Porsche’s legendary Rennsport model line was born in 1973 with the Group 4 homologation special Carrera 2.7 RS, followed a year later by the thoroughbred 3.0 RS, and briefly revived in 1984 when Jürgen Barth’s Customer Racing Department launched the SC RS. By the 1990s, Porsche realized that the RS breed had been dormant since the true homologation specials of the early 1970s, and thus began developing a Rennsport-spec interpretation of the Type 964 Porsche 911. The success of this lightweight, uncompromising variant prompted Porsche to take the same approach to the new 993 platform for the 1995 model year, which would come to represent the zenith of the 911’s rear-engined, normally aspirated air-cooled formula.
Like its predecessor, the 993-generation Carrera RS was never delivered to North America, with only 1,014 examples produced for the world market. Fitted behind the rear axle was a “Type M64/20” 3.8-liter flat-six – a bigger unit than that of any other road-going 993 – equipped with Porsche’s Varioram and Motronic engine management system. With its cylinder bore increased, the RS now produced an additional 28 horsepower over the standard 993 for a total output of 300 horsepower. Porsche also equipped the RS with a limited-slip differential and anti-lock brakes sourced from the 993-generation 911 Turbo. To maximize the impact of these upgrades, weight-saving measures involved removing the stereo and speakers, sound deadening, hood struts, interior door handles, power-adjustable seats, adjustable mirrors, and headlight washers for a total weight reduction of 220 pounds.
Finished in special-order Polar Silver Metallic, this 993 Carrera RS was highly optioned from the factory with many of the additional weight-saving measures restored for a more comfortable and daily usable driving experience. The car’s list of extra-cost equipment included a stronger battery, front airbags, air conditioning, and electric windows. Not to be mistaken for a subdued specification, this Carrera RS was also optioned with the Club Sport aerodynamic package. With this additional cost package, the original owner received a sculpted front bumper with winglets and a deeper chin spoiler. Toward the back, a large fixed Club Sport rear spoiler with integrated intakes provided additional downforce to plant the rear tires. Rolled wheel arches, thinner glass, and an aluminum front trunk lid completed the motorsport modifications on the exterior.
This chassis was originally delivered via Mizwa to Japan where it remained in the devoted care of a single family until being imported to the United States in 2017. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that the Porsche was registered in South Dakota before selling to a new owner in January 2018 showing approximately 10,629 kilometers. Further service and inspection entries in California indicate that the Carrera RS was driven sparingly, displaying only 14,492 kilometers by July 2021. Today, this highly original lightweight 911 variant still rides on its factory set of 18-inch Speedline three-piece light-alloy wheels. Never originally exported to the US, this Carrera RS is the ultimate road-going version of the final naturally-aspirated air-cooled 911.