2014_09_13-motor-uk

MOTOR CARS | 265

Representing a major step forward in the development of Porsche’s
perennial 911, the Carrera 4 and Carrera 2 (‘Type 964’ in factory
parlance) had been launched in 1989, the former marking the first
time that four-wheel drive had been seen on a series-production
model. Porsche had experimented with four-wheel drive on the 959
supercar, and many of the lessons learned from the latter influenced
the design of the new Carreras’ chassis and suspension. Face-lifted
but retaining that familiar shape, the newcomers had been given a
more extensive work-over mechanically, 87% of parts being claimed
as entirely new. The pair shared the same 3.6-litre flat-six engine,
while power-assisted steering (another 911 ‘first’), anti-lock brakes
and a five-speed manual transmission were standard on both, with
the Tiptronic auto ‘box a Carrera 2-only option. Its new engine
enabled the 964 to out-perform the old ‘3.2’ yet still met the latest
emissions regulations, top speed increasing to 162mph with 60mph
attainable in 5.4 seconds (5.6 seconds Tiptronic).

Evoking memories of the legendary 2.7 and 3.0-litre RS and RSR
‘homologation specials’ of the 1970s, in 1992 Porsche introduced
a Type 964 Carrera RS, which was a lightweight variant like its
illustrious forebears. It was based on the ‘Carrera Cup’ competition
car and sold in the European market only. The Carrera RS retained
the 3.6-litre engine, albeit boosted in maximum output to 260bhp,
but for the following Carrera RS ‘3.8’, the bore size was increased by
2mm for a capacity of 3,746cc. Maximum power went up to 300bhp
and this M64/04 engine was installed in a wider, Turbo-style body,
also used for the RSR competition version.

Towards the end of production Porsche came up with one of the rarest

of Type 964 variants, the Carrera RS with 3.8-litre engine, which was

produced in limited numbers, an estimated 55 being made.

Built as a standard 3.6-litre Carrera 2 RS, this left-hand drive

example has been converted to full 3.8-litre specification by Porsche

specialists Ninemeister of Warrington, Cheshire. Carried out towards

the end of 2011 for the current registered keeper, who had acquired

the car in October 2004, the work cost over £32,000 (bills and

photographs on file). Other noteworthy features include a full body

kit (using metal panels), ‘3.8’ boot spoiler and original Speedline alloy

wheels. An accompanying dynamometer printout shows that the

engine produces 325bhp.

Finished in Amethyst, ‘J99 RSL’ has covered only 93,761 kilometres

(approximately 58,200 miles) from new and is described as in

generally excellent condition. The car comes complete with owner’s

handbooks, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, German registration

papers, UK type approval certificate, sundry bills, a quantity of

expired MoT certificates and old tax discs, current MoT (expires

August 2015) and V5C document listing only one previous keeper

since the vehicle was first registered in the UK in 2001.

Truly awesome, this beautiful Carrera RS represents a wonderful

opportunity to acquire a most desirable Type 964 variant, upgraded

to the ultimate and exclusive 3.8-litre specification.

£150,000 - 180,000

€190,000 - 230,000