Rarity of the 996 911 40th Anniversary Edition

This time, I had the opportunity to test drive the 996 Porsche 911 Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition, limited to just 1,963 units worldwide. Porsche has recently been releasing special edition models every decade, with the 30th, 40th, 50th anniversaries, and most recently, the 60th anniversary marked by the famous 911 Sport Classic.

The 996 40th Anniversary Edition is an extremely rare car that you don’t often get to see. While the 991 early model 50th Anniversary Edition occasionally appears on the used car market, this 996 40th model was the first time I had seen one in person.

The 996 generation is often considered unpopular, but this test drive allowed me to rediscover its hidden charms.

Features and Exterior of the 40th Anniversary Edition

This 40th Anniversary Edition appears to be based on the S grade, equipped with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing 345 horsepower. The vehicle weighs 1,420 kg, and the test car had about 50,000 km on the odometer.

A notable exterior feature is its front design, which differs from the standard 996 and resembles the Turbo model. At the rear, alongside the 911 emblem, there is a subtle 40th Anniversary badge. At first glance, it looks like a regular 996, but a closer look reveals its special edition status.

The body color is GT Silver Metallic, which carries significant historical importance.

This color was originally exclusive to the legendary Carrera GT, and this 40th Anniversary Edition is the first car to inherit it. The wheels also feature a polished finish exclusive to this edition, creating a very attractive appearance.

Interior Quality and Special Touches

The interior is also specially appointed, with a 911 emblem on the center console adding to the sense of exclusivity. The test car’s interior was remarkably well-preserved, with seats maintaining a firmness akin to a brand-new car. Despite having over 50,000 km, the condition was so pristine that it almost felt like new, with even a hint of that new car scent.

Best on Public Roads! Outstanding Driving Performance and Comfort

This 40th Anniversary Edition comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. While I had driven the 996 GT3 before, my experience with Carrera models was limited to Tiptronic automatics, so I was very curious about the feel of the manual version.

When starting the engine, it fired up more lively than expected.

The tachometer needle moves quickly, reflecting the engine’s responsive nature. The clutch has a moderate weight, and the shifting feel is excellent. Unlike the crisp, tight shifts of the latest 992 manual, this one has a bit of looseness, which creates a perfect balance.

In city driving, the engine’s smoothness and quietness stand out. Shifting from 1st to 3rd and then 4th gear is seamless and stress-free. You can enjoy the naturally aspirated engine’s rev-driven acceleration with minimal vibration and noise, making for a comfortable drive.

Notably, even when revving close to 4,000 rpm in 1st gear, there is no strain on the engine or transmission. This is remarkable—it’s rare to find a car with such smooth acceleration in 1st gear, combined with low engine noise and minimal vibration stress.

Therefore, acceleration in city driving feels very satisfying; you can pull the 1st gear quite far and shift smoothly into 2nd, enjoying a lively acceleration sensation.

The ride quality is outstanding, reminiscent of the feel of the early 991 Carrera S. Vibrations and buzz are minimal, offering comfort that rivals modern cars. The narrower body compared to current models also makes it easy to handle in urban environments.
The owner mentioned that it reminded them of the refined and reassuring ride of Mercedes models from that era (like the R129 and W124), which felt very high quality.

The Appeal of the 996 40th Anniversary Model

I felt that this 996 40th Anniversary Edition truly embodies the essence of Porsche. While it may not have the acceleration performance of the latest models, the joy it offers to the driver’s senses and the unity with the car are unparalleled.

The owner, who has extensive Porsche experience, said, “I finally found the one,” showing how deeply they fell for this car’s charm. Having owned many Porsche models, they seem to feel a sense of “coming back home” with this one.

Especially those who have driven higher-grade Porsches will likely appreciate the qualities of this 996 40th Anniversary Edition. It’s not about the latest technology or overwhelming performance, but about the relationship between car and driver and the pure joy of driving—making this 911 an ideal choice.

The GT Silver body color, exclusive wheel design, and limited production all add to its collector’s value.
The 996 40th Anniversary Edition, a crystallization of Porsche’s history and technology, is undoubtedly a special car and a dream for Porsche enthusiasts.

Personally, I was also deeply captivated by this car. It truly made me think, “This is all a 911 really needs.”