2000 Porsche Carrera 996 – Full Bare Metal Restoration in Bespoke “Jungle Green”

When this 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera (996) came into our workshop, the brief was clear: make it the best it can be. This wasn’t a simple repaint, this was a full bare metal body restoration, approached differently, with a completely bespoke finish and a focus on achieving perfection in every detail.

The process began with a full strip-down of the vehicle. Every component was removed, and the bodywork was chemically stripped back to bare metal. This stage is essential in high-level restorations, as it removes any previous paint, fillers, or hidden corrosion, allowing us to start again with a completely clean shell. 

From there, our attention turned to developing the colour. The customer wanted something unique, richer, more vibrant, and with more presence than a standard finish. Using multiple spray-out cards, we refined the tone repeatedly until it met the exact brief. The result was a bespoke “Jungle Green” incorporating a zirillic pearl, giving the paint a deeper, more sparkly, and highly pearlescent quality that shifts beautifully under different lighting conditions. 

With the shell still in bare metal, we carefully aligned and sighted the entire car. Panel gaps were adjusted across every edge to ensure consistency. Areas that didn’t meet the required standard, particularly around the bumpers, were refabricated to improve fitment. Genuine supports were reinstalled, resulting in a far cleaner, tighter finish that feels both factory-correct and subtly enhanced. 

The bodywork phase was extensive. Every panel was worked to remove dents, dings, and even the slightest imperfections. The goal was to eliminate any distortion so that the final finish would sit perfectly flat. The roof required especially detailed attention; it was panel pinned, filed, shrunk, and skimmed using traditional techniques to ensure a completely smooth and ripple-free surface. 

Once the metalwork was complete, the car moved into the priming stages. High-build primer was applied and then dry sanded and block finished to refine the surface further. In keeping with the “no compromise” approach, the car was stripped and re-primed again to ensure absolute consistency. Even the door shuts and internal areas were carefully primed and colour finished so that every visible surface matched the standard of the exterior. 

The paint process itself was equally meticulous. The bespoke Jungle Green was applied in controlled conditions, followed by clear coating. The surface was then wet sanded, stripped back, and re-clear coated to build depth and clarity. This layered approach creates a finish that has both visual richness and long-term durability. 

After curing, the car underwent an intensive flatting and polishing stage. Starting at 1,200 grit and working all the way through to 5,000 grit, the surface was refined before being machine polished in three stages. The final result is a deep, mirror-like gloss that enhances every curve of the 996’s shape. 

To protect this finish, we applied a seven-year ceramic coating, sealing in the gloss while providing long-term resistance to environmental wear. 

Beyond the paintwork, a huge amount of effort went into restoring and upgrading components across the vehicle. The rear spoiler was stripped back to its substrate and refinished to correct previous fitment issues. New rear lights, door seals, and weather strips were installed, while the door handles and internal mechanisms were fully rebuilt. Additional hardware was replaced where required to ensure everything functioned and presented as it should. 

Further improvements included refreshed roof rails with new clips and brackets, a new front windscreen with genuine surrounds and rubbers, new bonnet and boot gas struts, and replacement exhaust heat shields. A genuine Porsche 911 GT3 (996) front lip was also fitted, adding a subtle but purposeful enhancement to the front end. 

The engine bay was completely stripped and refinished to match the exterior standard, ensuring the same level of detail carried throughout the entire vehicle. Any rust or corrosion uncovered during the build was properly treated along the way, preserving the integrity of the shell for years to come. 

Inside, the interior was carefully reassembled following bespoke upgrades by the owner, including hydro-dipped carbon-effect components and retrimmed seats. The result is a cabin that complements the bold exterior while maintaining a high-quality, cohesive finish. 

With the engine currently undergoing a rebuild, this project isn’t quite finished, but it’s close. Once complete, this Porsche Carrera (996) will return as a fully realised show car. 

We’ll be showcasing it at upcoming events, giving enthusiasts the chance to see our craftsmanship up close. Follow along on our social channels to stay updated and catch the full restoration journey.