Beginning with the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, Porsche’s most desirable, rare, and engaging driver’s cars have all worn the “RS” moniker. At its launch in October 2003, the latest 996.2-generation GT3 RS had big shoes to fill—both in relation to the firm’s historic models, and the road-focussed GT3 variant that it sought to improve.
While on paper the GT3 RS matched its stablemate for power output—the manufacturer claiming 375 horsepower for both models—the homologation RS variant was considerably lighter, thanks to a polycarbonate rear window, a carbon fibre bonnet, and rear wing that provided 35 kilograms of downforce at 201 km/h.
The suspension was also greatly improved, with revised mounts and beefed up springs and dampers that served to eliminate the front axle “bobbing” that affected the standard GT3. The RS also featured a more comprehensive roll cage than that offered in Club Sport-equipped GT3s. The cumulative result was one of the most engaging and involving 911s to ever bear the RS badge. Writing in evo magazine, Richard Meaden said of the GT3 RS: ‘The controls are a model of tactile consistency. The brakes have hard, linear bite, and the gearshift slides with tight, defined precision.’
Chassis 691790 was delivered on 27 May 2004, finished in Carrera White with Guards Red wheels and decals that evoke the spirit of its 2.7 RS forebear. The car was further specified with automatic air conditioning, a Becker CD-radio, Litronic headlamps with headlamp washers, and a top-tinted windscreen. The Porsche enjoyed regular servicing, with an accompanying service book being stamped in August 2005, October 2006, April 2008, August 2010, and May 2016. The final service was carried out by Porsche Zentrum Zug in Rotkreuz, Switzerland—the same dealership that supplied the car to The Carrera Collection in July 2017.
Attractively specified in historic Carrera White with Guards Red accents, and with desirable automatic air conditioning, this Porsche 911 GT3 RS had covered just 35,572 kilometres at time of cataloguing. It would make a fine addition to any Porsche collection, or a fabulous tool for tracks days and rallies.
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