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1997 Porsche 911 Cup 3.8 RSR Sport Canepa
VIN: WP0ZZZ99ZVS398076

The definitive and ultimate naturally-aspirated 993 variant
The 4th example of the Cup 3.8 RSR SPORT CANEPA
SPORT CANEPA upgrades include TracTive adjustable suspension, full lightweight street interior
1 of only 30 examples produced in 1997
Pristine, unraced example! 4,083 original miles
Full RSR spec registered and street driven in Japan, imported in 2024
Factory original Grand Prix White paint, factory-installed street fuel tank
3.8L naturally aspirated flat six engine, producing 350 horsepower
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, RWD

This 993 began as an original Cup 3.8 RSR car ordered and delivered to Japan. One of the 30 cars created for the 1997 model year, it was specified in Grand Prix White with the options included that normally came with the 3.8 RSR cars. Interestingly, it was ordered with a street-specification fuel tank instead of a Premier stainless steel safety fuel cell, making it easier to live with, more reliable, along with allowing the fuel gauge to function normally during street driving. While it may have been born out of Porsche's motorsport department, this Cup 3.8 RSR found itself registered and used only for street driving in Japan, remaining in original like-new condition throughout its entire life. In 2024 it was imported to the United States showing just 4,083 original miles on the odometer, and arrived at Canepa. With just 30 examples produced in 1997, this 993 Cup 3.8 RSR is an exceptionally rare race car, and finding one in pristine condition with low miles was an ever rarer accommodation, making it the perfect foundation for the latest SPORT CANEPA commission.

The SPORT CANEPA program represents the culmination of Canepa's expertise in design and mechanical performance upgrades, reimaging special vehicles for the enjoyment and continuation of their lineage. Known for the Porsche 959 SC, the first SPORT CANEPA car and the start of the SC program, Canepa has incorporated new vehicles into the commission process including the Carrera GT, 918s, 934s, 993s, 964s, and more. Through tasteful aesthetic and mechanical upgrades and improvements, the Canepa team reimagines cars built in different eras to be continued to be enjoyed on a modern level, with each car's design process led by Bruce himself.

This 993 Cup 3.8 RSR SC has been upgraded throughout the car, both mechanically and aesthetically. The 350hp 3.8L flat six engine's valves were adjusted, re-torqued cylinder heads, replaced lower and upper spark plugs, gaskets, fuel filters, motor mounts, fuel injectors, and the fuel tank and fuel lines were flushed. The exhaust pipes and ancillary parts were cleaned, prepped, and coated with Cerakote and ceramic paint. The cooling fan was also painted to match the Grand Prix White exterior of the car. Next, the factory roll bar was modified by removing the door bars to make ingress and egress easy, with shoulder belt mounting points added. During the restoration process, the car was cleaned by hand inside and out, including under chassis, ensuring that it was spotless.

The interior went through a major upgrade, with Canepa's paint shop removing the interior and prepping it to be painted black to match the future lightweight black interior. Sound-deadening material was added throughout the cabin, and custom-fitted carpet and floor rubber matting were installed. A black lightweight material roof lining was also installed for additional sound reduction. A new driver's harness was installed, going alongside the original street shoulder belts.

Next, the RSR's 3-piece wheels were disassembled, with the centers refinished in Canepa's matte Titanium finish. The wheel barrels were polished to a reflective shine, rebuilt with new gaskets and hardware. Going through the suspension, all components were nut-and-bolted, ride height was adjusted and the RSR was cornerweighted, along with a final wheel alignment for exceptional driving characteristics. During this time, Canepa decided to also install a TracTive adaptive suspension system, allowing for the driver to choose variable suspension settings on the fly based on their preference.

Now complete, Canepa's latest 993 Cup 3.8 RSR is ready to be enjoyed by its next caretaker. Being able to experience a race car on the road is one thing, but a fully prepped car made to handle the street is an entirely different subject. With Canepa's experience of recommissioning race cars into street cars, the experience is nothing short of awesome excitement! The Cup 3.8 RSR is the pinnacle of the naturally-aspirated 993 variants, and this example is ready to be enjoyed.

About the 993 Cup 3.8 RSR

The Porsche 993 Cup 3.8 RSR was first introduced for the 1997 racing season, developed by Porsche's motorsport department specifically to support customer racing teams in international endurance events like IMSA GT and the European GT series. Building off of the success of the regular Cup 3.8 car, the 993 Cup 3.8 RSR dialed the naturally aspirated racer even further. Beyond the standard items that was given to the Cup 3.8, including a full welded Matter roll cage, an aluminum hood, a front strut brace, fully ball-jointed suspension, a special front bumper and adjustable rear wing, a single racing seat with a hardness belt, battery switch, and a fire extinguishing system, the Cup 3.8 RSR received enhanced upgrades. 2-way adjustable Bilstein suspension for bump and rebound settings, GT2-derived bolt-on fender flares to accommodate wider wheels and tires, bigger endurance brakes, and the race-spec M64/75 RSR engine with 350 horsepower and G50/34 short-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.