1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RSR Coupe

The Porsche Carrera RSR was one of the final developments of the Porsche 911 Type 964, which had been introduced in 1989. Two versions were of the Type 964 were available, including the Carrera 4 and the Carrera 2. The Carrera 2 was a two-wheel drive versions while the Carrera 4 was the four-wheel drive, marking the first time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production model. This was not a new technology for Porsche, as they had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959 supercar. Many of the lessons learned during that time were implemented and influenced the design of the new Carreras' chassis and suspension. Updated, but retaining the familiar shape of the 911 line, 87-percent of the Type 964 mechanical components were being claimed as entirely new. Power-assisted steering was a 911 'first.' Power was from a 3.6-liter, flat-six engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and anti-lock brakes could be found at all four wheels. A Tiptronic transmission could be added on the Carrera 2 (only).

In 1992 Porsche introduced a Type 964 Carrera RS model. Evoking the memories and legacy of the 2.7 and 3.0-liter RS and RSR 'homologation specials' of the 1970s, the Type 964 Carrera RS was a lightweight variant based on the 'Carrera Cup' competition car and sold exclusively in the European market. It retained the 3.6-liter engine from its Type 964 siblings, however power was boosted to 260 BHP. For the following Carrera RS '3.8', the displacement had been enlarged by increasing the bore size by 2mm. The modifications to the engine allowed the M64/04 powerplant to produce 300 bhp. This engine was installed in a wider, Turbo-style body, also used for the RSR competition version. They were given aluminum doors and front deck, and more aggressive fiberglass rear deck and spoilers. The suspension settings from the Carrera Cup cars were used. With its total weight around 2,500 lbs, it was about 350 lbs. lighter than a standard car. When new, the RSR had a base price of $160,500, with the only options being an on-board jacking system, center lock wheels, and an optional passenger's seat. It is believed that just 55 (as few as 51) of these 3.8-liter cars were made.

Zero-to-sixty sprints were accomplished in 3.7 seconds, which was faster than a Ferrari F40. With the larger brakes developed from the Turbo S, the RSR had incredible stopping power, being able to come to a complete stop from 70 mph in just 150 feet.

The RSR was available in PTS (paint to sample) colors.

The 964 Carrera 3.8 RSR was designed for privateers to compete in international GT races, and it would become one of the most successful competition versions of the air-cooled 911 in Porsche's history.

The Type 964 RSR won outright at the 1993 24 Hours of Interlagos and Spa, and they dominated the GT category at LeMans that year. RSRs took the first four places in their class at Le Mans, with Porsche driver Jürgen Barth finishing 15th overall. At the 24 Hours of Daytona, the RSR swept the first four GTU places, with the lead car finishing third overall. Another example won its class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and was fifth overall.

The RSR remained competitive during the 1994 season, and scored class wins through 1995, before Porsche introduced the 993-based GT2 for international events.

This particular example was delivered new in Speed Yellow with a black interior. It was delivered to Kevin Kirby of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in December of 1993. As this was a competition car, it could not be road-registered.

Mr. Kirby retained the RSR until September of 1999, when it was acquired by the first of two Japanese owners, Kazuo Mizushima, whose business address was in Tokyo. The car was later sold to Yasuto Yamada, who also owned a business in Tokyo. One of the two Japanese owners registered the car for the road, changing the side windows. The original windows remain with the car, but are not installed, along with an exhaust, and center hub covers.

Although it spent time in Japan, it never raced there, but reportedly was displayed at the track in advance of sports car races.

In 2007, this RSR was sold to Edmond Harris of South Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire, in England. Mr. Harris kept it until January 2008, when it was acquired by its current caretaker. At the time, the odometer showed 2,600 km.

The current owner acquired a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, numerous documents, and confirmation from Porsche archivist Jens Torner, that the engine in the car is the original unit.

The odometer currently shows approximately 4,000 km.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017