In similar fashion to the legendary “Carrera RS” model line, Porsche unveiled a street version of the 996 GT3 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999. This car would serve as a homologation special for their upcoming GT3 R race car, to be enrolled at the Le Mans 24 hours in May 1999.
Porsche Motorsport, driven by a desire for exceptional on-track performance, spearheaded this “orignal GT3 project”. Unlike its 996 siblings produced in Zuffenhausen, this GT3 was lovingly hand-built at the Weissach facility. The “Weissach” package option on modern GT3s isn’t just a coincidence – it’s a homage to this car’s roots.
The involvement of Porsche Motorsport led to the production of an incredible street car that seems unreal in today’s world of ever-growing safety and emission regulations:
- The M96.76 engine is a Mezger-designed flat-6, derived from the GT1 race car. It consisted of a modified air-cooled block, fitted with a set of 24-valves water-cooled heads, forged pistons, titanium conrods, a lightweight crankshaft and the latest VarioCam technology. With an 11.7:1 compression ratio, it developed 360hp and although the engine was designed to run at 9000rpm, it was fitted with a soft-limiter of 7800rpm for street applications.
- The G96/90 gearbox is derived from the 993 GT2, with improved synchronisers, stronger casing and smoother cable linkage.
- The Aerodynamics were improved via modified bumpers, side skirts, underbody cladding and a dual plane rear spoiler.
This GT3 comes with all original documents, a fully stamped service book, as well as numerous service invoices.
This car being a 2001 Model Year, it is fitted with all the desirable late-production upgrades: gearbox with reinforced steel synchronisers, alcantara headliner, electric mirrors and improved fluid lines between the engine and front radiators.
Decoding the option sticker reveals the following information:
- L6B5 – Seal Grey Metallic
- C07 – Version for Italy
- 002 – GT3 Street Version
- XAA – Aerokit Cup
- XRL – Sport-Design Wheels 18″
- XSE – Racing bucket seat left
- XSF – Racing bucket seat right
- 441 – Radio preparation
- 567 – Top-tinted windscreen
- 571 – Activated charcoal filter
- 573 – Automatic air conditioning
- 695 – CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-22
- 981 – Leather seats (GT models)
A fun fact for your next cars & coffee? This 996.1 GT3 is still wearing a 964 part number on its engine case. Porsche switched to a 996 part number later on for the higher-scale production of the 996.2 GT3. This is a statement to the air-cooled heritage of this special Porsche.
Weiterlesen