1991 PORSCHE 911

, Porsche 964 RS, Launched in 1989, the Porsche 964 model 911, was the first serious update in the 911s then 26-year history, introducing a much revised bodyshell with aero inspired front and rear aprons, plus a retractable rear spoiler - a new 3.6-litre 250bhp, flat-six engine, with twin-plug ignition and new MacPherson strut suspension all round plus, of course, four-wheel drive in the shape of the 964 Carrera 4. Significantly, the arrival of the 964 also saw Porsche reach into the back catalogue and dust of the RS badge, for the first time in 18-years since the 1974 Carrera 3.0 RS. And this was no cynical marketing exercise, but a proper homologation job, so that the 964 could go racing, first in the 964 Carrera Cup and then beyond in various FIA sports car racing classes on track and rally special stage. The 964 RS was built around a lightened bodyshell. The bonnet was aluminium, the side and rear windows were of thin-gauge glass, undercoating and sound insulation was skipped, key spot-welded joints were rewelded by hand. Instead of fog lamps, the Carrera RS had transparent covers at the front. The rear apron/bumper incorporated a specially-shaped RS centre section. The standard 3.6-litre M96 engine was built with blueprinted lightened and balanced pistons and conrods, and a modified ECU and higher rev limit allowed 260bhp over the standard 964s 250bhp. Maybe not much in todays power obsessed times, but with only 1220kg to move, it was more than enough and comfortably faster than a standard 964 Carrera 2. Less in the way of electrical equipment allowed for a lightweight wiring loom and smaller, lighter battery. The 5-speed G50 transmission was given higher first and second gears, a ZF limited slip diff was installed as standard and the dual-mass flywheel deleted for a lightweight job. Slammed and ultra-stiff on 40mm lowered suspension, with brakes from the 964 Turbo and cast magnesium 17in Cup wheels, the 964 RS resolutely looked the part as a road racer. It drove like one too, particularly with further weight reducing, power-steering delete. Inside the interior was stripped to the bare essentials. Lightweight, fixed bucket seats, door cards with pull straps, and wind up/manual windows (electric for the Touring version), no central locking and even the heater blower ran at just one speed. The ultimate N/GT version was completely stripped to the metal, with full cage, electric cut off and extinguisher. Just add numbers and go racing!, Bizarrely, perhaps, press reception for the 964 RS was not universally complimentary, the ultra-stiff suspension coming in for particular criticism, as many a motoring journo made straight for his chiropractor. In retrospect, with the track day boom a good few years in the future, the 964 RS was probably ahead of its time. Now, of course, its a proper 911 cult classic. Were delighted to have this very early 1991 964 RS at William Francis, in surprisingly rare Guards Red, too. Early? Well the RS was officially a 1992 model year car, but delivered in late November 1991 to Porsche Zentrum Bonn, it tallies with the very first to be registered. According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, it has no optional equipment, which must have made speccing it very simple!, Imported in to the UK in 1998, this 964 RS is obviously LHD, but with only 5% of production (2276) in RHD, sitting on the right side commands quite a premium and quite a search to find one. History prior to its UK arrival is comprehensive, with Porsche dealers and specialists. Since arriving here, it has had four owners and has been used as intended. That is to say, its no garage queen, but equally it has wanted for nothing either, with a thick history file and recent work, with well-known specialists RPM Technik, amounting to over 10,000. We have recently carried out a full service too. With a Matter half roll cage, and Porsche Club Francorchamps stickers, were not going to hide the fact that this 964 RS has been used extensively on track. It is, after all, what it was built for and we would whole heartedly advocate any new owner continues to do so. That said, its not quite as hardcore on the road as the contemporary reviews made out. Or perhaps we are more forgiving of a hardcore ride, these days? Its certainly exciting, the engine, with its chugga, chugga lightweight flywheel, is super-responsive, the steering is full of non-assisted feel and the narrow bodyshell and excellent visibility make it a very useable road weapon. In summary? A 964 RS, thats ready to use and one that any new prospective owner wont need to be too precious about, which these days is really quite liberating!, , , , , ,