1996 Porsche 911 GT2

Some two decades of racing would see the Porsche 911 in a number of guises. However, there would be one that would always be the same—the air-cooled rear-mounted engine. All of that was about to come to an end after 1996. That meant 1996 offered one last go-around of 911 history.

The BPR Global GT Endurance Series would help to revive GT racing. In spite of this revival effort the one constant would be Porsche and its 911. And, to make sure it reign within the GT ranks would remain, Porsche would set to work building a new GT2 car.

Porsche had its 993 turbo and it seemed the ideal basis from which to make its GT2 challenger. The new GT2 car would feature aluminum doors and trunk lid and an interior void of many weight-adding amenities. In addition to many other lightening efforts, the GT2 would be an impressive performer. Much of this performance would result from a large adjustable rear wing, large front air dam and a twin-turbocharged flat-six tweaked to produce 430bhp.

This particular 993 GT2 would be one of the last air-cooled turbocharged 911s. Due to homologation rules for racing competition, Porsche had to produce a certain number of road-going editions of the 993 GT2. This one would be one of only about 57 examples ever built for the road.

Complete with its original owner's handbooks, tool kit and other important information this particular 993 GT2 would not actually be exported to the United States, at least not officially.

In fact, it is believed this chassis was one of just 17 that would first be delivered to Japan. Delivered new in 1996, the car would remain in Japan for more than 15 years. Then, in 2013, a Porsche enthusiast would come across the 993 GT2 and would pursue purchasing it. Sometime later, the car would make its way into the pursuers hands and would be imported to the United States.

In April of 2014 the Porsche would be sold to its current owner, an East Coast collector with an impressive array of automobiles. Currently registered in New York, this car remains in a climate-controlled environment along with its NHTSA'a Show and Display exemption paperwork.

One of just 173 examples of the 993 GT2, this chassis is certainly among the most exclusive of the 993 variants, and certainly one of the most desirous. Held in high regard and considered one of the supercars of the 1990s, the 993 GT2 would be a collector car suitable for the enthusiast looking for prominence and an ability to take to the streets.

A great and lasting memorial to the air-cooled 911, the 1996 Porsche 993 GT2 would be considered a must-have for any collector car enthusiast. Offered through Gooding & Company's 2015 Amelia Island auction, WP0ZZZ99ZTS392139 would garner estimates indicative of its place within Porsche history. Having only some 36,000Km since new and an evocative Polar Silver and Black Color scheme, the Porsche would be considered among the best at $950,000 and $1,250,000.

By Jeremy McMullen