most collectible 911 generation in Porsche’s storied history. Pick your flavor now. And choose wisely.

 

The 996 is the only 911 model that is very distinct from the others due to the headlights. All the other models, especially the early models, sort of blend together as the overall design transitions from one to the other.

 

No error, just genius from Pinky. I marvel at how timeless the 996 looks today (with its headlights) and beautifully bridges the gap between the air cooled era and new nanny techno-gadget look era. Just wait for the fabricators to release a 996 headlight conversion for non-996 models. You may think I am joking...

 

They won’t have to, Porsche is already morphing the 992 headlights into 996 origins. From certain angles they look almost identical already. And the next Porsche “supercar” is rumored to be paying homage to the 996 GT1 lights. Ferry will have his revenge on Road & Track. It’s coming.

 

If Seinfeld bought one and commented positively on the headlights it would be game over a lot sooner.

 

Earliest 911’s used VW Beetle headlights. And the first prototype was named the “VW Sport”. I always thought the 997 especially most resembled a smiley faced VW Bug.

996 monohousing racing lights were an aggressively radical departure derived directly from Porsche Motorsports development. Feather light. Incredibly aerodynamic. Single wiring harness eliminated multiple points of failure during nighttime racing. 996 GT1 won overall at LeMans literally with those same part numbered 996 headlights.

Everything you heard about 996 headlights “saving money” was a farcical lie. 996 headlights were the most expensive lighting units ever sold by Porsche up to that time. Multiple orders of magnitude more expensive than 993.

 

i just crossed the 6,000 mile driving my car which I bought
in January for $18000. Coupe 6 spd 4 owners clean car fax a lot of maintenance previously done and to the best of my estimates about $6k in mods. Anyway another cool thing that I found out yesterday while I was at my mechanics house, my hollow 18 408s have a 993 part number. Even cooler yet I saw a 4/98 built 993. On top of all this, I busted the tower 4 times yesterday “ maverick Top Gun
going supersonic”.


BDronsick i hope you are correct. If I get the 997 that I want, I’m going to put the 3/98 in storage.

 

#408’s are the rarest 911 wheels for generations, and lightest 18” wheels Porsche ever offered. Only the new 22” carbon fiber Turbo S wheels are lighter (by only a few ounces) and they cost $28K!

Whatever you do keep those wheels with that car. That’s a six-figure+ hand you’re holding right there. 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

 

Seinfeld is a historian he only looks backwards. It’ll be ten years at least before he gets into 996. Conversely Magnus is a visionary, and waxes poetic on the 996 GT1 lights all the time. Others too.

 

3 of them in great shape, driver side rear is bent. It is balanced but with a lot of weight. Should I refurbish this wheel?? There is a huge place that that’s all they do here in Houston, my
concer would be since it is a hollow that they would mess it up some way some how. Thanks for your advice.

 

A GT2, a gt3, a red 99 Aero and the bargain of a century that he bought a running car for $5,000. Wait till Magnus starts modifying the 996’s, **** he could probably recreate another reimagined by magnus “a la singer”.

 

Post on the 993 Tech forum for an expert source that can work hollows. Ship it to Germany if you have to. That wheel will be priceless someday don’t mess it up. Heck if it’s a rear it’s worth thousands right now and only a handful of guys know what it is yet.

 

So....... that means there is only one thing left to do:

The Mk1 headlights are better.
No, the Mk2 headlights are better.
No, the MK1 headlights look better.
No, the Mk2 headlights look more interesting.
No, the Mk1 headlights are better because they are more original.
No, the Mk2 headlights are better because they are improved.
No, the Mk1 headlights are better because many have that nice orange area.
No, the Mk2 headlights are better because they have that nice bright shiny chrome disk thingy that nobody cares about but looks really cool.
No, the Mk1 headlights are better because they match the GT1.
No, the Mk2 headlights are better because they match the Turbo and GT2.
No,......
No,.....

It's not over!

 

As others have said and proved examples of, I think deals are still to be had on 996s. Just not on BaT and you have to be quick with the cash.
Craigslist, Autotrader and Facebook marketplace can probably still provide decently priced listings.