PROVENANCE
Oehmichen & Bürgers Industrieplanung GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany (acquired new in 1995)
George Athanasopoulos, London, UK (acquired from the above in 2007)
Matthew Cyser, London, UK (acquired from the above in 2008)
Vlym Yann, Bartenheim, France (acquired from the above in 2008)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Between 1994 and 1995, Porsche carefully reworked its potent 3.6-liter type M64 engine – the original heart of the 993 Carrera – increasing the displacement to 3.8 liters while reducing the weight of engine internals. Known as the type M64/20, Porsche’s latest high-performance engine employed a state-of-the-art technology called VarioRam, a variable-length intake system that greatly improved low- to mid-range torque. While VarioRam would later be applied throughout the normally aspirated model range, it was first utilized only for racing applications.

The new 3.8-liter flat-six developed nearly 300 bhp and was the powerplant chosen for the 993 Cup and RSR models that were campaigned in a variety of international GT racing series. To homologate these cars for racing, Porsche built the road-going Carrera 3.8 RS, the most powerful normally aspirated model of the 993 series and the last air-cooled 911 to carry the famous Rennsport moniker.

As the basis for Porsche’s GT racing program, the Carrera 3.8 RS shaved nearly 200 pounds from the curb weight of a standard 993; featured a strengthened body shell, lightweight aluminum opening panels, and thinner glass; and benefited from carefully tuned, adjustable suspension. The RS also received increased-capacity oil coolers, a limited-slip differential, Turbo brakes, and a clever traction control system.

Inside, the Carrera 3.8 RS was available with either sport seats or lightweight racing buckets, and was thoroughly de-contented, providing the driver with a more purposeful, businesslike environment. Owners who wanted an even more extreme experience could specify the Clubsport package, which effectively transformed the car into a street-legal, production racer.

Completed on June 27, 1995, this Carrera RS was originally ordered in ultra-desirable Riviera Blue, the most sought-after livery for the model. Specified for German delivery, this car possesses the bold appearance of the track-focused Clubsport model, but is ideally equipped for road use with manual windows, a three-spoke motorsport steering wheel, air-conditioning, deluxe Blaupunkt radio, and specially ordered power-adjustable, heated sport seats. The interior features additional Exclusive Department custom touches, with the seatbacks, door pulls, and seat belts finished in Riviera Blue.

According to documents on file, this RS was originally sold through Porsche Zentrum Düsseldorf to its first owner and registered under the company name, Oehmichen & Bürgers Industrieplanung GmbH. The Porsche remained in the hands of its original caretaker until 2007, when it was sold to George Athanasopoulos of London. After a brief period in the care of another English owner, the Carrera was sold to a French Porsche collector.

The current American owner acquired the car after a careful inspection confirmed its quality, and it has since been imported into the US under the NHTSA’s Show or Display exemption.

This Carrera 3.8 RS is a particularly rare specimen, in that it remains in excellent original condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. Beautifully maintained in all respects and retaining its factory finishes and inspection markings, this Porsche shows little evidence of use over the past two decades. Consistent with its condition is its low recorded mileage; at the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed less than 12,900 km (8,015 miles). This figure is supported by an impressive file of service records and corresponding stamps in the original warranty book.

In keeping with its overall condition, this Porsche is offered with its original handbook folio, which contains the original owner’s manual, Carrera RS supplement, warranty book, dealer directory, touring pass, and Blaupunkt radio literature. Also included are the original tool roll, spare keys, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

Beyond these important accessories, the RS is presented with an extensive file of documentation. Included here are service records dating to August 1995, German and UK registration documents, and paperwork relating to the car’s importation under the Show or Display exemption.

As the last air-cooled Rennsport model, the Carrera 3.8 RS will maintain an important place in Porsche history. Like its predecessors dating back to the original 2.7 RS of 1973, the 3.8 RS was built in limited numbers for motor sport homologation purposes and blurred the line between road and racing car. The remarkable qualities of these rare competition-bred Porsches have long been recognized by connoisseurs and are increasingly appreciated by today’s collectors.

In consideration of its exceptional colors and specifications, low mileage, and superb documentation, this is quite possibly the finest all-around example of a Carrera 3.8 RS extant.