Philip Raby Specialist Cars

Philip Raby Specialist Cars If you love Porsches, then we are your go-to specialist for Porsche sales and service. Follow us for updates on what we're doing and what cars we have in stock.

UK-based Porsche sales and servicing.

The Porsche 996 GT3 was created for one purpose - driving.Launched in 1999, the GT3 was the spiritual successor to the l...
18/06/2026

The Porsche 996 GT3 was created for one purpose - driving.

Launched in 1999, the GT3 was the spiritual successor to the legendary Carrera RS. Stripped down, sharpened for the road and powered by one of Porsche’s greatest engines, it became one of the most respected driver’s cars of its era.

Did you know?
• The 996 GT3 was powered by the Mezger flat-six, derived from Porsche’s Le Mans-winning GT1 race programme.
• Fewer than 1,900 Mk1 GT3s were built, and it was not sold in the USA.
• The original Mk1 GT3 produced 360bhp from its naturally aspirated 3.6-litre engine.
• It was the first road-going Porsche to wear the GT3 badge, creating a lineage that continues to this day.
• Porsche used the GT3 as the basis for numerous racing cars, including the hugely successful GT3 Cup.

The Mk1 996 GT3 arrived before power outputs became the headline. Instead, Porsche focused on steering feel, throttle response, chassis balance and driver engagement. That means it remains one of the purest GT3s ever built - light, analogue and free from the electronic layers that characterise many modern performance cars.

Would you take this first-generation Porsche 996 GT3 or a brand-new GT3? Let us know in the comments. 😎

The original Porsche 911 Targa was born from a problem.In the mid-1960s, Porsche feared that the USA might ban conventio...
17/06/2026

The original Porsche 911 Targa was born from a problem.

In the mid-1960s, Porsche feared that the USA might ban conventional convertibles on safety grounds. Their solution was ingenious: a car that combined open-air motoring with the security of a fixed rollover bar. The result was the 911 Targa - a design that would become one of the most distinctive shapes in automotive history.

Did you know?
• The name ‘Targa’ comes from the Targa Florio road race in Sicily, where Porsche enjoyed considerable success.
• When introduced in 1965, the Targa featured a removable roof panel and a zip-out plastic rear window.
• Porsche later changed to a fixed glass rear window, improving refinement and weather protection. The plastic window remained an option for some years.
• The brushed stainless steel (black on later cars) rollover bar became one of the model’s defining styling cues.

The early 911 Targa offers a unique driving experience. With the roof removed, it delivers much of the sensation of a cabriolet, yet retains the practicality of a coupé.

For many, the original Porsche 911 Targa is an elegant and innovative version of the early 911 - a car that dared to be different and created a whole new category in the process.

And the good news is, the 911T Targa in the photo could be yours. Full details of this and all our stock are on our website.

The Porsche 996.2 Carrera proved that evolution can be every bit as exciting as revolution.Introduced in 2001, the facel...
16/06/2026

The Porsche 996.2 Carrera proved that evolution can be every bit as exciting as revolution.

Introduced in 2001, the facelifted Porsche 996 refined the formula of the first watercooled 911, adding more power, sharper styling and a tweaked interior. It retained everything that made the original such a capable sports car while quietly addressing many of its shortcomings. The big change was an increase in capacity from 3.4 to 3.6 litres.

Did you know?
• The 3.6-litre flat-six increased power from 300bhp to 320bhp, delivering stronger performance and a broader spread of torque.
• The revised headlamps were based on those of the 996 Turbo, giving the 996.2 a cleaner, more modern appearance while distinguishing it from the original car.
• Porsche Stability Management (PSM) became standard equipment in many markets, adding an extra layer of confidence and safety.
• The facelift introduced a proper glovebox – something curiously absent from the original 996, which made do with an annoying driver’s handbook holder under the steering wheel. In addition, the cabin finish improved and subtle lighting was added within.

The 996 was once the underdog of the Porsche 911 family, but enthusiasts are increasingly recognising just how good these cars are. With analogue steering, everyday practicality and fun performance, the 996.2 Carrera is one of the smartest buys in the Porsche world.

For many, it’s the sweet spot between classic and modern 911 ownership. So, which would you choose – the original 3.4 or the later 3.6-litre 996?

We do hope you’re enjoying these daily vignettes of Porsches as much as we’re enjoying writing them!

The Porsche 911 Turbo, or 930, didn’t just redefine the 911 – it helped usher in the turbocharged supercar era.Launched ...
15/06/2026

The Porsche 911 Turbo, or 930, didn’t just redefine the 911 – it helped usher in the turbocharged supercar era.

Launched in 1975, in the middle of a fuel crisis, it was the first production 911 to wear the ‘Turbo’ badge, bringing race-inspired turbocharging to the road and changing performance cars forever. Its wide arches, whaletail spoiler and dramatic power delivery have made it one of the most iconic Porsches ever built.

Did you know?
• The original 3.0-litre 911 Turbo produced 260bhp – astonishing performance for the mid-1970s.
• In 1978, capacity increased to 3.3 litres, along with the addition of an intercooler, boosting power to 300bhp.
• Early cars featured just four gears, as Porsche felt a five-speed gearbox of the time couldn’t cope with the engine’s immense torque. A five-speed transmission finally arrived for the 1989 model year.
• The notorious turbo lag meant the power arrived with a thrilling rush, earning the Porsche 930 a reputation for demanding respect from its driver.
• The famous whaletail rear spoiler wasn’t just for looks – on 3.3-litre cars it housed the intercooler while also improving high-speed stability.

The original Porsche 911 Turbo carried the internal model designation 930. That’s why enthusiasts often call it the ‘930 Turbo’ – even though, technically, that’s like saying ‘Turbo Turbo’!

The Porsche 930 is raw, charismatic and utterly unforgettable. It demands commitment, rewards confidence and delivers one of the most exhilarating, if challenging at times, driving experiences of any classic Porsche.

For many enthusiasts, it remains the ultimate expression of the air-cooled 911. The archetypical bedroom wall poster car.

Would you embrace the legendary turbo lag, or would you choose the instant response and four-wheel-drive grip of a modern Porsche 911 Turbo?

The Porsche 996 Turbo quietly rewrote the rulebook.While the standard Porsche 996 divided opinion with its styling, the ...
14/06/2026

The Porsche 996 Turbo quietly rewrote the rulebook.

While the standard Porsche 996 divided opinion with its styling, the Turbo won over enthusiasts with devastating performance, everyday usability and an engine that’s become legendary in its own right. It’s one of our favourite Porsche 911s!

Did you know?
• Unlike the standard Carrera, the 996 Turbo is powered by the race-derived Mezger flat-six; an engine whose roots can be traced back to Porsche’s Le Mans-winning GT1 programme.
• With 420bhp, four-wheel drive and twin turbochargers, it could rocket from 0–60mph in around four seconds and on to nearly 190mph.
• The X50 Performance Pack boosted power to 450bhp, while the Turbo S took things even further with the X50 pack plus ceramic brakes and extra equipment as standard.
• It was one of the first supercars you could genuinely use every day, combining huge pace with comfort, reliability and practicality.
• Thanks to its robust engineering, many examples have comfortably covered six-figure mileages while remaining wonderfully capable.

The 996 Turbo represents incredible value in the Porsche world. It offers supercar performance, bulletproof engineering and a driving experience that still feels astonishingly modern, more than two decades after its launch (how did that happen?!).

It may not shout the loudest, but for those in the know, the 996 Turbo is one of the smartest buys in the entire 911 lineage, and remains great value for money.

We love selling and maintaining Porsche 996 Turbos so do get in touch for a chat.

The Porsche 911 SC had long been under the radar for Porsche enthusiasts but is now regarded as a great classic 911.Laun...
13/06/2026

The Porsche 911 SC had long been under the radar for Porsche enthusiasts but is now regarded as a great classic 911.

Launched in 1978, the Porsche 911SC replaced a previous range of 911s with a single model. It could have been the model that would see the 911 through to the end of its life. Instead, it proved so popular that it helped secure the future of Porsche’s iconic sports car.

Did you know?
• The Porsche 911SC was powered by a robust 3.0-litre air-cooled flat-six, producing 204bhp in later European specification.
• It was one of the first 911s to benefit from extensive galvanised bodywork, dramatically improving resistance to rust.
• Porsche originally planned to replace the 911 with the front-engined 928, but strong sales of the 911SC helped convinced the company to keep the rear-engined legend alive.
• More than 58,000 coupés, Targas and Cabriolets were built between 1978 and 1983.
• The SC’s reputation for reliability has made it one of the most usable and dependable classic 911s to own today.

With its slim body, delicate steering, revvy and torquey engine, and wonderfully mechanical feel, the 911 SC delivers a pure driving experience that reminds you exactly why the 911 has endured for more than 60 years.

Would you choose a 911 SC over a later Carrera 3.2? Let us know in the comments.

The Porsche 964 is often overshadowed by the 993 that followed, but without it there simply wouldn’t have been the moder...
12/06/2026

The Porsche 964 is often overshadowed by the 993 that followed, but without it there simply wouldn’t have been the modern I 911 as we know it.

Launched in 1989, the Porsche 964 looked familiar but was actually 85% new compared with the outgoing 3.2 Carrera. It introduced power steering, ABS brakes and coil spring suspension, making the 911 easier to drive while retaining all the character enthusiasts love.

Did you know?
• The Porsche 964 was the first 911 Carrera available with all-wheel drive, borrowing technology developed for the legendary 959 supercar.
• The retractable rear spoiler automatically rises at speed to improve stability - a first for the 911.
• The Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 share the same 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six producing 250bhp.
• The iconic RS model weighed around 155kg less than the standard Carrera and remains one of the most sought-after 911s ever built.
• Around 63,000 examples were produced between 1989 and 1994, making it rarer than many later generations.

For many enthusiasts, the Porsche 964 hits the sweet spot - classic enough to feel wonderfully analogue, yet modern enough to use every day. It’s no surprise values have remained strong as more people discover just how good these cars really are.

Phil was championing the Porsche 964 back in the days when they were unloved and you could pick up a decent example for around £15,000. How times have changed!

Would you have a 964 or a 993 in your dream garage? Let us know in the comments.

A lot is said about the M96/97 engines used in the Porsche 996, 997.1, 986 Boxster and 987.1 Boxster and Cayman. We sell...
11/06/2026

A lot is said about the M96/97 engines used in the Porsche 996, 997.1, 986 Boxster and 987.1 Boxster and Cayman. We sell and maintain a huge number of these cars, so we thought it useful to clarify the situation.

Intermediate shaft bearing
Let’s start with the IMS, or intermediate shaft. This is driven by the crankshaft and, in turn, drives the chains that operate the camshafts.

The IMS itself it trouble-free but one end is supported by a bearing which, in rare circumstances, can break up, leading to engine damage.

It is possible fit an upgraded bearing - and we offer this service - for peace of mind. However, failure is rare - we’ve never experienced it and nor have any of our customers!

Rear main seal
This is an oil seal that surrounds the crankshaft where it comes out of the engine. This can leak and is usually no more of an issue than a drip onto your garage floor. Our advice is to live with it until you need a clutch change, at which point it is inexpensive to replace the seal.

Bore scoring
This is where deep scratches develop on the cylinder wall. It most commonly affects cylinders five and six and can lead to increased oil consumption, a tapping noise, sootier exhaust tips on one side and, eventually, loss of performance.

Yearly oil changes, allowing the engine to warm up by driving steadily, rather than letting it idle, may help reduce the risk.

The good news is, we have only seen four instances of bore scoring - and three of those were cars that came to us to have the problem rectified!

We can inspect the bores with a special camera, to give peace of mind.

It’s worth remembering that thousands of these engines have covered well over 100,000 miles without developing bore scoring.

The internet has a habit of magnifying problems. In reality, most M96/97 engines give long and reliable service. Buy a good car, maintain it properly and enjoy driving it - as Porsche intended.

We’re happy to chat through all aspects of Porsche ownership with you.

The Porsche 993 is special for so many reasons; perhaps the biggest is that it was the last of the air-cooled 911s.Built...
11/06/2026

The Porsche 993 is special for so many reasons; perhaps the biggest is that it was the last of the air-cooled 911s.

Built between 1994 and 1998, the Porsche 993 perfectly blends classic 911 character with modern usability. The steering is full of feel, the flat-six soundtrack is unforgettable and, thanks to its sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, it’s one of the sweetest-driving air-cooled Porsches ever made.

Did you know?
• The Porsche 993 was around 80% new compared with the 964 it replaced.
• It was the first naturally aspirated 911 to come with a six-speed manual gearbox.
• Many enthusiasts consider it the most beautiful 911 ever built.

For us, the Porsche 993 represents the end of an era - a car that delivers a wonderfully analogue driving experience while still being practical enough to enjoy today.

Would you choose a Porsche 993 over a modern 911? Drop a comment below.

The 996 Carrera 4S holds a special place in Porsche history.Not only did it borrow the wide body, brakes and four-wheel ...
10/06/2026

The 996 Carrera 4S holds a special place in Porsche history.

Not only did it borrow the wide body, brakes and four-wheel drive system from the Turbo, it was also the first watercooled Porsche to wear the ‘Carrera 4S’ badge – creating a model designation that has become an icon in its own right.

With its distinctive full-width rear reflector, muscular stance and naturally aspirated flat-six soundtrack, the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S perfectly blends great looks with everyday usability with genuine sports car character.

Twenty years on, it’s easy to see why Porsche enthusiasts have fallen in love with them. Beautiful to look at, rewarding to drive and increasingly recognised as one of the standout models of the water-cooled era. We love them!

What do you think - is the 996 Carrera 4S one of Porsche’s best-looking 911s? Drop a comment below.👇

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