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 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.👇

This Porsche 924S has been given the full Safari treatment. Raised up, chunky tyres, spotlights, roof rack, decals. What...
06/06/2026

This Porsche 924S has been given the full Safari treatment. Raised up, chunky tyres, spotlights, roof rack, decals. What do you think? It was spotted at our summer barbecue last week.

Porsche 911 Dakar spotted in Vilnius, Lithuania, by our favourite canine account, 🐶
06/06/2026

Porsche 911 Dakar spotted in Vilnius, Lithuania, by our favourite canine account, 🐶

Do you like to go topless in the sunshine? Summer is here which means it’s time it’s time for open-top motoring. We alwa...
30/05/2026

Do you like to go topless in the sunshine? Summer is here which means it’s time it’s time for open-top motoring. We always have a selection of convertibles in stock, including this lovely Porsche 964 Carrera 2 Cabriolet. Please go to our website to see all our current stock. 🌞

Fancy an affordable Porsche 911 that’s huge fun to drive? This Porsche 996 Carrera 4 has the M030 suspension which gives...
27/05/2026

Fancy an affordable Porsche 911 that’s huge fun to drive? This Porsche 996 Carrera 4 has the M030 suspension which gives a lower and firmer ride. Combined with manual transmission, sporty exhaust and an Aerokit, it’s a winning combination if you’re an enthusiastic driver. It’s a car that’s been well used but also well maintained. The most fun you’ll have for under £18,000! Please go to our website for full details and photos.

The Porsche 992 is the current incarnation of the Porsche 911 and is very much a 911 for this decade. Larger, faster and...
26/05/2026

The Porsche 992 is the current incarnation of the Porsche 911 and is very much a 911 for this decade. Larger, faster and more refined than previous models, the Porsche 992 retains true 911 DNA and is an astonishingly capable driving machine.

This lovely Gentian Blue Porsche 992 Carrera 4S is in our showroom now. Please head over to our website for full details and photos.

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3 Walton Farm
Chichester
PO188QB

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+441243780389

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