2004 Porsche 911 (996) GT3 RS

• UK supplied (C-16), right-hand drive 911 (996) GT3RS indicating just 31,836 miles
• Powered by the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated flat-six ‘Mezger’ engine, officially producing 375bhp, but in reality likely north of 390bhp, coupled to a slick six-speed manual transmission
• Significant weight saving over the GT3 offers 280bhp per ton
• Factory finished in Carrera White with classic red detailing
• Porsche confirmed original specification including; Clubsport interior with red harnesses, A/C, front cage and extinguisher
• Superb overall condition supported by a comprehensive history file including original service book and spare key

Porsche introduced the Porsche 911 GT3RS in 2003 as an even more track-focused version of the 996 GT3 with the ‘RS’ moniker, characteristic lightweight blue or red wheels and ‘GT3 RS’ decals all evocative of historically important Porsches such as the Carrera 2.7RS of the early 1970s. The RS is lighter than its GT3 sibling, due to the use of a polycarbonate rear window and a carbon fibre bonnet and rear wing and has a slightly different engine specification to the 996 GT3, with the cylinder heads having reshaped intake and exhaust ports to comply with motorsport ‘homologation’ regulations. The wheel carriers are totally redesigned to maximize the improved dynamic camber control, the suspension top mounts can be turned 120 degrees to a "Cup Car" position and both front and rear control arms are adjustable. During the 996 GT3 RS production run from 2003 to 2005, Porsche built only 140 right-hand drive cars and 113 of those were officially imported into to the UK.

This C-16, UK-supplied, right-hand drive 996 GT3 RS is finished in Carrera White with red decals and detailing and presents in superb condition throughout. The car has the usual GT3 RS specification and benefits from options including a Black Clubsport interior with red harnesses, a factory-fitted half cage, air-conditioning, ‘Lightronic’ lights, centre console, top-tint screen, CDR23 CD player and a fire extinguisher.

Most recently, this RS had been subject to a major service at an independent Porsche specialist with a new battery and A/C re-gas at 31,772 miles and the invoice for this is in the detailed history file along with the original service book/service history supporting the indicated mileage of 31,836.

Our vendor, a knowledgeable private collector purchased this example at 29,247 miles and sensibly commissioned a thorough independent inspection report (on file) that summarises this example as; a good honest RS with no evidence of hard track use or serious accident history. No doubt a genuine RS that has not been altered from factory specification in any way. Since purchase eight years ago, this special RS has covered less than 2,000 light miles and always been correctly dry stored.

Today, the 996 GT3RS is finally starting to find its feet in the collector car market, rightly regarded as a precious low volume ‘homologation’ special that offers a raw and exciting driving experience. With a total production of just 682 and a mere 140 in right-hand drive, you can rest assured that when the petrol engine is no longer in production, these special RS Porsche will be a must-have in all significant collections. One can only speculate what could happen to values with high demand and low availability.