1998 Porsche 911 '993' GT2 review from UK and Ireland

New windscreen at 10k miles due to vandals.

Weeping coolant hose 7.5k miles, fixed quickly by Porsche.

A couple of tail lights.

Mainly minor stuff, but this is a very well built car so didn't expect anything less!

For people who don't know what this car is, it was designed by Porsche for homologation into the GT2 class of endurance racing.

This is why I purchased this car as I initially looked at the 'normal' Porsches at the time which was around the time the '996' model was released and wanted something a bit different to my previous 911 the '930' turbo model.

I purchased this model in 1998 as it was the year they upgraded the engines power output from 430 to 450 bhp which was a useful boost.

Using the car on a race track it proved to be most fantastic, very quick indeed, 0-60 is around 3.5 seconds I think although I have never used proper timing equipment on it in the time I had it, which seems a bit of a shame.

When you have driven the 'regular' turbo model and then drive this, there is such a difference between the two models, this one being a bit more 'hardcore' than the standard car, with less sound insulation and harder seats, no 4wd and certainly less driving aids, this requires a skilled hand to drive fast, much like the older turbo models of the 70's and 80's.

Everything about the car is very race orientated right down to the fixed rear spoiler to aid downforce.

Porsche has done some extra work to the car including putting some larger brakes on there as well uprated suspension, it can catch you out at times, but with practice and dedication it becomes one of the best track tools on the planet.

However, when I drove this on the road it proved a bit less enjoyable, very loud and bumpy, but I fully expected this due to the model it was, I never really participate in road racing as it is highly dangerous, I have met up with a few fast cars at the lights from time to time, such as the good looking m3 and the crazy Lancer evolutions which are quick for what they are, but they can easily be left behind in the blink of an eye.

Maintenance was always taken care of by Porsche in Kendal, they always provide such good service.

You shouldn't really ask what the maintenance costs were(they used to frighten myself at times).

I can think of no better car dedicated to racing than this particular model, (although the GT1 is a good example) the GT1 though is extremely rare and very expensive, I would expect most have been converted to race cars by now.

The car has now been sadly sold to a nice chap in Kent who I'm sure will enjoy it as much as I did.