• Delivered new in Italy
• Sought after Amethyst Metallic colour with triple-tone leather seats
• Resident in Switzerland since 2014
• Displays a little over 62,515 kilometres

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 (162mph) with 60mph (97km/h) 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 1991 Porsche introduced the 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 Europe only, though there was a lower-specification 'RS America' 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 retained the 3.6-litre engine, albeit boosted in maximum output to 260bhp, 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.

The lightweight's front bonnet was made of aluminium and the chassis was seam welded, while the side windows were made from thinner and lighter glass. Rounding off this radical exercise in weight reduction, the Carrera RS was equipped with 17" Cup magnesium wheels. The result was a total weight saving of around 150kg compared to the Carrera 2, transforming the RS into a faster, more agile and responsive car.

This particular RS was first registered on 28th April 1992 in Italy. Its specification and the related codes are detailed in the service book. These confirm the Amethyst Metallic (F9) exterior colour, black leatherette trim/carpeting, and Recaro leather racing seats featuring Porsche's evocative triple-tone centre inserts. The M64/03 engine build code reveals that the unit is the special lightweight 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six developed exclusively for the Carrera RS. Compared to the standard Carrera 2 engine (M64/01) the M64/03 has a remapped ECU and a slightly higher compression ratio of 11.3:1. These modifications increased maximum horsepower to 260bhp (up from the standard 247 horsepower). The M64/03 also had a lightweight single-mass flywheel for lightning-fast throttle response.

The transmission's G50/10 code identifies it as the heavy-duty five-speed transaxle built specifically to handle the racing demands of the Carrera RS. The G50/10 features closer ratios in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears compared to a standard G50 gearbox. It came standard with steel synchromesh rings (instead of brass) to withstand aggressive shifting, and an asymmetrical limited-slip differential to maximise rear-wheel traction.

According to invoices for work carried out, the car was owned in 2013 by a resident of Italy. The registration document issued on 30th June 2014 shows that the Porsche was registered as 'EBE-J 994' and its owner was a German collector. Accompanying TÜV Süd inspection reports from June 2014 confirm the chassis number as 'WP0ZZZ96ZNS490836' and record an odometer reading of 62,330 kilometres at the time of inspection. Included in the file is a letter from Dominik Steffen and Florian Ademaj of Porsche Schweiz AG, dated 11th July 2017, confirming that the car's emissions and noise characteristics correspond to Swiss type approval 1PF5049 and noting its status as a direct import into Switzerland.

Swiss customs documents referencing 'WP0ZZZ96ZNS490836' show that the Porsche was imported into Switzerland on 14th July 2014. Swiss registration documents show that the car was subsequently registered in the Canton of St Gallen on 29th August 2017 as 'SG 324853'. The Swiss registration records confirm the date of first registration as 28th April 1992.

The accompanying file contains invoices documenting some cosmetic refurbishment and maintenance. The Porsche also comes with its handbooks (in Italian) showing its delivery on 18th January 1992 to Porsche Padova, Italy.

This car is presented in lovely, mostly original, condition, although we believe that some of the paintwork has been redone. The interior is original. The odometer displayed a total of 62,515 kilometres at time of cataloguing, indicating minimal use since 2014. One of the most useable cars of the Collection, this Porsche was the most exercised by Mr Keller and his brother.

Following little over a year of inactivity, the car started immediately; however, we would recommend a thorough service before again driving it as its maker intended. It comes with tool its kit and spare wheel/tyre.

Please note that, subject to acceptance by Belgian Customs as a qualifying collector's vehicle, if this vehicle is imported and remains in Belgium it will benefit from 0% Import Duty and the reduced Belgian Import VAT rate of 6%. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, import rates and VAT treatment may vary if the vehicle is imported into another EU Member State. An administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department or our recommended shippers.