During the Second World War the RAF reportedly buried a squadron of still-crated Supermarine Spitfires in Burma. These planes have never been found, and many consider them to be more myth than reality. Though numerous Spitfires exist, none remain in as-delivered condition. Finds like the lost squadron are exceedingly rare, and they’re a unique window into the past. This 964 Carrera RSR is that sort of find.
Far from a pampered show-queen, this 964 is coated in a layer of dust from more than two decades in storage. The original cosmoline protective coatings are still present. To make things even weirder, this ostensibly-pure racecar was ordered with a leather trimmed interior.
The full roll cage in this RSR is color matched to the Can Can Red leather interior. The dash fascia and seat shells are color-matched to the bodywork, making for a very striking cabin. The leather trimmed cabin is very unusual; just two of the 51 RSRs were delivered with full interiors. The rest of the run raced extensively, including an overall win at the Spa 24 Hours, Suzuka 1000km, and 24 Hours of Interlagos, plus class wins at Le Mans and Sebring, and a 1-4 position class sweep at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Remarkably, the silver faced gauges show just 10km (6.2 miles) from new.
The 3.8l M64/04 engine is specific to the Carrera RSR and features dry-sump oiling and single plug heads. This impressive naturally aspirated engine was rated at 350 horsepower and 284 ft-lbs. of torque; the former figure is comparable to the 964 Turbo 3.6. Reviewers believed this powerplant to be underrated from the factory, and true output was believed to be closer to 375 horsepower. Car and Driver achieved a 3.7 second 0-60 sprint; quicker than a Ferrari F40.
This 964 is a very compelling find, and the contrast between the spotless cabin and underhood areas makes scrolling through the photos a fascinating experience.
More details can be found at RM Sotheby’s where this car is lot 133 at their upcoming Villa Erba sale on the shores of Lake Como.
All pictures via Tim Scott Fluid Images © 2017 Courtesy RM Sotheby’s[/caption]
View Comments (3)
The car can be cleaned up and entered in any number of Porsche or overall concours events. This should not be left as is as layers of dirt and patina aren't from driving or anything other than storage. Ho Hum and so what? Rather this car should be detailed by those in the know with regard this and other Porsche. It has been untouched from new likely other than a test from the factory and going off and on transportation. A car this old and in this perfect condition is just about unheard of. Since the other cars were all raced, this one should not be. It's distinction in addition to its scarcity is the fact that it is a perfect preservation class vehicle. But it should like like it came out of the factory. The owner's manual will likely have information on how to clean and care for it and that makes sense. The only problem with old cars is that the tires deteriorate just from sitting on the car. That's another reason this one should not be driven, although alternate wheels and rubber could solve that problem. A perfect time capsule. Unbelievable. This makes it a one off or one of a kind. The success its brethren had add that mystique. The story behind the storage and original ownership should add to its sale price. I can't imagine the exact millions that this car should command at auction. Alex Ford
It's an abomination...It's with Leather interior it should not be an RSR at best a Clubsport.
And not driven, dirty like it is, that's not patina, that's just dust and leglect.
If this car fetches 2 million like they think, then there is only one conclusion to be made : Plenty of retards in the world that somehow managed to get some easy money.
Oil sheiks, drug dealers, or other low class scum like bankers...
Alex, what is the story of it's storage and original ownership?