For Sale: 2001 Porsche 911 in Scotts Valley, California

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2001 Porsche 911 GT2
VIN: WP0ZZZ99Z1S695175

The 1st year of the 996 GT2, only available in Europe
Just 14,468 miles over 25 years - 2 California Bay Area owners
Only 247 examples built worldwide in 2001
3.6L Mezger-designed twin-turbo flat six engine producing 456 horsepower
European spec-only 23.5 gallon fuel tank
6-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive
Black with black leather interior

Porsche's famous "GT2" moniker was first introduced to the world in the form of the Porsche 993, dubbed the "911 GT2". These cars were initially built in order to satisfy the requirements in order to be eligible for the GT2 racing class. These special 993s featured widened fenders and a large rear wing with air scoops in the actual wing to improve cooling. Producing around 424hp, these air-cooled rear wheel-drive monsters were only offered with a 6-speed manual transmission and were incredibly fast. Without effort, they became incredibly popular.

Upon arrival of the 996 in 1999, Porsche began developing the next generation GT2 which took more than two years. This time around, Porsche decided to not homologate the GT2 and focused on making it the best road car it could be. Featuring a new Mezger-designed 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine (now water cooled), the rear wheel-drive GT2 produced 456 horsepower and 457lb-ft of torque. The rest of the car varied significantly compared to its lesser 911 models offered by Porsche, with wider fenders, a more aggressive shaped nose, and large rear wing. Heralded as the "widow maker", with its massive power going through only the rear wheels and a lack of electronic driving aids, the GT2 was the car you wanted if you wanted your spine to tingle and remind you of your own mortality. Available only with a 6-speed manual transmission, this car was made for the real drivers. The GT2 was also the first Porsche 911 that included Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) as standard. With only 303 U.S.-spec cars built, it was an extremely rare car to find and see here. By comparison, 644 Porsche Carrera GTs were produced for the U.S. market, and the Carrera GT is considered a "supercar."

This 2001 Porsche 911 GT2 was built on June 26th, 2001 and was built for the European market, specifically France. European-delivered cars also were included with a 23.5 gallon fuel tank, as opposed to U.S.-delivered cars that retained the normal 911 Turbo 16.9 gallon fuel tank. Optioned in Black with a black leather interior, it was spec'd with the following options:

375: 2-way electrical sports seat, left
376: 2-way electrical sports seat, right
424: CD compartment
441: Radio preparation
446: Wheel caps with colored Porsche crest
539: Mechanical seat height adjustment, left
540: Mechanical seat height adjustment, right
581: Front center console
695: CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-22
09991: Exclusive Options

Porsche's new 996 GT2 was introduced into Europe for sale in 2001, while the United States would not start delivering cars until mid to late 2002, making the 1st year of the 911 GT2 a very hot commodity. Canepa imported this car to California when it was new, where it was federalized by Northern California Diagnostic Labs, Inc., the same company that played an instrumental role in the federalization of Canepa's imported Porsche 959s in California. Shortly after arriving and passing its emission tests, Canepa sold the GT2 to a friend of Bruce Canepa who kept it for several years in Northern California before it returned to Canepa's inventory. In 2007, Canepa sold the car to a longtime and close friend of Bruce Canepa, also an automotive and historic racing enthusiast in Monte Sereno, CA. This caretaker would end up keeping the car in his collection of Porsches for 19 years, keeping it serviced regularly and adding just 3,135 miles to the odometer during that time.

Upon returning to Canepa, the GT2 was given the complete "Canepa Difference" process, including a full cosmetic and mechanical inspection and sorting as needed. Even though the car now has 14,270 miles, it looks like a car with half the miles, especially the interior which still presents excellently. The black paint finish received a multi-foam pad finish to enhance the glossy factory paint, and the interior was given the same attention to detail. The underside was cleaned by hand, ensuring that all factory surfaces were pristine. Mechanically the car was also given a clean bill of health, having been regularly maintained by its caretaker. A test drive confirmed that the car was dialed in, and was an excellent example of the GT2.

Now available for the first time in almost 20 years, this 2001 Porsche 911 GT2 is Porsche's turbo supercar of the early 2000s. With 456 horsepower on tap, a 6-speed manual transmission routing all power to the rear wheels, the GT2 was almost as rare as the coveted future Carrera GT. With only 14,270 miles on the odometer, serviced well, excellent driving dynamics, with unique European-only features, it is ready to be enjoyed by the next caretaker looking to experience why the GT2 is one of the most coveted 911s of all time.