Continuing a tradition established by the legendary 2.8- and 3.0-liter Carrera RSRs of the early 1970s, the 964 Carrera RSR 3.8 represented Porsche’s return to production-based GT racing dominance on the world’s stage.
Developed by the Porsche Motorsport department in Weissach, Germany, the Carrera RSR 3.8 was a purpose-built competition version of the 964 model, which had been introduced in 1989 as a thoroughly revised rendition of the classic 911 platform. Built to compete in European GT racing and the North American Supercars series, the RSR 3.8 evolved from the already successful 964 Carrera RS and Cup models and proved to be a winner from the outset. Highlights of the RSR’s illustrious racing career include overall victories at the 24 Hours of Spa, 24 Hours of Interlagos, and Suzuka 1000 Km, as well as class wins at the three leading international endurance races: Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona.
Technically, the Carrera RSR 3.8 featured a special seam-welded body shell with lightweight aluminum doors and front lid, aggressive front and rear spoilers, a welded-in Matter roll cage, and the barest of racing essentials, contributing to a dry weight of just 2,675 pounds. Benefiting from Porsche’s decades of endurance racing experience, the chassis was equipped with uprated suspension, Turbo S brakes, center-lock Speedline wheels, and full racing equipment as standard, including a fuel cell, fire-suppression system, and Recaro racing seat with six-point Schroth harness. At the heart of the RSR was the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter M64/04 engine, conservatively rated 325 hp at 6,900 rpm, which was driven to the rear wheels via a five-speed transaxle with 40% limited-slip differential. Road tested in period by Car and Driver magazine, a 964 RSR recorded a 0–60 mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds, with a 12.1-second quarter-mile time and 181 mph top speed.
During 1993 to 1994, Porsche built just 51 examples of the Carrera RSR 3.8, together with 55 road-going RS 3.8 models to satisfy FIA homologation requirements. Today, these factory-built Porsche race cars are among the most sought-after GT machines of the 1990s, boasting a thoroughbred bloodline, successful competition record, and exclusivity in numbers.
As documented in the definitive book Porsche 964 Carrera RS 3.8, this RSR, chassis 496091, was ordered direct through Porsche’s customer racing department for French enthusiast Michel Aouate, who planned to enter it in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1994. With this purpose in mind, the RSR was specified in Grand Prix White and equipped with a long-range 120-liter fuel tank, double fuel filler, 40/40 locking differential, and air jacks.
Not long after the RSR was completed, Mr. Aouate canceled his order and instead competed at Daytona in the Gunnar Racing 911 Turbo. At this stage, the RSR’s engine and gearbox – originally specified for US endurance racing – were removed and installed in another RSR, chassis 496103, earmarked for Konrad Motorsport GmbH. Before leaving the Porsche racing department at Weissach, this RSR was fitted with engine no. 62P85667 and gearbox no. 2004419, which remain in the car today.
Chassis 496091 was among several RSRs and Carrera RS 3.8s delivered new to Helmut Reis’ Eco-Tec Consulting in Aachen, Germany. Reis immediately sold this RSR to a collector in Japan who drove it sparingly, covering a mere 500 km during his ownership. A subsequent Japanese owner drove the RSR an additional 5,400 km before selling it to German Porsche specialist Thomas J. Schmitz.
The current owner, a prominent American Porsche collector, purchased 496091 in 2015 and has used it sparingly. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed just 6,809 km (4,230 miles). The RSR presents in virtually as-delivered condition in all respects, having seen minimal use and careful maintenance since it was delivered to its first owner 30 years ago.
Throughout the consignor’s ownership, the 964 RSR has been road registered and enjoyed exclusively as an exhilarating, thoroughbred sports car. It has not seen track use, nor has it been publicly exhibited, allowing its next caretaker the opportunity to debut it at events like Rennsport Reunion, PCA concours, or marque gatherings such as Luftgekühlt.
This ultra-rare 964 Carrera RSR 3.8, collector-owned from new and preserved in exceptionally original condition, is undoubtedly among the finest surviving examples of this rare breed. Never before offered at public auction, this sensational, factory-built competition 964 offers discerning collectors a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant air-cooled Porsches of the modern era, with a provenance and specification that would be virtually impossible to duplicate.
*Please note that this vehicle will not be sold for use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident.
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