Brought to the UK in 2016, Valluga of Silverstone would carry out a multitude of works including installation of a brand new crate engine from Oberhausen Porsche race prep specialists – Albert Motorsports. Having had a brief shakedown at Brands and Silverstone in the Summer of 2023, Copse Automotive have been through the car to ensure it sits on the button and ready to go.
Eligible for a number of Club racing series around the globe and a keen and competitive entry point into either the growing Peter Auto Classic Endurance Legends or Masters Endurance Legends series.
EQUIPMENT
M96/72 Cup Engine, 98db Exhaust system, MOTEC ECU and dash, Sparco / Sabelt bucket seats, Schroth harnesses, Ohlins Suspension, Fire suppression system, Krontec Air Jacks, Racelogic camera, Dash shift light, GT3 R rear spoiler, 2 x sets BBS wheels with wets / slicks, Spare front bumper
EXTERIOR
Presenting in it’s original World Challenge livery, the modest proportions and simple curves of the Gen 1 996 contribute to a flowing aerodynamic form – an agile and elegant shape lost on more modern machinery. To see the car still wearing it’s original livery, when it was at it’s most successful, is something very special and shows a delightful patina throughout as if just delivered from Parc Ferme at Laguna Seca in 2002.
One of two cars prepared in period by 3R Racing, Chassis 079 shows a striking painted livery with Speed GT and World Challenge sponsor sticker sets all weathered but in fantastic condition. The sister car showing a red front end and roof colour rather than yellow – the pair immediately noticeable on the SCCA grids of the time. Originally the car would have run with window nets in period, hence the metal braces on the rear screen, although new Lexan items have been installed.
Air Jack and fire suppression systems have been replaced and work as they should while the rear end of the car is dominated by an adjustable GT3 R spec spoiler that offers broader aero adjustment.
INTERIOR
With only one purpose in mind the interior of the Cup car is minimal; raw and very noisy! A huge amount of Porsche racing expertise went into the Carrera Cups to remove weight and build a genuine race car that could be bought direct from the manufacturer.
The 996 dash now houses upgraded RSR spec MOTEC instrumentation with two rows of four operational switches – all clear and easy to operate – although enthusiasts will notice the traditional 6 speed gear knob at the centre of operations is unchanged from the Gen 1 GT3 road car. The roll cage has been inspected and strengthened accordingly whilst the air jack system has been completely renewed courtesy of Krontec. The Sparco bucket seat was recently installed and is in-date for competition, with a removable Sabelt passenger bucket currently in situ for tuition or passenger rides. An in-date extinguisher is installed in the passenger footwell alongside replacement of all the relevant plumbing for both in-car and engine bay.
Finally, multi race winner Randy Pobst has signed the rear seat cavity to ensure the provenance and pedigree of this racer are never forgotten.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 3.6 Mezger race engine has to be one of the most intoxicating ever built – layers of sound throughout the rev range is unparalleled motorsport theatre made all the more special with the 6 speed manual ‘box. Originally on megaphone pipes the sound would be on another level, so a new trackday friendly 98db exhaust system has been installed to ensure the car is eminently useable throughout the year at all circuits.
The Gearbox has been stripped and synchro rings renewed while the gearbox carrier itself has also been upgraded. The box itself is a joy to use, falling to hand perfectly with pedal position just right for heel and toe action.
Suspension has been overhauled with fully rebuilt Ohlins dampers, alongside new track rod ends and ball joints, and a full ride height geo recently carried out for both wet and slick tyre compatibility.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The legendary BBS split rims have been stripped and rebuilt with new gaskets and bolts as well as fresh gold paint to the centres and polishing of the outer rims. The car comes with a spare set of silver BBS wheels, with scrubbed slicks, that have also been through the same refurbishment process. The car currently sits on very lightly used Wets.
The formidable Brembo braking system is a brilliant match for the Mezger motor and has been overhauled with new pistons and seals.
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