Overall, the 996 is considerably smaller in size than the current-gen GT3s and, in fact, shares more in common with the air-cooled cars in terms of how they feel. Yet they maintain a high level of performance, expected of a modern water-cooled 911. It's a great balance, and exactly why Simon fell in love with the 996.
The race car is a 2003 996 GT3 Cup. Simon acquired this car in 2018 and, mechanically, it's in factory original condition. Of course, Porsche mechanical engineering is close to perfect, so not much needs to be tampered with. The car raced professionally in the Carrera Cup from 2003-2005 and since Simon obtained it, he has restored the exterior to its last professional racing livery. It's draped in the recognisable blue, red and yellow hues of Glenfords Tool Centre and is indecipherable to the original livery. To say this car has racing heritage is an understatement - it raced at Bathurst and in support events at the Australian F1 Grand Prix on multiple occasions.
Simon bought the Cup Car after previously owning another 996 GT3 road car which was mostly used for track use. However, in a search of next-level performance, Simon decided on upgrading to the Cup variant of the 996. "Being a factory purpose-built race car, the 996 Cup is certainly a big step up in performance over a modified road car," Simon says. "It's an amazing experience to drive on the limit once the slicks are up to temperature."
There's a lot to love about the Cup, however Simon's favourite feature is the race history. Being part of the Championship winning team in Carrera Cup 2004-2005, Simon loves that the car is back in it's correct racing livery.
