Is This Porsche 911 RS The Perfect Blend Of Modern And Classic?

Photography courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

With the original 2.7 RS fetching high six to low seven figure digits, buying a no-frills factory spec early 911 has become an expensive hobby. The P-car fanatic’s saving grace? The 2016 991 RS. Oh, wait…that’s already sold out? I’m here to help—actually, RM Sotheby’s has you covered. If a 2.7 RS is out of monetary reach and the fanboys beat you to the 991 RS, this 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera RS could be the classic/modern cocktail you’ve been yearning to drink.

That’s right: a 964 RS—if you don’t consider the 964 a classic, you should. What better way to celebrate early air-cooled styling with more-modern power and underpinnings? I checked, there isn’t one—at least not in stock trim. Sure, PCA members went on a hiatus demanding the hardcore RS forbidden fruit from Europe and Porsche threw us a bone with the RS America—but us Yanks only received 701 examples. And as cool as the RS America was, it was essentially an option delete package—not quite the hardcore homologation European equivalent.

This European market only 964 RS is an early Guards Red on grey example with just over 12,000 kilometers since new—less than 400 kilometers a year since assembly. The 3.6-liter flat six was recalibrated to the tune of 260 hp and a livelier throttle response. In line with the RS nameplate, adding power wasn’t the primary goal: it was just a slice of the pie.

As much as the phrase gets overly used nowadays, Porsche has always modeled the RS as a true “driver’s car”. In addition to the extra power, the body received aluminum doors, frunk lid, and bonnet. Thinner glass was fitted to the sides and rear window and the RS also received unique lightweight magnesium five-spoke Cup 1 type wheels wrapped in soft compound Michelin rubber. The suspension was revised for a stiffer, lower ride complete with uprated stabilizer bars and front strut brace.

Front grey-tri-colored fixed buckets keep two occupants tightly in place, the generally worthless-anyway rear seats are non-existent, and the door panels are reminiscent of the original 2.7 RS featuring simple shut straps and red pull-loops. On a determined diet, the airbags, radio and speakers, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, and sound deadening were left out. The added lightness resulted in a ~2,690-pound curb weight. Well over 300 pounds were shaved off from the standard 964 heft, which should help with the lack of power steering!

Porsche Zentrum Kiel—the car’s original dealer—held onto the car for years before selling it to an Italian enthusiast. The second owner registered the car in 2001 with just 7,500 kilometers. The current seller acquired the car in 2004 and has driven the car sparingly since. With the odometer tallying a few clicks over 12,000 kilometers, this could be the most factory fresh 964 RS left.

The car has been well maintained exclusively by Porsche dealers and the original tool kit, owner’s manuals, and fully documented service booklet accompanies the sale. If you’re preferences are like mine, this is the ultimate expression of a factory 911. No excessive styling, no extra unnecessary amenities, and no wonky rear spoiler—wings belong on aircraft. This is arguably the purest, undiluted Carrera concoction mixed straight from Stuttgart.

Classic colors, driver focused, and finally of age for legal U.S. importation, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for?

Specifications

~260 horsepower, 3,600 cc SOHC air-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with Bosch Motronic engine management and fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission with LSD, front and rear independent suspension, and four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,272 mm.

Vehicle information


Chassis no.: WP0ZZZ96ZNS490280
Engine no.: 62N80712

Valuation


– Includes all original books and owner’s manual
– Documented service history; stamped warranty and service booklets
– Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
Estimate: TBD
Price realized: Auction on April 14