Asked to nominate his favourite Porsche 911 during its 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2013, racing driver and journalist Tiff Needell chose the 996 commenting: "This was the model that brought the 911 into the modern world.

We finally got rid of the VW pedals and had a chassis that handled in a much more progressive and controllable manner.

Not a convert before, completely converted after!" Traditionalists may have decried the 996's water-cooling and Boxster componentry, however, the use of a brand-new platform (the first since 1963) meant that it was notably lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic than its 993 predecessor.

The 3.4-litre engine developed 296bhp and 258lb.

ft.

(outputs comparable to those of the 993 Carrera RS's 3.8-litre unit).

Allied to either a six-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic transmission, the free-revving flat-six enabled a sprint to 60mph in five seconds and 174mph top speed.

Originally registered in the Reading area, this beautiful manual-gearbox ...