Porsche 964 Carrera RS

While top-of-the-range 911s bettered the model in terms of total engine output, the Carrera RS was a triumph of performance over power, with improved driving dynamics due in no small part to a crash diet inspired by the Carrera Cup racer. Unnecessary weight was removed from countless components, with the steel bonnet replaced with an aluminium unit, along with fitment of magnesium wheels and a smaller battery. Thinner-gauge glass was employed, pull-handle door cards were fitted, and sound insulation and carpeting were reduced. Even the stereo became an optional extra, contributing to an already pared-back wiring loom.

Though it shared its 3.6-litre M64/03 air-cooled flat-six engine with the production Carrera, it was more powerful in RS guise. Driving the rear wheels, the engine was paired with a high-specification drivetrain that included a racing clutch, single-mass flywheel, five-speed manual transaxle, and a ZF asymmetric limited-slip differential. Allied with its improved kerb weight, the Carrera RS proved to be one of the most exciting and engaging driver’s cars in the 911 line-up—and something of a connoisseur’s choice compared with the headline-grabbing 911 Turbo.

Chassis 490121 is one of just 2,276 examples of the coveted Carrera RS to be built. Destined for the German market and finished in black over a two-tone black and grey leather interior, the car left the production line on 11 September 1991 and was delivered to its first owner via Porsche-Zentrum Münster nine days later. According to an accompanying service book, the car was regularly serviced between 1992 and 2019, with a total of 14 service stamps taking place at Porsche dealerships and specialists.

Beautifully presented, with the odometer reading just 59,055 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, this Carrera RS is accompanied by its original magnesium wheels, a tool roll, a space-saver spare wheel, and a warning triangle.