1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
In January of 1989, Porsche introduced its latest 911 redesign, internally known as the Type 964. The 964's chassis had been completely re-engineered to accept a new all-wheel-drive system developed in the 959 and 961. It was dubbed the Carrera 4. The less-complex rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 arrived a few months later and would form the base of the 964's higher-performance and racing derivatives. The first of those was the RS 3.6 of 1992, which was powered by a warmed-up version of the standard twin-plug, normally aspirated 3.6-litre engine. Porsche then upped the ante with its Carrera RS 3.8 for the 1993-1994 model years.
While the wide-bodied RS 3.8 resembled its sibling 964 Turbo, it was easily identifiable by its larger fixed bi-plane rear wing embossed with the '3.8' logo on its sides. Like its spiritual predecessors, the brilliant and very much sought-after RS 2.7 and RS 3.0 of 1973 and 1974, the 964 RS 3.8 was offered in Touring and Lightweight form, and echoing the earlier model, lots of attention was paid to weight reduction. The bonnet and doors were made from aluminium rather than steel. The door glass and rear quarter windows were thinner and lighter as well, just as on many of the RS 2.7s. Following that theme, the 964's standard plush carpeting was replaced with thinner and lighter material, the rear seats were removed, and items such as the power door locks, electric windows, and electric multi-adjustable seats were replaced with less weighty components. There was no sound insulation or undercoating. The door cards were of the lightweight design as on the RS 2.7 and 3.0, with simple strap pulls and no armrests. Air conditioning was dispensed with and the power steering was replaced with a lighter, non-assisted rack. If it did not add to performance, out it went. The result was a brilliant road car with fierce acceleration, capable of scorching the autobahn or other suitable highway or track at almost 170 mph.
Only 55 were built and this example will be offered by RM Sotheby's at their upcoming Amelia Island auction, now moved to the 9th March. The estimated value is between $1,250,000 - $1,500,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos: Patrick Ernzen © Courtesy of RM Sotheby's.