2004 Porsche 996 GT3 RS

The very first of the officially labelled water-cooled RennSport GT3’s applying all the initial principles fabled from the original Carrera RS; lightweight, precision, naturally-aspirated and track-ready. The 911 GT3 RS Type 996 today is one of the last of the true analogue 911’s from the “RS” moniker.

Introduced for the 996 generation of 911 in 2003 to homologate the GT3 RSR for racing, the GT3 RS provided Porsche with an excellent vehicle for clients to use on the track and simply drive home again. The very first of the GT3 RS has paved way to continue the model line to this present day now 15 years later, proven to be one of Porsche’s most sought-after and success models by Porsche collectors alike.

At the heart of the beast, or should we say the rear... is its highly desirable 3.6 litre naturally aspirated Flat-Six Mezger unit named after its designer, Hans Mezger, which produces a whopping 400HP to the rear wheels and weighing in at just 1360kg the 911 is propelled 0 – 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

Known for its extreme durability and robustness, the handcrafted Mezger unit utilizes a true dry sump thanks to its roots in motorsport and was initially designed for the 911 GT1 Le Mans racer. Because of its racing intentions, the Mezger doesn’t suffer from IMS bearing failures due its GT1-derived block has a different oil gallery design to ensure the IMS bearing always remains lubricated.

Modifications were made to the RS over the standard GT3, having a slightly different engine specification the cylinder heads had a reshaped intake and exhaust ports to meet homologation regulations. The wheel carriers were totally redesigned to maximize the improved dynamic camber control, the suspension top mounts can be turned 120 degrees to a “Cup Car” position, both front and rear control arms were adjustable and it was equipped with a lightweight roll-cage.

Wider tires and carbon fibre large rear spoiler were fitted to increase downforce, weight was shed through reduction of interior sound deadening, air conditioning, rear seats and a polycarbonate rear window and carbon fibre bonnet were fitted.

With only 140 Right-Hand Drive examples ever built and believed to have been as few as 18 examples arriving on our shores, we are pleased to offer this very rare Australian delivered 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Type 996 in Carrera White ordered with Guards Red wheels and side lettering over black leatherette which has travelled just 29,000kms from new, still in immaculate condition inside and out and conveniently fitted with a front lift kit.

The drive is phenomenal, the controls are a model of tactile consistency, the brakes have hard, linear bite, the gearshift slides with tight, defined precision, the road feel is superb and unrivalled, and the nose readily tucks in anywhere you direct it. The throttle response is instant, the engine seems to never run out of puff throughout the rev-range and the noise is utterly visceral and full of rage as it reaches its powerband.

A Porsche collection would never be completed without one, this Type 996 GT3 RS is unquestionably the most sought-after modern 911 for die-hard enthusiasts of the 996, 997 and 991 generations.

This modern classic will forever be an important part of Porsche’s long history and would be an ideal car for the enthusiast looking to explore the limits of performance on the track or the thrills of one of the most celebrated 911s of the 21st century on the open road, don’t miss this opportunity.