1996 PORSCHE 911 (993) CARRERA RS - LHD

This Porsche 993 Carrera RS is a remarkably well-presented modern performance icon, which boasts a great specification and is accompanied by an excellent service history record. Under the engine lid is a 3.8-litre air-cooled flat-six, producing around 296bhp, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer shows just 42,612 km (26,478 miles).

Only 1,014 examples of the Porsche 993 Carrera RS were built, featuring not only the uprated 3.8-litre engine, but also a limited-slip differential, and the larger cross-drilled and ventilated brakes discs and four-piston callipers from the 911 Turbo of the era.

The body shell was seam-welded, and it was equipped with thinner glass and an aluminium bonnet panel. Its suspension was a bespoke setup using Bilstein shock absorbers, lowered springs, and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars. A strut brace was also installed under the front bonnet. The wheels are three-piece 18-inch polished alloys. This particular car was specified from the factory with the larger Clubsport style front splitter and rear wing.

In the Carrera RS’s cabin, the soundproofing was pared back to reduce weight, and the rear seats were removed. The standard front seats were replaced with racing bucket seats, and lightweight door panels were fitted. While the car was reported to be stripped down to around 1280kg, this particular car was specified in a slightly more comfort-focused specification, with electric windows and air-conditioning, along with a driver’s airbag.

Understood to have been completed in July 1995, it was dispatched to its first owner in Japan, and registered for the road in October that year. It remained in Asia until early 2015, when it was imported to the UK and re-registered in February to the only subsequent registered keeper, which was the importer. The car was later sold to a collector, and was sent to Redline Racing to ensure it was on-the-button, with attention given to any items needing replacement or refurbishment. As a result, around £19,000 was invested in bringing it up to the standard seen today, and it has since covered only 671 km.

The bodywork and paint is reported to be in excellent condition, with no known damage. It is assumed that some remedial paintwork has probably been carried out given the car’s age, and how well it presents today. There appear to be some minor stone chips from sparing road use, but overall the finish looks superb. Its Clubsport front lip spoiler and rear wing are in great shape, and give the car significantly more presence than RS models without them. The 18-inch wheels are also pristine, with no kerbing damage or noticeable marring of the lacquer.

Inside, the car is equipped with the lightweight seats upholstered in full black leather with perforated centre panels. There are signs of use, but no significant wear or discolouration, commensurate with the low mileage. The main contact points are all in good order, and there are no known electrical issues or faults with any of the switchgear. As well as the dashboard air-conditioning unit, the car also features a period-correct Blaupunkt Paris radio cassette player.

The car is fresh from a service carried out in November 2020 at 42,611 km by JCT600 Leeds, and prior to this it was seen by Redline Racing in both November 2018 and October 2016. Its owner reports the car to be in superb mechanical order, stating that it “wants for nothing” and is ready to take to the road.

The most recent MOT test was on 5 November 2020 at 42,612 km, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories or defects. Bidders should note that the latest MOT reading was erroneously recorded as ‘miles’ - as were the tests in 2016 and 2015 - but this is a genuine kilometre reading.

Accompanying the car are the original Japanese handbooks, the correct RS supplement, and also a second copy of the book in English. It is also supported by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a 993 Carrera RS brochure and technical books. The original toolkit, jack and air compressor are also present, along with the spare key and original key pouch.

This Porsche 993 Carrera RS represents a fine example of the final air-cooled model to wear the iconic RS moniker, and as such is rightly regarded as arguably the pinnacle of its analogue modern classic era. It is an immersive and exciting road car, but is also a great choice for thrilling track days, should the next owner so desire. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, it would be a superb addition to any Porsche collection.

Factory options:

• 197: 88AH Battery
• 451: Reduced Radio Operation
• 471: Carrera RS Clubsport spoilers
• 561: Drivers Air Bag
• 573: Air Conditioning
• 651: Electric Windows

Summary of service history:

• 04-08-1996 - 5,116 km Japan
• 11-06-1998 - 10,681 km Japan
• 02-08-1999 - 16,298 km Japan
• 23-11-2001 - 21,013 km Japan
• 16-08-2003 - 25,863 km Japan
• 14-04-2005 - 28,463 km Japan
• 13-11-2007 - 32,387 km Japan
• 04-09-2009 - 35,941 km Japan
• xx-06-2011 - 38,428 km Japan
• 22-10-2013 - 40,064 km Japan
• 10-01-2016 - 41,907 km Specialist Cars Malton
• 11-10-2016 - 42,217 km Redline Racing
• 15-11-2018 - 42,269 km Redline Racing
• 05-11-2020 - 42,611 km JCT600 Leeds

UK MOT history:

• 30-01-2015 - 41,811 km
• 16-11-2015 - 41,941 km
• 23-08-2016 - 42,047 km
• 25-08-2017 - 42,257 km
• 10-10-2018 - 42,269 km
• 03-09-2019 - 42,400 km
• 05-11-2020 - 42,612 km

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.