EXHIBITED
Santa Fe Concorso, Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 2013 (First in Class)

THIS CAR
Following the demise of the World Sportscar Championship in 1992, the introduction of the BPR Global GT Endurance Series revived international GT racing. To compete in BPR and other newly established production-based racing series, Porsche responded with the GT2 – a thoroughbred competition car based on the new twin-turbo 993. To homologate the racing car for competition, Porsche was required to build a number of road-going models that shared the basic specifications of the competition car.

Using a proven formula that was applied to the normally aspirated 993 Carrera RS, the GT2 was given aluminum doors and trunk lid which, along with a minimalist interior and the change to two-wheel drive, significantly lightened the car in relation to the standard 993 Turbo. The GT2 retained much of the classic 911 form, even with the additions of large GRP fender flares, a prominent front-air dam, and a large, adjustable rear wing, with special openings on either side to feed the turbocharged engine. Power came from a revised version of the 993 Turbo’s twin-turbocharged flat six, modified to run higher boost levels, resulting in a reliable output of 430 bhp with the help of an additional oil cooler. Forged three-piece wheels rounded out a package that was as outrageous in appearance as the racing version, but finished to the impeccable standards expected of an exclusive Porsche road car.

Presented in minimally used and striking condition, and offered with its original owner’s handbooks and tool kit, this rare contemporary supercar allows the US-based Porsche enthusiast to add an important model to the stable, as the 993 GT2 was not officially exported to the US when new. Believed to be one of just 17 examples delivered new to Japan, this GT2 resided there until being purchased and imported in 2013 by a well-known Porsche enthusiast. In April 2014, the Porsche was sold to a respected East Coast collector known for the fastidious care and presentation of his vehicles. Since being purchased by the consignor in 2015, the GT2 has been enjoyed carefully and was recently serviced by a marque specialist, including the replacement of the turbo oil-supply lines.

This spectacular GT2 has been driven approximately 36,000 km from new, each of which have obviously been executed with care. Finished in Porsche’s lovely Polar Silver, this rare homologation special presents incredibly well and would be ideal for both driving and show events. The outright performance of this model was an absolute revelation to Porschephiles in 1996 and will impress even the most devoted supercar aficionados today. One turn behind the wheel demonstrates not only why the competition variant of this model was so successful, but also why the street version has become such a sought-after collector car.

Since its arrival in the US, the GT2 has been kept in a climate-controlled environment and driven sparingly. Significantly, this rare Porsche is accompanied by paperwork showing importation under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Show and Display exemption, which allows certain historically or technologically significant automobiles to be imported into the US.

Some authorities say as few as 57 strasse, or street, versions of the GT2 were produced, in addition to 116 competition cars. The rarity of these machines, coupled with the overall acceptance of special 993 variants as true collectibles, has catapulted the original GT2 to the top of many collectors’ must-have lists. As a result of its limited production and genuine competition heritage, the 993 GT2 is widely considered among the top-tier supercars of the 1990s – held in the same regard as its contemporary rivals, the Ferrari F50 and McLaren F1.

A true homologation special with outrageous looks to accompany its electrifying performance, the 993 GT2 is the grand finale in a long line of turbocharged air-cooled Porsche 911s that started with the 2.1-liter Turbo RSR of 1973 and produced such standouts as the legendary 934 and 935.

For the collector in search of a highly original, ideally specified, and well- maintained example of this landmark Porsche, this is a rare opportunity that should not be missed.