1996 Porsche 911 GT2
photo: sotheby’s
Porsche’s success with the four-wheel-drive 961, along with Audi’s rally wins with the Quattro and the later track success of the Nissan Skyline, led to all-wheel drive being banned by most sanctioning bodies by the mid-1990s. This presented a problem for Porsche, whose Turbo was driven by all four wheels; the solution was the rear-wheel-drive GT2.
photo: sotheby’s
The 911 GT2 took the top-of-the-line 993 Turbo to new heights. Eliminating the front-wheel-drive system, rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, and various other items, trimmed some 500 pounds from the Turbo’s curb weight. In racing form, the M64/60R engine, with its twin intercooled KKK turbochargers, developed 480 bhp; the street version dialed that back a bit to 430, along with 457 foot-pounds of torque at 13 psi. This still equated to only 6.6 pounds per horsepower, a figure that surpassed the venerable 959. All this energy was fed to the rear wheels through a new six-speed transaxle and an asymmetrical 40/60 limited-slip differential.
photo: sotheby’s
The GT2’s bodywork included aluminum doors and front trunk lid, as well as a very aggressive aero package, with a front air splitter with up-turned canards and a huge bi-plane rear-deck-mounted wing incorporating air ducts that fed the intercoolers. Special 18-inch-diameter multi-piece “Speedline for Porsche” alloy wheels with aluminum outer rims and magnesium centers filled the bolt-on fiberglass wheel arches.
The result was utterly stunning performance, including a 0–60 mph sprint in less than four seconds and a top speed of nearly 190 mph. The new GT2’s power-assisted four-wheel carbon-fiber/ceramic disc brakes were up to the task of bringing the car to a halt without fade. This special group of cars was specially hand-prepared by Roland Kussmaul’s Race-Sports Department and assigned the name 911 GT, while the track versions were labeled GT2. After 1997, both versions carried the GT2 name.
photo: sotheby’s
This GT2 is one of just 194 street versions produced. It was ordered in the understated color combination of Polar Silver over a two-tone black-and-grey interior. Some of its factory options include air-conditioning, electric windows, front airbags, and a tinted top windscreen. It was imported to the United States a few years ago from Japan and today shows 30,113 kilometers (18,712 miles) at time of cataloguing. Lightweight black leather bucket seats with grey inserts hold the passengers firmly in place during intense driving. Many GT2s were modified for increased performance, but this example remains just how the factory intended. A clear bra film on the front fenders, hood, front bumper, and mirrors protects the paint from road chips. Paint meter readings on panels free from the clear bra show consistent readings from 7.7 and under.
photo: sotheby’s
The 993 GT2 is the most extreme, most expensive, and fastest version of the last era of air-cooled 911s. This GT2 has clearly been well cared for over the years and is an ideal example for any collector looking to experience the ultimate air-cooled 911.
