Lately it seems like Porsche has been hitting home runs with variations of the current lineup, with every track-focused special edition selling out before sunset. I have no clue what it means to be a Porsche purist, but it’s pretty clear they’ve had a long history of scooping-up these race inspired models because Porsche just keeps making them, and that’s good for us. For the last five generations, the most powerful back-to-basics and maddest 911 comes with a GT2 badge, adopting the latest advancements in motorsports available at the time.
This model comes straight out of a playbook that goes back to the ‘73 Carrera RS (meaning Rennsport or Racing Sport in English), which was reintroduced to the 964 seventeen years later, surprising corporate Porsche with its high take rate at a time when annual sales had plummeted more than sixty percent. This hot arrangement was quickly tested with the limited release of the 911 Turbo S Lightweight (Leichtbau) in 1992. The Lightweight applied the rear-wheel drive and bare-essential framework of the RS, but implanted it with an upgraded version of Porsche’s highest output 964 turbo engine, a formula that continues to reign supreme in the 911 lineup.
RM Sotheby’s - 1992 911 Turbo S Lightweight
The GT2 first came to the European market as a homologation special in 1995, with the introduction of the 993 generation in the previous year. Built for the GT2 class of the BPR Global GT Series, for which the moniker gets its name, it adopted the wider track and suspension of the race car, housed under huge bolt-on fenders. With its low curb weight and massive power, the rear wheel GT2 was not for the faint of heart. The rear spoiler was designed with integrated air intakes needed to supplement air to the high powered turbo engine. Weight was reduced by using magnesium wheels, thinner glass, removing all unnecessary conveniences like the rear seat and electronic features, which all amounted to about 500 pounds in weight savings compared to the turbo! The combination of light weight and massive power, all sent to the rear, has given the GT2 a traction-breaking, hair-raising reputation.
Jeremy Cliff / RM Sotheby's - 1996 911 GT2
The 996 Generation 911 GT2 was the first of its kind offered in the United States. Unlike its motorsport derived predecessor, this generation was developed with road use in mind, but the formula had not changed. The 3.6 liter twin turbo came with a substantial power bump, 41 hp more than the Turbo, and 220 pounds in weight savings. Power further increased 21 hp and 15 lb.-ft in 2004. Porsche followed the same race-inspired approach in all aspects of the car, maintaining the reputation established in the previous generation and cutting even more time off of its Nordschleife record. The GT2 continues to adapt motorsport principles in every aspect of its design and engineering, with power, weight, suspension, grip, and aero all optimized to extract every bit of performance the 911 has available.
Heritage Gruppe | upcoming White Glove Service auction car - 2003 996 GT2
Heritage Gruppe is honored to have a 2003 996 911 GT2 undergoing our White Glove service. This stunning example in Speed Yellow harkens back to the original 964 Turbo S Lightweight that created the GT2 blueprint. With just 19,000 miles on the clock, this meticulously kept example is 1 of 90, almost matching the 86-vehicle limited run of the 964 Lightweights. Embellished in Carbon Fiber throughout, this car is highly collectible and destined to thrill its next lucky owner.
Heritage Gruppe | upcoming White Glove Service auction car - 2003 996 GT2
For more information on this 996 GT2 we have coming up for auction soon, view our "White Glove Service" page! Interested in purchasing the car prior to auction? Send us an email inquiry at info@heritagegruppe.com.
Cheers,
- Adrian Adam Zywno (@adrianadam)
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