Porsche 996 GT3 RSR
2ND IN CLASS AT 2006 LE MANS 24 HOURS
ULTIMATE ITERATION OF THE PORSCHE 996 GT2
MULTIPLE LE MANS 24 HOUR PARTICIPANT
ELIGIBLE FOR LE MANS CLASSIC AND 'ENDURANCE RACING LEGENDS'
Since the turn of the Millenium, the GT2 category was one of the hotly contested classes in endurance racing. It tempted manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette and Aston Martin to challenge one another to see who could produce the best car for not only speed, but also endurance.
The 996 GT3 in all its variations was the most dominant model in the history of GT racing, enjoying unparalleled success in all of the major endurance races and championships across the globe. Indeed during its time at Le Mans in particular, it was considered a rarity when the 996 would be beaten by another car.
In 2004, Porsche produced the final iteration of its venerable 996, the RSR. Indeed, the RSR moniker has earned its place in Porsche's lexicon thanks to decades of successes, and so this variant of the 996 is the most desirable. For the RSR Porsche introduced a sequential gearbox, plus a plethora of aerodynamic and suspension improvements, all of which combined to make Weissach's latest offering a force to be reckoned with.
Having yet again enjoyed dominance in the GT2 class around the world across two seasons, yet reached the limit of its development, the legendary 996 closed its illustrious chapter at the end of 2006. For 2007 it was replaced by the all new 997 GT3 RSR, which was developed to counter the rise of Ferrari’s F430 GTC. An interesting footnote however is that during the 997 RSRs debut season, some teams continued racing their old 996 RSRs, and still managed to beat Ferrari's new car!
Chassis WPOZZZ99Z5S693067:
We are delighted to present for sale one of the best examples available. This chassis is still in the hands of its original owner and proudly wearing its livery from its greatest result… 2nd in class at the 2006 Le Mans 24 Hours
One of just ten examples delivered in 2005, chassis 693067 debuted at the Spa 1000km where suffered a gearbox failure. Its next appearance would be the 2005 iteration of the Le Mans 24 Hours where it would battle its way to a 5th in class finish. The remainder of the 2005 would see the car compete in the remaining races of the Le Mans Endurance Series.
It would be 2006 where this brilliant car would show it’s true speed. Up against Ferrari’s newest competitor, the F430 GTC, the 996 RSR should have been outgunned. However, as history shows, this was far from the truth. 693067 would once again compete in the ‘Le Mans Endurance Series’, which included the Sebring 12hrs. It’s biggest achievement would come in the form of a 2nd in class finish at the toughest race of them all, Le Mans. This chassis would be the highest placed Porsche at the finish line in the 2006 Le Mans, whilst also beating Maranello's all-new challenger.
