From the Classifieds: 2003 Porsche 911 GT3 manual

It’s hard to name a more iconic performance vehicle than the Porsche 911, and for many, the quintessential version of that car is the GT3. There have been plenty of GT3s over the years, each tangibly better than the last, but there’s something truly special about the original 996 generation. And now, a prime example of the breed has surfaced on carsales.

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Yes, the Turbo and Turbo S are faster, yes the GT3 RS is more dynamic, and yes, there are rarer variants around – but the 996 GT3 was a significant turning point in the 911 dynasty.

The Porsche 911 GT3 996 spawned perhaps the ultimate lineage of track-focused road cars the world has, or might ever, see.

The original GT3 was lighter, tauter, less refined and hugely more aggressive than the Carrera of the time with an all-new engine, massive aero, track brakes and very few creature comforts – think of it as if Sally from Cars hit the gym and took up cage fighting.

Of course, the GT3 RS would eventually up the ante even further, but there wouldn’t be an RS without the GT3.

The carsales listing of this immaculate example in Queensland deserves attention, especially when you look at the spec sheet and odometer.

Having covered less than 19,000km since new, this particular GT3 was built in late 2003 – making it a 996.2 – and configured with the optional Clubsport Pack (racing bucket seats, six-point harnesses, bolt-in half cage, single mass flywheel, fire extinguisher, prep for a battery master switch), performance exhaust, climate control, and premium audio system.

Sitting over the rear axle is a 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder petrol engine good for 280kW/385Nm, all of which is shipped to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

Zero-100km/h takes 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 306km/h – compared to 302km/h for the 996.1.

The 996 GT3 heralds from a time before performance cars could essentially drive themselves; there’s no automatic rev-matching, no traction control, no stability control, no digital dash, no shift lights, no launch control and no drive modes – all things that come standard on a $35,000 hatchback in 2026.

The only ‘digital’ element to the drive experience is an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

This isn’t a car for posers. This is a collector’s item that should be enjoyed for what it was designed for: spirited driving.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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