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 Red Graphics.
This will be the 3rd time I have had the pleasure of selling this car, it is one with a delightful service history which includes numerous invoices and MOT certificates over the years along with its original book pack, service book and spare key.
Having been treated to extensive Paint Protection Film back in 2015 when it had covered just shy of 7,000 Miles has kept the car looking fresh, bright and remarkably free of stone chips in its subsequent 8,000 miles of use, with only a few minor marks evident in the film.
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
Lifting Front Axle
Sound Package Plus
Windscreen with Grey Top Tint
Dynamic Cornering Lights
Telephone Module
Floor Mats
3-Spoke Steering Wheel in Leather
Universal Audio Interface
PCM inc Extended Navigation Module
Door Entry Guards in Carbon
Storage Bin Lid in Alcantara with Porsche Logo
Rear Section of Centre Console in Carbon
PPF Paint Protection – Extended
Service History
Intermediate Service by Porsche Centre Swindon on 16 Aptil 2012 @ 3,226 Miles
MOT 26 April 2013 @ 4,818 Miles
MOT 24 April 2014 @ 6,661 Miles
Major Service by Porsche Centre Wilmslow on 6 May 2014 @ 6,581 Miles
Oil Service by Porsche Centre Chester on 7 May 2015 @ 6,732 Miles
MOT 7 May 2015 @ 6,733 Miles
MOT 1 October 2015 @ 6,980 Miles
Intermediate Service by Porsche Centre Nottingham on 3 June 2016 @ 7,365 Miles
MOT 22 September 2016 @ 7,454 Miles
MOT 15 May 2017 @ 7,853 Miles
MOT 1 May 2018 @ 10,727 Miles
Major Service by Porsche Centre Swindon on 2 May 2018 @ 10,727 Miles
MOT 13 April 2019 @ 13,006 Miles
MOT 1 June 2020 @ 14,449 Miles
12,000 Mile Service by JZM Porsche on 3 June 2020 @ 14,449 Miles
Intermediate Service by Porsche Centre Brooklands on 5 March 2021 @ 15,009 Miles
MOT 30 March 2021 @ 15,027 Miles
9 Owners
Supplied with Balance of Porsche Warranty to 23 September 2022.