Porsche Road & Race

Your favourite online journal covering Porsche's rich motorsport heritage

  • Motorsport
    • WEC
    • Supercup
    • Carrera Cup
    • Imsa Weathertech Sportscar Championship
    • Intercontinental GT Challenge
    • Other Motorsport
    • Fact Files
      • Current Race Cars
      • Racing Drivers
        • Current Racing Drivers
        • Past Racing Drivers
      • Team Personnel
  • Yesteryear
    • Motorsport
    • Race Cars
    • Road Cars
    • Profiles
    • Other
  • Road Cars
    • 911
    • 718 Cayman
    • 718 Boxster
  • My Porsche
    • My Story
    • Pic of the Week
  • News
    • Porsche News
    • Porsche Museum News
    • Around the World
    • Auction News
    • Other News
  • Videos
  • Books
    • Book Reviews
    • SPECIAL BOOK OFFERS
  • Calendar
  • About us
    • Contributors
      • Glen Smale – Editor
      • Elke Smale
      • Martin Raffauf
      • Kieron Fennelly
      • Lucian Sonea
      • Kevin Ehrlich
      • Andrew Hosking
      • Richard Wiley
    • What We Do
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Basket
You are here: Home / Featured / Riviera Blue Porsche 993 Carrera RS

Riviera Blue Porsche 993 Carrera RS

6th March 2020 by: Glen Smale | 5 Comments

Porsche 993 Carrera RS ‘RSR 9’ at Oulton Park
Porsche 993 Carrera RS ‘RSR 9’ parked in the pit lane at the 10th RS Track Day Oulton Park, March 2010

If any two letters have encapsulated Porsche’s sporting prowess over the years, it is these – RS.

It is now forty-seven years since the introduction of Porsche’s first RS, the iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7, back in 1973. For Porsche, the letters RS, which stand for Rennsport, brings to mind today rich images of sporting achievement and excellence, and of impressive roadgoing performance earned the hard way through countless racing victories. To its credit, the Stuttgart manufacturer has ensured that since ‘73, each successive major evolution of the 911 has featured the RS badge in its line-up, and each has in turn taken the sub-model to a new level of performance.

Advertisements
Porsche G-Model
Porsche 993 Carrera RS ‘RSR 9’ at Oulton Park
The owner gives ‘RSR 9’ a workout during the 2007 RS Track Day at Oulton Park

Two decades later, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1993, Porsche unveiled its all-new 3.6-litre Type 993 model, the first 911 to be completely redesigned from the ground up. It was, however, only in ‘95 at the Amsterdam Auto Show, that the Carrera RS was introduced featuring a larger 3746 cc engine with Porsche’s innovative Varioram induction system. The motivation for producing the 993 Carrera RS was for homologation in the N/GT motorsport class. It was developed from the outset as a street-legal two-seater sports car, much along the lines that has inspired the design and manufacture of top performing road cars at Porsche since the early days. In the mid-90s, the 993 Carrera RS represented the pinnacle of road-legal performance in the 911 non-turbo stakes, and with the 993 being the last of the air-cooled cars, that elevates the model still further.

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport (red) 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (yellow)
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport (red) 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (yellow)

Weighing in at 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than the standard Carrera, the higher performing Carrera RS ran on three-piece 18-inch ‘Cup’ wheels by Speedline as standard equipment. The weight saving came through the elimination of items such as electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, headlamp washer system and audio speakers. The windshield washer fluid bottle was reduced from 6.5-litres to just 1.2-litres, the driver and passenger airbags were eliminated, and a much-reduced interior lighting system was installed. The rear seat with seat belts was omitted, while the doors featured a fixed handle for closing the door, and a blue pull strap for opening. With the electric window feature deleted, the windows could only be lowered/raised by means of a traditional mechanical winder. However, the 911’s power-steering system was retained as this feature significantly improved the drivability of the car.

Advertisements
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé interior
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé interior

The 3.6-litre 911 Carrera engine was increased to 3.8-litres in the RS by increasing the bore from 100 to 102 mm while retaining the same 76.4 mm stroke. The increased performance of the Carrera RS was transmitted to the road through the same 6-speed manual gearbox fitted to the standard Carrera. The front suspension was lowered by 30 mm and the rear by 40 mm. The Carrera RS could brake from 100 km/h to zero in just 2.7 seconds, and this was achieved by means of 4-pot aluminium fixed callipers operating on 322 mm ventilated and perforated discs on all four wheels. This vehicle is fitted with the optional and much larger Clubsport adjustable rear wing.

Advertisements
Porsche - The Carrera Dynasty
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport, outside the Porsche Style Department, ca. 1994

Just like the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973, the 911 Carrera RS (993) was one of those sports cars that as a young boy, you would dream of having one day. Each RS iteration, in its time, has played an important role in the wider 911 family, as the Rennsport theme has ensured the continued transfer of technology from race track to road car. The 993 Carrera RS was produced in limited numbers and is revered as arguably the ultimate 993 alongside the GT2.

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport

The road to 993 Carrera RS ownership

Steve Kings’ road to owning a 993 Carrera RS was in fact a fairly long one, and one that was filled with trials and experiments along the way.

His first foray into 911 ownership started with a Guards Red 3.2 Carrera in 1996. This relationship lasted about a year, at which time a Black 930 Turbo caught his eye. “I had the Turbo for around five years, and I spent more on modifications than the original purchase price. The end result was a highly modified 450 bhp+ fire-spitting beast,” Steve recalls.

At this time, a friend owned a Maritime Blue 964 RS, and after having driven that car Steve knew that this was the 911 to own. “The normally aspirated experience was totally different from the turbo lag, followed by an explosion of power. The power delivery was instant and quite alarming in the RS, it was a more planted ride and I felt more at home with the RS,” Steve admitted.

911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé (model 1995)
911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé (model year 1995) being put through its paces at the Porsche Sport Driving School in 2011

“Around 2004, I came across a Speed Yellow 993 Carrera 2 with full factory Turnwald Clubsport wing pack, which I duly bought. More money was spent on suspension, interior, brakes, wheels, engine remap and a single mass flywheel. It was a 993 RS ‘re-creation’, but it was not the real deal,” he revealed. To exacerbate matters, during the Brands Hatch 2005 Porsche Festival, Steve parked the 993 Carrera 2 in a line-up with other 964 and 993 RS cars, but he was politely asked to move it from the display! “Looking back, that was the precise moment when the decision was made to buy a 993 RS, so the C2 was sold almost immediately and the winter months of 2005 were spent searching for a 993 RS,” he explained.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (model year 1995)
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport (model year 1996)
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 Clubsport (model year 1996) in the Museum Workshop, December 2010

“In December 2005, an email arrived with photos of a 993 Carrera RS in Switzerland in the colour that I wanted, Riviera Blue. A few more emails followed back and forth, a bank transfer was made, and the car was finally mine,” Steve recalled with a broad smile.

The Carrera RS was shipped to Germany then eventually delivered to the Oulton Park RS track day in March 2006. Steve still recalls the moment his 993 RS arrived, “I still have vivid memories of the trailer ramp being lowered to expose the Riviera Blue paintwork of the RS shining in the spring sunshine, and the sound of the raucous, intoxicating, air-cooled flat-six coming to life, the smile on my face and the intriguing glances of those nearby. The RS had arrived and curiously I felt, so had I.”

Riviera Blue 993 Carrera RS at Oulton Park
The Riviera Blue 993 Carrera RS was delivered to Oulton Park from Thomas Schmitz (Germany) in March 2006 – note the carbon fibre splitter used for the competing in the Swiss motorsport events

Our feature car ‘RSR 9’

The RS has always represented the top-performing Porsche models, and can be traced back to the company’s pre-911 days of motorsport. As such the 911 has a rich lineage and the 993, being the last iteration of the air-cooled 911s, holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of Porsche enthusiasts.

Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Porsche Festival Eynsham Hall
Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Porsche Festival Eynsham Hall, 2006

Getting into the 993 RS was a bit of a squeeze, but once seated it was comfortable and a long journey would not be tiresome. The fire extinguisher was tucked out of the way under the passenger’s legs but one is conscious of how low you are sitting. Firing up the engine is an experience as the soundproofing is minimal and the cabin is a good deal smaller than in more recent models, which means the engine is closer to your ears.

The 911 Carrera RS 3.8 embarks on the first tour of the Isle of Man with the PCGB
Our feature car, the 911 Carrera RS 3.8, embarks on the first tour of the Isle of Man with the PCGB, accompanied by a pair of 964 RS NGT Clubsports (May 2006)

Even after a relatively short drive, it is easy to identify the hereditary link between the 993 Carrera RS and earlier RS models. It has the same sort of pointing in terms of precision and steering, and the play into the gears is short and very precise, but the brakes need a lot of warming up. As one Porsche enthusiast commented, “With the 993 Carrera RS there is you, the car, the rubber and the law of physics…and that is about it. I think that in itself brings out the character in the car, that is why it is loved so much.”

Porsche 993 Carrera RS on a photo shoot at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome
Porsche 993 Carrera RS on a photo shoot at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome and Proving Ground near the village of Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, June 2006

Because of its current gearing, the 993 Carrera RS will top out at 150 mph. “You had the option of the small wing pack or the Clubsport wing pack as it was called. On my car, the rear wing is not a genuine Porsche one, it’s carbon-fibre which is a lot lighter than the Turnwald unit fitted by the factory,” Steve pointed out.

Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Porsche RS Track Day at Oulton Park
Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Porsche RS Track Day at Oulton Park, 2016, attending in the car park but not participating

Our feature car has been fitted with an 8/32 ring and pinion which gives it a low ratio, so this car has lightning acceleration. “The car’s previous owner, a dentist in Switzerland, did a bit of tracking and sprints with it and he also did the Swiss Cup, so it was actually a bit of a race car in Switzerland. The engine is modified as well because a standard 993 Carrera RS develops 300 bhp, but this one pushes out 342 bhp. It is a pig to start in the morning! When you start it up, it will cut out on you, but if you give it about 30 seconds, then it will pick up,” Steve explained.

Porsche 993 Carrera RS on display at the Silverstone Classic weekend
Porsche 993 Carrera RS on display at the Silverstone Classic weekend, Northamptonshire, July 2013

The car has standard brakes but it is fitted with GT2 track rod ends. “It has got original 993 RS Recaro seats which are finished in grey and it has blue colour-coded leather bound dial bevels. I believe all this was done by the factory Special Wishes Department. The reason I bought that car more than anything, is the colour. I had the option of quite a few different ones, turquoise, black and silver, but I just think there is something about Riviera Blue that is special,” he added. Steve has owned his 993 Carrera RS for fourteen years now, but as he admits with a smile, “The noise is okay up to a point, but as an everyday car, you can get a bit fed up with it,” Steve added.

Interior of the Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Silverstone Classic
Interior of the Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Silverstone Classic weekend, Northamptonshire, July 2013,

‘RSR 9’ today

After Steve’s RS was delivered to him that day at Oulton Park back in 2006, he continued to use it for track days throughout 2007, 2008 and 2009. However, as market values started to escalate, it became too valuable to continue, which he admits is unfortunate, because that is what the car is made for. So, it is a victim of its own success in terms of value and today he limits his usage to just 3000 miles a year.

Porsche 993 Carrera RS
Porsche 993 Carrera RS enjoys the city life of Liverpool at night – in the background is one of the famous Liver buildings

However, the Carrera RS certainly gets around, which is evidenced by the number of trophies it has been awarded over the years. Amongst many others awards, it has received the PCGB NW Region Concours Winner ‘Class 3’ Air-cooled in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 plus overall points on the day three times, which earned it the Vincent Mansueto Trophy (the only Porsche to win this trophy three times). It was also the Yorkshire Porsche Festival PCGB Winner Visitors Class 2011, 2012 and 2016 and was runner up 2014. It was awarded Haigh Hall German car show Best Porsche 2012, and Tatton Park VW Show winner best Porsche 2018.

Owner Steve stands proudly with Vincent Mansueto Trophy alongside his Porsche 993 Carrera RS
Owner Steve stands proudly with Vincent Mansueto Trophy alongside his Porsche 993 Carrera RS at the Porsche Club GB Oulton Park meeting, August 2013

Editor’s comment

Attending the many events and race meetings that I do each year, I can vouch for the fact that ‘RSR 9’ is usually present at most of these. The car is quite easy to find amongst the rows of other 911s, not only because of the car’s striking colour, but because there is usually a huddle of admirers around it. Steve and his 993 Carrera RS are a regular at many events around the country, and it is always a pleasure to stop and have a chat with him, and to find out what he has been up to. If you see ‘RSR 9’ out and about, stop to have a word with Steve, he is always willing to talk Porsches…

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 snapped in Oxfordshire, UK
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 snapped at the ‘Oil Cooled’ event in Boxengasse, Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK

Specifications

Model 911 Carrera RS (Type 993)
Production 1014 units
Colour Riviera Blue
Year 1995
Engine capacity 3746 cc
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Maximum power 300 hp at 6500 rpm
Maximum torque 355/262 at 5400 rpm (Nm/lb.ft)
Transmission 6-speed, Type G50/31
Suspension front Individually suspended light-alloy lower wishbones, McPherson struts with coil springs, dual-tube gas-filled shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Suspension rear Individually suspended on light-alloy multi-wishbone axle with LSA*, with progressive coil springs dual-tube gas-filled shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Wheels & tyres front 8J x 18, 225/40 ZR18
Wheels & tyres rear 10J x 18, 265/35 ZR18
Dimensions (LxWxH) 4245 x 1735 x 1270 mm
Weight 1270 kg
0-62mph 5.0 secs
Top speed 172 mph
Price when new** £68,495; Clubsport £74,795 (200 units)

*Lightweight, Stability, Agility
**Incl. VAT and country specific fittings

Written by: Glen Smale
Images by: Virtual Motorpix/Glen Smale, Steve Kings, Lukasz Dulski & Porsche-Werkfoto

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

Share this:

Categories: Featured, Road Cars, Yesteryear Tags: 911, 993, Carrera RS, Clubsport, Oulton Park, Porsche

Comments

  1. Rob Hetherington says

    1st April 2020 at 1:42 pm

    Pic “911 Carrera RS 3.8 Coupé (model year 1995) being put through its paces at the Porsche Sport Driving School in 2011” is a Turbo S isn’t it? Steve’s car is awesome, one of my favourite all time 911’s.

    Reply
    • Porsche Road & Race says

      2nd April 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Rob, thanks for getting back to us. I was told by the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart that this was a 993 Carrera RS, that is the way they have it referenced in their database. I will check with them.

      Reply
      • Nigel Price says

        27th May 2020 at 8:46 pm

        Rob is correct. Give aways are the presence of headlight washer nozzles (absent on RS), wide body (note shape of sills ahead of rear wheels), not an RS front lower bumper, and the small rear wing has a slot through it which is not the case with the RS small wing.

        I know what Steve means about increased values providing a disincentive to track these cars. I have had 993 RS 15 years now, and in the early years I used to do 2 or 3 track days a year, but now the cost of an ‘off’ would make for a very costly day out!

        Nice article though!

        Nigel

        Reply
  2. Rolf Schlub says

    1st April 2020 at 2:42 pm

    I have a 993 RS for sale, 40‘000 Km silver

    Reply
    • Porsche Road & Race says

      1st April 2020 at 9:34 pm

      Hi Rolf, if you give us the details and a photo we could advertise it for you for free.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Porsche Road & Race Cancel reply

E-mail Subscription

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE and be the first to receive new articles directly into your inbox:

Archives

Connect with us

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Book Reviews

Don’t Wash Mine

I have been looking forward to seeing this new book from Dalton Watson, covering the very colourful

Porsche 911 G-Model: The Book 1974-1989

Hot off the press, so to speak, is Berlin Motor Books’ latest offering covering the 911 G-Model, and

50 Years Porsche 914

Whether you love it or hate it, the 914 served as a very important family member in the Porsche

More Book Reviews ››

Our Other Websites

Virtual Motorpix new website icon

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

Join us on Facebook

Join us on Facebook

Disclaimer

Porsche Road & Race is entirely independent and is in no way connected with the company Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AG or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Please also read our full Disclaimer.

Follow us on Twitter

Tweets by Porsche Road & Race

Contact us

We welcome your questions, comments and feedback. Please click here to contact us.

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

Advertising

Please contact us if you would like to discuss advertising opportunities on Porsche Road & Race.

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

Connect with us

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Please share our website

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2021 Porsche Road & Race