The Porsche Carrera Cup racing series debuted in Germany in 1986 with the 944 Turbo and emphasized competitive racing with identical cars to highlight driver skill over technological advantages. Its success led to a global expansion, featuring models like the 911 Carrera and 911 GT3 Cup.
In 1992, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) aimed to replicate this success in the US. Their plan was to create a Carrera Cup series where teams would purchase specially – and identically – prepared cars for around $60,000 each. At the time, the 964 Carrera RS served as the basis for the European Carrera Cup. For the USA Carrera Cup, PCNA and PMNA coordinated with Porsche AG to produce a limited run of US-legal cars similar to the European model.
These cars featured a seam-welded chassis and an aluminum hood like the RS. A blueprinted 3.6-liter flat-six engine developed an estimated 256 hp at 6,100 rpm, and sent power to the rear axle through a G50/10 five-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential.
A limited edition of 45 US EPA/DOT-compliant Carrera Cup USA cars were built and sent to Andial in Santa Ana, California, to be converted into race-ready versions. Of these, 25 were converted to full Carrera Cup racing specifications, while four were minimally modified and used for spare parts. However, during the process, manufacturing costs rose from $60,000 to over $100,000 per car, and PCNA struggled to find buyers. Coupled with a weak American economy in 1992, which hampered sponsorship support, the series was ultimately canceled. After the cancellation, Andial reconverted the 29 cars back to road-going specification, while the other 16 were sold as-is.
Completed by the factory in November 1991, this 1992 Porsche 964 Carrera Cup USA is one of the 29 that were converted to road usage by Andial after the Cup race series was canceled. Finished in Grand Prix White (908) over a black interior with black Recaro sport seats, other equipment included lightweight carpeting, RS door panels with pull straps, power windows, rear storage compartment, and four-spoke steering wheel with air bag. Delivered new to Lake Forest Sports Cars in Illinois, this Carrera Cup has had few owners while accruing minimal mileage. Maintained within the current owner’s collection of other fine Porsches since October 2020, it has continued to be sparingly used, shows just 4,822 miles at cataloguing, and the consignor believes it to retain its original paint finish. Accompanying items include tools, spare, accessories, window sticker, Porsche COA, service records, and technical information from PMNA.
Many argue that the best Porsches are lightweight, track-ready variants capable of providing a pure driving experience. Considerably rarer and more difficult to find than a 964 RS, this low-mileage, road-going 964 Carrera Cup USA is rooted in Porsche’s legendary motor sports history. complete lot descriptions will be available closer to the Auction. Please check back for more information.
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