2008 PORSCHE 911 (997) GT3 CUP

This Porsche 997 GT3 Cup is a thrilling track machine, and a great example of the bestselling racing car of all time. It is powered by a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, which the vendor states is now producing around 454hp, coupled to a six-speed sequential transmission.

With more than 1,400 produced from 2006 to 2009, the 997-generation GT3 Cup Car can claim to be the world’s most popular purpose-built racing car, and it also benefits from significant support from a network of specialists who have looked after them over the years. Originally producing 425hp, this 911 is understood to have been tuned to 454hp. The Cup Car also featured a revised aerodynamics package, including the signature high rear wing.

The vendor has owned this car from new, and raced it in period. In 2008 and 2009, the car was raced in the Carrera Cup by Team Herbert Motorsport. In these two seasons, the car achieved two wins; one of them in Hockenheim. After the Carrera Cup seasons, it was raced in the Alpenpokal and Sports Cup.

More recently, it has been carefully stored, and is now offered to another enthusiast to enjoy. Today, as well as being an exciting entrant for a variety of club-level racing, sprints and hill climbs, the 997 model is also eligible for some national GT3 Cup Challenge series.

The car presents in generally excellent condition for a former racer, having previously received minor repairs on the right-side rear panel and to the front spare wheel well. Otherwise, the body remains highly original, and it has received a full respray in the original white. There are a few small marks around the nose, but the finish is in great shape overall.

Its front splitter is slightly scuffed due to its low ride height, but arguably adds some character to this raw racing car. Its wheels are split-rim BBS alloys, which are in generally good order, and there is also a complete spare set, which has some superficial damage from racing use.

The stripped-out cabin is barely recognisable as a 997 model, save for the familiar central air vents in the top of the dashboard. There is a single OMP bucket seat for the driver, and an Alcantara-trimmed OMP steering wheel ahead of them. A digital MoTeC dashboard display gives a clear readout of speed, revs, and fuel among other indicators, and there is a simple panel of buttons and rocker switches in the centre console - including the plumbed-in fire extinguisher system and master cut-off switch. There are no known faults, though of course the car should receive a full check before any race use.

The only modification to the standard Cup specification is the addition of an RS-Tuning racing exhaust, which the vendor states is still legal for European circuits. Its transmission was stripped and rebuilt in 2010, and this was the last significant maintenance, as the car has not been driven since then. It will of course require at least a recommissioning service and check-over before racing again. The tyres on the wheels are used racing slicks.

This Porsche 997 GT3 Cup is a collectible racing car, which is presented in excellent condition by its first and only owner. While there are a few small signs of previous motorsport use, it benefits from a full respray, as well as a gearbox rebuild before being placed into long-term storage. Understood to be one of just 265 Cup cars built for the 2008 model year, developed in Weissach and built in Zuffenhausen, this is a great opportunity to acquire a track-focused Porsche that should need very little before enjoying on a circuit once again.

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