Immediately the 997 received a vast amount of positive reviews from the worldwide motoring press; even Jeremy Clarkson, a known detractor of Porsche cars, was won over: the 997, he noted, would ‘make love to your fingertips and stir your soul.’

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The 997 retained the previous model’s basic profile but drew on the 993 for detailing. In addition, the new headlights reverted to the original bug-eye design. The interior was similarly revised, with strong links to the earlier 911 interiors. The 997 was sold between 2004 (for the 2005 model year) and 2013. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupe began in early 2004.

But development of the car had begun six years previously, in the fourth quarter of 1998: designers were already at work on the 997’s body shape. After numerous reviews during 1999, with full-size clay models built from 2000 into 2001, a final design by designer Grant Larson was approved.

In late 2001 early prototypes were built for testing. While the exterior styling was revised, it was very similar to what was observed in the 996. The rear bodywork was 88 mm (3.5 in) wider than its predecessor. However, the most notable aesthetic difference between the 997 and the 996 was that return to oval headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units.

The interior was similarly revised, with new controls; while at the same time looking fresh and modern, it was more reminiscent of classic 911 interiors than of the outgoing 996. The body in general remained low profile with a drag coefficient of 0.28 for the Carrera and 0.29 for the Carrera S.

Right now at Beverly Hills Car Club we have a great example of an early 997, a low-mileage 2005 Porsche 997 Carrera Coupe 6-Speed featured with merely 31,842 miles on the odometer. The car is finished in its factory color scheme of Black exterior complemented with a black interior. This timeless design is a true testament to the craftsmanship and opulence that Porsche is renowned for.

Our 2005 997 comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, 6-cylinder engine, dual exhaust outlets, ventilated disc brakes, Porsche branded calipers, front fog lights, sunroof, 3-spoke steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, and Michelin tires.

Convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, power sport seats package with memory, heated seating, sport mode option, power windows, center console, Bose high-end sound package, and a JVC navigation system with phone connectivity.

For peace of mind, this Porsche comes with an owner’s manual, maintenance book, clean CARFAX report, and service receipt copies totaling $10,970.36 that was invested between May 2006 through July 2023. In summary, this German classic is a vehicle that combines timeless design, optimal performance, and luxurious comfort. Do not miss the opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that is mechanically sound.

By the way, I mention designer Grant Larson up above. But who was he, this character with such a perfectly Scandinavian-sounding name?

Well, in fact Grant Larson is as American as apple-pie, born in Montana and raised in Wisconsin. After attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, he moved to Pasadena to study at ArtCenter where he received a General Motors scholarship and also participated in GM’s summer internship program. Upon graduation, he worked at Audi in Germany, a company he long admired for their design clarity, function and precision. After three years in the Munich studio, Larson went to Porsche in 1989.

As an Exterior Designer, Grant Larson was responsible for bold and breakthrough designs for the original Boxster and Panamera automobiles. Grant also led designs for the Carrera GT (show car), the 91 (type 997) Carrera and Turbo, and enthusiast cars such as the 911 Speedster, Boxster Spyder and 911 Sport Classic.

During the design process of the 997, Porsche opened a temporary design studio in southern California. Three of their designers, including Grant Larson, went there to work on the 997 and 987. The Design Studio felt that it was important to be in California, which was considered the center of the car universe – not mentioning that it is where more Porsches are sold than anywhere else on the globe.

When building the 997 prototype, Grant went to a Toyota dealer’s part department to pick up a set of tail lights from a Solara.

With some modification those tail lights would find their way onto the prototype.

-Alex Manos, Owner