1995 Porsche 911 Type 993 Carrera Cup Competition Coupé
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ99ZTS398078

The exciting car offered here is an example of one of the rarest of Porsche 911 Type 993 variants: the Carrera RS Cup with the 3.8-litre engine, which was intended for amateur motor sports use and produced in limited numbers.

In 1993 Porsche had introduced what is regarded by many as the most beautiful 911 of all: the Type 993. Over the years the 911 had received numerous aerodynamic and safety-inspired add-ons, diluting the purity of the original form; the Type 993's arrival marked a return to basic principles, being recognisably a 911 but one in which all functions had been harmoniously integrated in a truly outstanding example of modern automotive styling. The range offered remained pretty much as before, comprising two- and four-wheel drive models, the legendary Turbo and the Cabriolet convertible, all powered by the latest 3.6-litre version of Porsche's perennial flat-six engine.

In January 1995 the range was extended by the introduction of the Carrera RS. Described by its maker as a 'street-legal two-seater', the RS was based on the two-wheel drive Carrera and like its legendary RennSport forebear of the 1970s, was considerably lighter and more powerful than the stock version. Everything considered unnecessary for competition purposes - electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, headlight washers, stereo speakers, etc - was discarded, while aluminium was used for the front luggage compartment lid, and thinner window glass specified. Airbags were optional and the two bucket seats were lighter than the standard items; the result was a reduction in weight of around 220lb (100kg). Power assisted steering was retained.

For the Carrera RS '3.8', the engine's bore size was increased by 2mm for a capacity of 3,746cc; maximum power went up to 300bhp, lowered suspension improved the handling, and the RS came as standard with the optional dynamic limited-slip differential and RS Cup-type 18" wheels. There was also a more 'hardcore', though still road-legal, Clubsport version, 100 of which were built to meet the FIA GT2 homologation requirements, and the track-only Carrera Cup. The latter was intended for the Porsche Pirelli Supercup (later the Porsche Michelin Supercup) that had run as a support series for Formula 1 since 1993. Enthusiasts worldwide have been thrilled by the sight of packed fields of identical cars driven - mainly - by rising stars, engaged in some of the closest-fought racing to be found anywhere. Now known as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the series visits legendary European venues such as Monaco, Monza, and Spa, with races held immediately after the Sunday morning F1 warm-up session as a prelude to the main event.

For the Porsche Pirelli Supercup, 1996 was a bumper year with a larger field (of up to 34 cars) on the starting grid than ever before. In its fourth season, the fastest one-make series in the world offered passionate Porsche customers and Grand Prix spectators alike what they most adored: fierce duels between classic GT cars. That same year, the German Porsche Carrera Cup entered its seventh season in style, offering equally hard-fought competition. Both series featured the stunning Carrera Cup 3.8, with a claimed 315bhp on tap, weighing only 1,100kg, and a top speed of around 270km/h (170mph). Drivers entering these Cup competitions included Ralf Schumacher, Norbeto Fontana, Bernard Simmenauer, Jacques Laffite, Stefan Johansen, Ralf Waldmann, Harald Grohs, Kevin Schwantz, Ralf Kelleners, Jurgen von Gartzen, Jack Leconte, Patrick Huisman, Paul Belmondo, Patrick Simon, and Emmanuel Collard.

Representing a rare opportunity to acquire one of these special Type 993 Cup cars, this example is finished in classic Grand Prix White and comes equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox, unassisted steering, 18" centre-locking magnesium-alloy wheels, locking differential, 75-litre fuel tank, roll cage, single Sparco seat, and biplane rear wing. The car is offered with FFSA Technical Passport (issued 1997), dynamometer printout (300 horsepower), and a copy of the factory specification sheet.

These Cup cars are ideal for anyone considering taking up historic racing, and represent excellent value for money when compared to the likes of the RSR and GT2 models. An opportunity not to be missed.