Produced from 2003 to 2004, the type-996 GT3 RS expanded on the performance credentials of the 996 GT3. Developed in homologation form to bring Porsche’s GT3 Cup car in compliance with FIA competition rules, it offered more power than the standard GT3 and its driving dynamics were further honed for the race track. The RS moniker itself pays homage to motor sports, an abbreviation of the German word rennsport, or “racing sport” in English. The car’s colour-matched side decals and wheels—offered in either red or blue—gave a nod to the first road-going Porsche to carry the RS moniker, the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS.
The type-996 GT3 RS was lighter than its GT3 counterpart, equipped with a polycarbonate rear window and carbon fibre bonnet and rear wing. It was fitted with stiffer progressive dampers and front and rear adjustable control arms. The stripped-down interior featured lightweight door cards and door handles in addition to deeply bolstered, fabric-covered bucket seats, multi-point harnesses, and no rear seats. Official output from the 3.6-litre “Mezger” flat-six engine was rated at 381 horsepower, which enabled the GT3 RS to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 306 km/h.
The 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS offered here completed production on 8 July 2004. It left the factory finished as it is today, in Carrera White with blue graphics and 18-inch GT3 wheels. It came equipped with desirable optional extras including automatic air conditioning, a CDR 23 AM/FM stereo with CD player, the roll-cage painted in white, Xenon headlamps with washers, top-tinted windshield, and leather-edged floormats with Porsche script.
The Porsche entered The Carrera Collection in May 2013, joining an extensive gathering of the best of Stuttgart, where it has remained well-preserved and sparingly driven. The odometer shows 25,666 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Considering that only 682 of the type-996 GT3 RS were produced, the example offered here is an exceptional find, sure to be appreciated by both collectors and motor sports enthusiasts seeking a road-legal 911 that excels on the racetrack.