Very Special and ULTRA RARE Factory Race Car you never knew existed, and neither do 99+ percent of 996 enthusiasts. Rarer and more expensive than a GT3 when spec'd. Factory X51 engine, buckets and more. This Feb delivered 1999 car is a real talking point and holds an interesting part in watercooled history. It is understood that this specific car was built to emulate the upcoming GT3 in looks, performance and sound, it would allow the dealership to gain GT3 preorders, up to them getting their hands on a GT3 later that year. To achieve this, this car was over-specified with some rarely seen options that totalled more than a GT3, hence their rarity. To start with, this actual car was the factory SAMPLE INSTALLATION for factory bucket seats (as listed on the build sheet as XSE + XSF = MUSTEREINBAU), leading the way for the many thousands of watercooled cars that have since had factory bucket seats. This was accompanied by factory rear seat delete and sunroof delete. To add to that, and most importantly, this car features the rarely seen 3.4 X51 powerkit (not to be confused with the pretty common 3.6 X51). This 3.4 X51 engines are hens teeth. The 3.4 X51almost became the first GT3 engine, as it was due to go racing if the mezger engine failed racing regulations. In the end the mezger engine passed racing regulations and the X51 wasn't used. However in the event it was going to be used for racing and to ensure it was track and road ready, it was packed with performance and reliability upgrades, including a 3rd central radiator and a second oil line to the usually problematic last cylinders. Other differences in this engine include the revised oil pan, exhaust manifolds, cylinder heads, pistons, valves, cams, aluminium intake and more. Reported by the factory to have increased power to 320hp it is believed to be closer to 345hp, but it would need a dyno to validate that. This engine sounds incredible, and made better with the switchable exhaust. The car features GT3 badges which it is unclear when they were installed, but would have cost a fortune to do. GT3 8J and 10J size diamond cut wheels with new Michelin tyres. 997 GT3 shifter has been added for optimum shifting. Registered as ULEZ complaint and now on its original supplied registration plate. You can call it a cut price GT3, but it's more than that, it's neither a standard Carrera or a GT3, it's much rarer and more special. Next MOT due 28/03/2024, Black, 5+ owners, £39,995