Porsche 996 GT3 RS

Weissach produced just two prototypes in 1999, 66 GT3 R models in 2000, followed by 51 GT3 RS variants in 2001, 48 in 2002, and 20 in 2003. The RSR saw 28 units built in 2004 and just 10 in 2005. The 2001-2003 RS models like the car on offer are particularly significant as the last 911 endurance racers equipped with a six-speed manual transmission before Porsche switched to pneumatically-actuated sequential gearboxes in the RSR—marking the end of an era.

This particular 911 GT3 RS, chassis number 065, is one of the 20 built in 2003 and was delivered to Rodger Hawley, owner of Florida-based Orbit Racing. Porsche provided factory support for the team, as evidenced by its full carbon floor and one-piece, hollow monoblock BBS wheels, as well as the participation of works driver Marc Lieb—who partnered with Peter Baron and Leo Hindery—for the car’s competitive debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2003. Hindery, a notable figure in sports media, was involved with the television rights for the New York Yankees baseball team and owned the YES Network, giving the car its distinctive livery which it retains today. Carrying start number 87, the car joined seven other Porsche GT class entries against competition from four Ferraris, two TVRs, and a lone BMW-powered Spyker. This formidable Porsche presence continued the marque’s perfect record at Le Mans since the GT3’s introduction in 1999, sweeping the top six positions. The Orbit car of Hindery, Lieb, and Baron secured a strong starting position in qualifying, lining up in third place behind the Alex Job Racing/Petersen Motorsport “White Lightning” GT3 and Kevin Buckler’s The Racer’s Group car.

In the race, Lucas Luhr (AJR), Marc Lieb (Orbit), and Timo Bernhard (Racer’s Group) set a blistering pace, establishing a clear lead and leaving little doubt they would dominate the category. The Orbit Racing team held a strong position initially but yielded 3rd position to the Team Taisan Advan Porsche in the second hour. As the race progressed, all the leading Porsches encountered technical difficulties, with the Orbit team needing to change a water radiator. Despite these challenges, the number 87 car persevered, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in the GT class, six laps behind the winning Alex Job Racing/Petersen Motorsport Porsche of Maassen, Luhr, and Collard.

The car’s next appearance came during the American Le Mans season opener at the Sebring 12 Hours in March of 2004, wearing start number 43 and under the banner of BAM! (British American Motorsport). Leo Hindery and Peter Baron were joined by 20-year-old Porsche works driver Mike Rockenfeller, finishing 13th overall and 5th in the GT class behind the Porsche GT3s of Alex Job Racing, Petersen Motorsports, and Flying Lizard Motorsports.

This exceptional 911 GT3 RS retains its original, matching-numbers chassis that has been meticulously restored to its precise 2003 Le Mans specification as campaigned by Orbit Racing. Unlike many competition cars of the era that have endured significant damage requiring extensive repairs or complete chassis replacements, chassis WP0ZZZ99Z3S692065 stands apart, having never suffered structural damage and never being „retubbed“ as evidenced by the original Le Mans technical inspection stickers still affixed to the chassis. The car has been thoughtfully updated with current safety equipment to meet European historic racing standards, including a modern fuel cell and racing harnesses that ensure both driver safety and event eligibility. Recently the subject of a comprehensive restoration, the vehicle has been returned to its iconic YES Network/New York Yankees livery—the distinctive blue and silver color scheme that made it instantly recognizable on the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Having undergone only a single shakedown test since this exacting restoration work, the car presents in competition-ready condition. As one of the most approachable modern Porsche GT competition cars and one of the last with a six-speed manual transmission, this GT3 RS offers a perfect combination of competition pedigree and genuine usability for future historic racing events such as Endurance Racing Legends or any number of Porsche Club events.