Built for privateers to go international GT racing, the phenomenally successful RSR was one of the final developments of the Porsche 911 Type 964, which on its launch in 1989 had represented a major step forward in the development of Porsche’s long-running sports car.
Two versions were offered — the Carrera 4 and Carrera 2 — the former marking the first time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production model. Porsche had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959 supercar, and many of the lessons learned from the latter influenced the design of the new Carreras’ chassis and suspension.
Face-lifted but retaining that familiar shape, the newcomers had been given a more extensive work-over mechanically, 87% of parts being claimed as entirely new. The pair shared the same 3.6-liter, flat-six engine, and power-assisted steering (another 911 “first”). Anti-lock brakes and a 5-speed manual transmission were standard on both, with the Tiptronic auto gearbox a Carrera 2-only option. Its new engine enabled the 964 to out-perform the old 3.2-liter yet still meet the latest emissions regulations.
Evoking memories of the legendary 2.7- and 3.0-liter RS and RSR “homologation specials” of the 1970s, in 1992 Porsche introduced a Type 964 Carrera RS, which was a lightweight variant like its illustrious forebears. It was based on the Carrera Cup competition car and sold exclusively in the European market. The Carrera RS retained the 3.6-liter engine, albeit boosted in maximum output to 260 horsepower, but for the following Carrera RS 3.8, the bore size was increased by 2 mm for a capacity of 3,746 cc. Maximum power went up to 300 hp, and this M64/04 engine was installed in a wider, Turbo-style body, also used for the RSR competition version. It is estimated that only 55 of these 3.8-liter cars were made.
This particular RSR was delivered from the factory in May 1993 to Joest Racing, the famous Porsche exponents and many-times Le Mans winners. Joest Racing’s letter on file states that the RSR had been purchased for use in the newly conceived Warsteiner-ADAC GT Cup series. Offered with the aforementioned documentation and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this car represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire one of these ultra-rare and highly sought-after RSR racers.
