Developed to homologate the 911 for FIA GT3 sports car racing, Porsche launched the Type 996 GT3 in 1999. In competition form, the GT3 enjoyed considerable success on the track with class wins at Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona. For the 2003 model year, an even more track-focused RS – meaning Rennsport or “racing sport” – variant was introduced based on the updated and facelifted version of the 996, the 996.2.
The GT3 RS utilized the same water-cooled Mezger-designed flat-six as the standard GT3 model. Officially stated by its maker to develop 380 hp at 7,400 rpm and 283 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm, many owners reported output closer to 400 hp. Lighter and sharper than the standard model, weight-reduction measures included a polycarbonate rear window, carbon fiber hood, and rear wing, while ceramic composite brakes were among the fairly short list of available options. While 0–60 mph was ticked by in approximately 4.3 seconds on the way to 190 mph, handling – rather than outright speed – was the RS’ forte. Sadly, for Porsche enthusiasts in the US and Canada, while the regular 996 GT3 was made available, the track-focused RS was never officially imported when new and is rarely seen here today.
This 2004 Porsche 996 GT3 RS is one of 682 examples built between 2003 and 2005, and was completed by the factory on May 11, 2004. Delivered to its first owner in Belgium, this example is finished in Carrara White with Red graphics and wheels over a black fabric interior with optional body-color-painted center console, green-tinted windscreen, Pirelli tires, and Porsche CDR 23 radio. Distinguishing it from other examples, this particular 996 GT3 RS was specified with the Clubsport package, which comprises a roll cage, Schroth six-point racing harnesses for the fixed-back Recaro bucket seats, and a single-mass flywheel that enabled the engine to spin to redline just a bit more freely.
The consignor, an American collector with a stable of Porsche RS models, purchased this sparingly used 996 GT3 RS in February 2020, and after importing it into the US, commissioned JK Technologies of Baltimore, Maryland, to federalize the car to US standards. Registering a scant 1,602 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, this 996 GT3 RS appears in commensurately pristine and original condition throughout.
Believed by many ardent enthusiasts to offer more character and thrills than its successors, this extremely rare and highly sought-after first-generation GT3 RS checks all the boxes for desirability and will enhance any Porsche collection.
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