1993 Porsche 911 RS America Coupe

Like its predecessor, the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973, the 964 Carrera RS and its derivatives could not be imported to the United States and legally registered. After an intense lobbying effort by Porsche Cars of North America, the PCA, and former factory driver Vic Elford, led to Porsche creating a higher-performance version that met American import requirements. This new model would be listed as the Type 964-320 and called the RS America. The America Roadster was based on the standard 911 platform produced from 1989 through 1994, and had an internal designation as the 964 series, but with more significant mechanical and exterior differences. The M64/01 engine offered 250 horsepower and was mated to a standard five-speed G50/05 transmission. In the back was a fixed whale tail which replaced the C2's retractable wing.

Originally it was available in only four colors, including Guards Red and black - plus two metallic colors of Midnight Blue and Polar Silver - available at extra cost. Grand Prix White was later added as an option (52 examples were built in the color combination of Grand Prix White with a black interior.)

The RS America did away with non-essential items like sound insulation, electric seats, power steering, and air conditioning. If buyers chose to do so, they could order their RS America with air conditioning, a limited-slip differential, sunroof, and a stereo player. Electric windows were standard. It came with uprated shock absorbers, and 17-inch diameter Mille Miglia Cup 1 alloy wheels. They were seven inches wide in the front and 8 inches in the back. Brakes were four-piston fixed-caliper discs with ABS. A non-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and M030 Sport suspension package from the C2 Turbo gave the RS America a more visceral 'driver's car' experience.

During its production lifespan, 701 examples of the RS America were built. 617 examples were built for 1993. The 1993 models had their rear seats replaced with carpeted storage. For 1994, the models got those seats back.

This particular example is the 34th of 297 RS Americas built in early 1992 (for 1993). It was delivered on March 25th of 1992, finished in Polar Silver Metallic with electrically adjustable sport seats trimmed in black leather and grey cord inserts with red trim.

It was later purchased from its original owner in Germany by RPM Sports Cars of Houston, Texas, who in turn sold it to the current owner in 2008 with the odometer reading 1,501 miles. Currently the car has 1,633 miles on its odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018