Waoh guys, thanks for the kind words!
Ok, more pics then and the whole story, here goes:
Sept 2000: I see the Proto at the Paris auto show of the 980 and like many of us, I am stunned and instantly it becomes my dream car.
Almost 8 years later, a few 980s are available on the 2nd hand market but still expensive.
Then I call Porsche Reading out of interest and they tell me they are currently repairing 1198 and its owner is a seller.
In three days it's a done deal. Price is within what we find in the UK but like EasyRider pointed out, in Euros, it's a very good deal indeed, thanks to a Sterling sitting at an all time low.
The owner had a minor crash with it, slow speed, only body panels and the front left radiator are concerned, Porsche Reading know 1198 since its birth, the car is clean and it will be as new when repaired within a few days, along with a brand new clutch.
I went to Reading last Friday to check it out in details. It is the only Porsche centre in the UK CGT approved so these guys know the car very well. It couldn't be repaired and prepared at a better place. The welcome was outstanding, super service by passionate guys.
Here are a few pics taken that day. The car was "naked" which was a fantastic opportunity to observe the level of engineering gone into the 980. It's all made of carbon, magnesium, aluminum and materials you only find in the outer universe.
They fired it up for the 1st time since the repair in front of me. The noise is spectacular. Think modern F1 a bit muted. Splendid!
Quid of the 599? Well, I will decide after a couple of trips with 980 so assess its usability.
Cheers!
F.