Introduction – from Autocar – 25th November 2020 – by Andrew Frankel
Which is the best of the Porsche 911 GT3’s ?
It’s not a question I need to be asked often, because you’d be certainly surprised and quite possibly appalled to learn how often I ask it myself.
It’s not that I’m unsure. On the contrary, I’ve been so sure for so long I’m hoping that one day the internal monologue might reach a different conclusion. And yes, that’s just like watching Titanic over and over hoping for the time the ship doesn’t sink.
But there you have it. The answer is the second generation of the 997 era of GT3 RS. A 2010 car. It’s the last GT3 based on the original water-cooled design, and before Porsche altered the character of the car by extending its wheelbase and adopting electric steering.
Not that the gen-2 997 GT3 RS is quicker, grippier or in many measurable ways better than those that came before or after. It just hit the sweet spot. On one hand, it has that howling yet unbustable Mezger flat six, in 4.0-litre form the best engine fitted to a street 911 and still monumental as a 3.8. It had exquisite balance, a magical gearbox and, above all, an ability to connect the driver to the road that has yet to be beaten by any descendant.
On the other, it remains usable. This is not ‘just’ a GT3, but an RS, yet it rides well enough and, while wonderfully sonorous, is not so boisterous that you couldn’t use it all the time. The key to a 911 is not just how good it is to drive, but how often it makes you want to drive it. And that RS remains king.
Description
An exceptionally well presented 2nd Generation 911 (997) GT3 RS finished in Grey Black with Gold Graphics, its paintwork is completely original, so there are a few stone chips – and of course presents with a clear rev range report.
Just 3 owners from new with Full Porsche Service History as outlined below, this example also benefits from its current Porsche Warranty to 6 March 2022.
This generation of GT3 RS, as noted by Andrew Frankel of Autocar really was a high point not only in GT3 production but 911 as a whole, not since has there been a 911 that hits that ‘sweet spot’ between looks, use, driving involvement, noise and its ability to make the driver and the admirer smile – and perhaps there never will be now as things are changing fast.
Around 100 Gen 2 GT3 RS’s were delivered to the UK market making them a rare find in this condition and with this history now they’re passing they’re 10th Birthday.
Surely a future classic if it isn’t one already ?
Specification
PCM Including Extended Navigation Module
Universal Audio Interface
Sound Package Plus
Telephone Module
Lifting System – Front Axle
Windscreen with Grey Top Tint
Passenger Harness
Sport Chrono Package Plus
Floor Mats
Door Entry Guards in Carbon
Rear Section of Centre Console in Carbon
Service History
Supplied new by Porsche Centre Mid Sussex, 1 March 2011
Intermediate Maintenance by Porsche Centre Mid Sussex on 21 December 2012 @ 5,469 Miles
MOT, 21 March 2014 @ 8,140 Miles
Major Maintenance by Porsche Centre Cambridge on 5 March 2015 @ 9,477 Miles
MOT, 5 March 2015 @ 9,477 Miles
MOT, 27 February 2016 @ 10,163 Miles
MOT, 21 February 2017 @ 10,412 Miles
Intermediate Maintenance by Porsche Centre Cambridge on 4 March 2017 @ 10,488 Miles
MOT, 3 April 2017 @ 11,087 Miles
Major Maintenance by Porsche Centre Cambridge on 19 March 2019 @ 11,582 Miles
MOT, 19 March 2019 @ 11,591 Miles
Intermediate Maintenance by Porsche Centre Norwich on 6 February 2021 @ 12,961 Miles
MOT, 4 September 2020 @ 12,945 Miles
MOT, 8 September 2021 @ 12,982 Miles
3 Owners
Balance of Porsche Warranty to 6 March 2022