Simon Dellamalva

Porsche. One of the greatest names in the automotive industry. Making both street and track cars, Porsche is renowned worldwide for its excellence in performance, handling and design. The 996 variant of the GT3 is a modern classic, and Simon Dellamalva gets to experience the best of both worlds with the street and track models. A quick run through the glorious Adelaide Hills allows sportscars to stretch their legs, and with the screaming exhaust of a 996, it can become an incredible experience. It's something that Simon enjoys frequently in his road car, while also unleashing the full potential of the Cup Car at some of South Australia's best racetracks.

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.

On the other end of the spectrum, Simon's road car is a 2004 996 GT3 Clubsport. Despite being first released 18 years ago, Simon had the pleasure of buying it in early 2021. When he acquired the car, it was completely original, with a mere 29,500km on the clock. However, the car needed some upgrades, so Simon added parts to improve sound and performance, including a Cup Car Exhaust System, Cup Car Shift Cables and Ohlin's Road and Track Suspension. Suspension was a much-needed adjustment, with Simon saying that "the factory Bilstein suspension was not very compliant over sharp, bumpy roads and the spring rates were also too soft. The Ohlin's dampers are far more compliant and, as a result, more comfortable, plus the spring rates are over 50% stiffer than factory resulting in much improved response and body control."

After four years of not owning a road registered GT3, Simon longed for the time when he was able to go for an early morning run through the hills. "I just missed having the ability to drive a GT3 on public roads," he says. "I really like that the 996 GT3 road version shares so much in common with the race car. I thought it would be neat to have an example of each."

With an obvious admiration for the 996 GT3, Simon adds "I love the raw driving experience of each car. It is an incredibly engaging driving experience and you can feel what the car is doing at all times."

Our recent photoshoot was an excellent experience. Simon's passion for his cars is admirable, and the way in which he modifies them is nothing less than immaculate.