2003 PORSCHE 911 (996) GT3 RS

This Porsche 996 GT3 RS is a stunning example of one of the rarest ‘Rennsport’ 911s ever, presented in impressive cosmetic and mechanical condition. Its engine is the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated ‘Mezger’ flat-six - producing 375bhp ‘on paper’, but in reality perhaps north of 390bhp - driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 56,717 miles from new.

An evolution of the 996.2 GT3, the RS featured a carbon-fibre bonnet and rear wing, polycarbonate rear window, and the lightweight bucket seats, half roll cage and harnesses from the GT3 Clubsport package. Mechanically, it was upgraded with stiffer shock absorbers and progressive springs, and this particular car left the factory with the standard cast iron brake discs.

Just 682 examples of the 996 GT3 RS are understood to have been built, and this is one of only 140 recorded as right-hand drive cars, with 113 having been officially imported into the UK.

First registered in December 2003 and supplied by Porsche Centre Exeter, this 996 GT3 RS has five previous registered keepers on the log book. It was in single ownership between 2008 and 2016, covering around 25,000 miles in this time, and was well maintained. It was acquired by the current owner in 2019.

Its bodywork and Carrara White paint are described by the seller as being in excellent condition, with only some minor stone chips around the front end. The wing mirror casings and rear wing end panels are in gloss carbon-fibre rather than being colour-coded, while the correct red decals are in place. The car rides on the correct 18-inch GT3 alloy wheels, which are finished with the colour-matched centres and polished rims, and which remain in superb order.

Inside, the lightweight Recaro bucket seats are present and correct, trimmed in the original Nomex fabric, which presents very well indeed. The standard red seat belts are still in place, while the driver’s seat retains the Schroth racing harness for track work. Its roll cage was also specified in white to match the body.

While air-conditioning was available as an option, the first owner of this car was evidently a purist, electing to have just simple fan ventilation and heating instead. In the spirit of “adding lightness”, the deletion of the system is understood to shed around 20kg of weight from the already pared-back RS.

The car is fresh from a major service at Jacksons Porsche, Jersey in June 2020 at 56,649 miles. This was a major service that included renewal of the rear brake discs. Prior to this, its most recent services were in January 2019 at 56,332 miles at Porsche Brooklands, and in March 2016 at 54,424 miles at Porsche Glasgow.

In November 2016, it was put through a 111-point inspection at Porsche Brooklands to identify any issues that needed attending to. The front brake discs and pads were subsequently renewed, as well as the front brake ducts. A summary of its service history is included below, and a more detailed history is visible in the photo gallery.

A rev range check on file supports the fact that this GT3 RS has not been abused, with zero ‘Range 2’ ignitions recorded, and only 48 seconds of ignitions in ‘Range 1’ – and the most recent of those were over 50 hours ago.

The most recent MOT test was on 3 June 2019 at 56,343 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. Given the six-month extension, the next test is not due until 2 December 2020. The wheels are shod in Toyo Proxes R888 tyres, in size 235/40 ZR18 at the front and 295/30 ZR18 at the rear. They are date-coded to 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Accompanying the car are all of the original books as shown in the gallery below, including the stamped warranty and maintenance record. Bidders should note that the build sticker appears to have a ‘run on’ printing error where the options for a different Porsche are included after the X98 code. The original tools, locking wheel nut key, and spare car keys are present.

This Porsche 996 GT3 RS is a sublime driver’s car, offering an incredible level of purity and precision. It is a renowned lightweight and track-focused 911, which has evidently been thoroughly enjoyed, and is ready to thrill a new owner. This is a great opportunity to acquire a rare and coveted RS model, benefitting from regular maintenance throughout its life.

Summary of service history:

• 16 Nov 2004: 3,428 miles (Porsche Exeter)
• 2 Nov 2005: 5,846 miles (Porsche Exeter)
• 30 Aug 2006: 18,584 miles (Parr Porsche)
• 12 Mar 2007: 26,638 miles (JZ Machtech)
• 15 Feb 2010: 40,751 miles (Porsche Glasgow)
• 2 Mar 2011: 43,942 miles (Geo Morrison)
• 14 Feb 2012: 46,979 miles (Porsche Glasgow)
• 5 Mar 2013: 48,479 miles (Geo Morrison)
• 16 Jun 2014: 51,651 miles (Porsche Glasgow)
• 5 May 2015: 53,084 miles (Geo Morrison)
• 10 Mar 2016: 54,424 miles (Porsche Glasgow)
• 8 Jan 2019: 56,332 miles (Porsche Brooklands)
• 23 Jun 2020: 56,649 miles (Jacksons Porsche)

Factory specification:

• C16: UK market car
• 441: Radio preparation
• 567: Top-tinted windscreen
• 596: Safety cage painted white (GT3 RS)
• 697: CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-23
• X98: Handbrake lever with aluminium inlay

All 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.