The Porsche 911 is among the most tenured and celebrated nameplates in the performance car landscape. However, its many generations make the Porsche an accessible model amidst a sea of out-of-reach Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens. Tragically, that means many 996 and 997-generation 911s find their way into the hands of silly, questionably skilled drivers. Such was the case for this ill-fated 996 Porsche 911. 

This driver attempted to spin a 996 Porsche 911 on a public highway with heart-breaking results

The 996 is a bit of a controversial topic among Porsche 911 fanatics. For starters, the 996 started the beginning of the liquid-cooled age for the nameplate. See, before the 996, 911s were air-cooled affairs. Once the 996 debuted with its M96 flat-six engine, gone were the days of the model’s historically air-cooled mill. 

What’s more, the 996 adopted a bigger body and the instantly recognizable “fried egg” headlights. Today, the 996 is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. Its budding popularity is largely due to its affordability. It’s quite simply the most affordable way to get into Porsche’s most cherished nameplate. Unfortunately, the 996’s accessibility means some immature drivers can get their hands on it. 

That’s the case with one silver 996 Porsche 911. The driver instigated a flamboyant right-hand spin, causing the 911 to spin dramatically. After gaining what appeared to be control of the 911, the driver sent the ill-fated performance car careening into the left-side barrier of the highway. Unsurprisingly, the front-end crash brought the driver’s showboating to an abrupt halt.

Tragically, the impact likely spells the demise of the 996 911. After all, Classic.com reports that the average value of a 996-generation 911 is around $46,397. Consequently, an impact that violent will likely total the liquid-cooled Porsche. Check out a video of the 911 careening into a highway barrier wall below!