The creation of new FIA GT racing categories in the early 1990s encouraged manufacturers to enter models evolved from production sports cars. Porsche responded with several variants based on its 964-generation 911, including the highly successful RSR. However, by the time that the 993 was launched in 1994, customers were demanding more power than the existing naturally aspirated flat-six engine could provide.

Named for the class for which it was built to contest, Porsche’s answer was the 993 GT2. Based on 993 turbo underpinnings, the GT2 featured bolt-on fender flares, a large rear wing, and aerodynamic panels with air intakes for additional brake cooling. Inside, the racer featured a spartan interior including only the necessities for competition. Fitted with mandated restrictor plates, the turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six developed 450 hp and 400 lbs./ft. of torque. Power was managed by a six-speed manual transaxle that directed power to the rear wheels, as mandated by the regulations.

Launched at the 1994 Essen Motor Show, the 993 GT2 was constructed by Roland Kussmaul’s Motorsport Department at Porsche. A few years later, an even more powerful EVO model was introduced, and the 993 GT2 went on to achieve a dominant record at the highest levels of international endurance racing. Built in limited numbers, the GT2 proved so popular that many private teams were forced to purchase bare tubs from Porsche Motorsport and build up their own cars.

Of all the 993 GT2s that raced in period, few were as successful as the example presented here.

This car, chassis number 048 0026, was sold new by Porsche Motorsport as a bare tub. It was purchased by Larry Schumacher of Cincinnati, Ohio, a successful professional driver and owner of Schumacher Racing. John Wright, who ran Schumacher’s racing team, was given the task of building up this Porsche tub into a new 993 GT2 that would be campaigned in the IMSA Professional Sports Car Racing Series, specifically in the GTS-2 class.

Wright constructed this 993 along the lines of the factory examples per IMSA regulations and continued to improve and update the car to remain competitive, utilizing a combination of factory EVO parts as well as his own developments. Special attention was given to the GT2’s brakes and bodywork, and the car proved enormously successful.

Finished in Schumacher Racing’s distinctive white and purple livery, and wearing race no. 99, this Porsche made its debut at Sears Point in July 1997. Throughout that season, Schumacher and co-drivers John O’Steen and Price Cobb campaigned the GT2 to great effect, capturing class wins at Las Vegas and Sebring. Remarkably, Porsche won every race in the GTS-2 class and took the manufacturer’s title, while Schumacher’s performance earned him the 1997 IMSA Exxon Supreme GTS-2 Drivers Championship.

For the 1998 season, this car shared duties with an identically liveried, factory-built 993 GT2, and Schumacher once again took the IMSA GT2 Championship. In addition to the car’s impressive performances in IMSA competition, it also scored Top 10 finishes at the 1998 12 Hours of Sebring and at the 1999 24 Hours of Daytona, where it placed 2nd in Class.

Following its racing career, the GT2 remained in Larry Schumacher’s ownership until 2013, when it was sold to the current owner, a California-based collector with a stable of significant Porsches. Under his ownership, the car has been used sparingly and is presented today in its final configuration, as it last raced in 1999. In recent months, the GT2 has benefited from a recent service carried out by the experts at Porsche Motorsport North America and fine detailing by Ed Palmer of Kundensport in Oxnard, California.

Since its introduction in 1994, the 993 GT2 has earned a revered reputation with racers, collectors, and historians. As the last air-cooled 911-based Porsche race car, the GT2 achieved considerable success in period and is now eligible for the leading historic events, from Le Mans Classic to Rennsport Reunion. This outstanding car, which was integral in two IMSA championship campaigns and benefits from just two owners from new, represents a chance to acquire a pedigreed competition car from one of the most exciting eras in Porsche’s history.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.