Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 119
1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RS America VIN. WP0AB2962PS418284
Sold for US$193,200 inc. premium
Lot 119
1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RS America
1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RS America
VIN. WP0AB2962PS418284
VIN. WP0AB2962PS418284
3,600cc Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
247bhp at 6,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*A lightweight, performance-focused variant of the 964-era 911
*One of just 701 examples produced
*Showing just over 25k documented miles
*Upgraded by its first Bahraini owner with a Strosek Design body kit
*Finished in the iconic shade of Guards Red over black cloth/vinyl interior
*Highly optioned including electric seats, windows, and sunroof
*Showroom fresh with recent paint correction and ceramic coating
THE PORSCHE 964 RS AMERICA
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 260km/h with 100km/h attainable in 5.4 seconds.
Evoking memories of the legendary 2.7 and 3.0-litre RS and RSR 'homologation specials' of the 1970s, Porsche introduced the Type 964 Carrera RS in 1991, which was a lightweight variant like its illustrious forebears. It was based on the 'Carrera Cup' competition car and sold in Europe only, though there was a similar specification 'RS America' modified for the United States market. There was also a Touring version that kept most of the road equipment fitted to the standard Carrera.
The Carrera RS and RS America retained the 3.6-litre engine, albeit boosted in maximum output to 260bhp (247bhp for the RSA) and equipped with a lightened flywheel for improved response. The G50/10 five-speed transmission featured closer ratios, an asymmetrical limited-slip differential and steel synchromesh, while the suspension was lowered and stiffened. For the lightweight version, the interior was stripped out completely and the power steering, power windows and seats, rear seats, air conditioning, cruise control, sound deadening material and stereo system removed. Two lightweight racing bucket seats were fitted instead.
Even more hardcore was the track-orientated Carrera RS N/GT (also known as the Sport or Clubsport), a racing themed variant featuring a stripped-out interior and a roll cage. The 3.6-litre 260bhp engine and G50 five-speed manual transmission were the same as those of the regular RS, while the N/GT also featured a long-range fuel tank, plumbed-in fire extinguisher, and external battery cut-off. It is estimated that a little under 300 N/GTs were produced.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 964 Carrera RS America is a U.S. market example finished in the iconic color combo of Guards Red over black interior and was reportedly purchased new by the Prince of Bahrain, who subsequently sent it straight to Strosek in Germany for body modifications at an estimated cost of €40,000. In a 2008 email on file from Miss Marita Niemann of Strosek Design GMBH to a previous owner, she states that the car is equipped with the Strosek 'Version I' body kit; while kindly including a photo of their '92 show car for reference. The kit consists of the front bumper section, side skirts, rear skirt, rear wing hood, outside mirrors, sports exhaust, and 17" Monobloc wheels that currently wear new Hankook tires. She continues to opine her preference for the very rare front bumper section with the 944 Turbo indicators.
Registration and insurance documents on file indicate the car was in Bahrain from 1993-1994, when the Sheikh sold it to its second owner, his friend and oil tycoon, Anthony Lister. Oral history states that the Sheikh sold Lister on the car by shutting down a street and proving to him it could do 180mph! Documents on file show Lister's ownership until at least 2006, when he may have sold it to a friend, eventually being purchased at auction in 2010 by the previous owner through Coys of Kensington with roughly 23k miles on the odometer.
Purchased from the previous owner by the consignor approximately a year ago and now the subject of a high-quality paint correction and ceramic coating, as well as recent oil and filter change, plus the new Hankook tires, the car appears virtually as new, indicative of the low mileage shown. It's now offered with a Montana title accompanied by the tool roll, a warning triangle, an email from Strosek Design confirming the body kit upgrade, the laminated Bahrain insurance certificate, an RS America registry database document, two keys, MOT certificates, the Bahrain registration documents, and a folder of maintenance invoices and historical documentation
This fantastic, unique, low-mileage 964 RS America with a fascinating provenance is now finally home in its namesake country ready to explore the open roads.
Footnotes
Please note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Additional information
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