2016 Porsche 911 R Type 991 Coupé
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ99ZGS194358

"On paper the Porsche 911 R is a GT3 with a manual gearbox, the GT3 RS's engine, and no wing. However, the philosophy behind the car is a little more involved than that. This is meant to be a really pure, emotive 911, a car that is about driver involvement on the road rather than the track." - Evo magazine.

Somewhat confusingly, the seventh generation of Porsche's perennial 911 sports car was designated 'Type 991', succeeding the Type 997. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, the Type 991 is only the third all-new platform for the 911 since the original of 1963, the second being the Type 996 of 1999. Its development overseen by Porsche's Chief Designer, Michael Mauer, the Type 991 represented a logical progression from the Type 997 and was slightly larger than its immediate predecessor while retaining the classic 911 look. The most important chassis change was to the wheelbase, which increased in length by 100mm, while a new transaxle enabled the rear wheels to be relocated 76mm rearwards relative to the engine, improving both weight distribution and cornering performance. Transmission options comprised six-speed or seven-speed manual gearboxes, with Porsche's dual-clutch (PDK) shift optional on the latter.

Porsche's signature 'flat-six' engine was available in three different capacities in the Type 991 (3.4 litres, 3.8 litres, and 4.0 litres) with power outputs ranging from the entry-level Carrera's 345bhp up to the Turbo S's 552 horsepower. Following its established practice, Porsche also offered Cabriolet, Targa, GT3 and GT3 RS variants to cater for all customer demands ranging from soft-top boulevard cruiser to track-day assault weapon.

In September 2015, the Type 991 was introduced in revised and restyled form for the 2016 model year, becoming the '991.2' in factory parlance. To the concern of some traditionalists, turbo-charged engines were now standardised throughout the range: a 3.0-litre unit in the Carrera and Carrera S, and a 3.8-litre one in the Turbo models. The purists did not have to wait long for their concerns to be assuaged, as in March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show Porsche unveiled the limited edition 911 R, featuring the 'old' GT3 RS's normally aspirated 4.0-litre 493bhp engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.

Regarded by many as the 911 R's biggest selling point, the new six-speeder used the existing transmission casing but featured new internals, while customers wishing to extract the ultimate from this engine/transmission combination could specify the optional lightweight single-mass flywheel. There was also a 'Sport' mode (selecting optimum engine revs during shifts) for those unused to finessing a manual 'box. According to Evo: "The gearshift itself is lovely. Not overly-short, but perfectly precise, deliciously weighted and much better than the seven-speed."

This new six-speed manual gearbox was lighter than the PDK type, while the use of carbon fibre front wings and a titanium exhaust system, coupled with the removal of sound insulation, enabled Porsche to bring the 911 R's kerb weight down to 1,370kg, making it around 50kg lighter than the GT3 RS. If that was still not enough, the air conditioning and radio could be deleted, saving a few more kilograms.

The running gear retained the GT3's active rear-wheel steering, albeit re-calibrated for the 911 R, while Porsche's carbon ceramic brakes were standard. With the GT3-type large rear wing gone, a new rear diffuser was incorporated to restore high-speed stability, vitally necessary in a car capable of exceeding 200mph. Despite its stupendous performance, the 911 R had been developed principally as a road car, with lighter steering, softer suspension, and narrower tyres than the track-day focussed GT3 RS. But although the latter has more grip and can corner faster, the lightweight 911 R accelerates more quickly than its hardcore cousin. Evo again: "Despite the Cup tyres and 493bhp, this really is a 911 that you can drive and enjoy at sane speeds. It definitely feels lighter and shorter than any other 991. Crucially it also feels like a 911, with the capacity to subtly move with a road in the way that a rear-engined car should. Push harder and some of this nuance actually recedes, leaving you with devastating composure and huge reserves of grip."

Only 991 examples of the 911 R were built, and all were offered - and sold - only to Porsche's preferred customers, leaving many enthusiasts disappointed and prompting online motoring web site Jalopnik to declare: "The 2017 Porsche 911 R will be the best manual 911 you can't buy."

Number '532' of the 991 sold worldwide, this particular 911 R was delivered on 22nd November 2016 by Centre Porsche Arpajon before being registered in Monaco. The car is finished in classy GT Silver Metallic with distinctive green stripes, while the purchase invoice lists no fewer than 26 options that make up its unique specification. Some of the 'big ticket' items include the highly desirable single-mass flywheel; full leather interior in black with stitching in GT Silver; front axle lift system, Sport Chrono pack; and various carbon-fibre trim parts.

With only some 800 kilometres showing on the odometer, '532' is essentially in 'as new' condition. Offered with its original books and tailored 911 R cover, this beautiful 991 represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the rarest, most exciting and sought-after Porsches of modern times, equipped with some highly desirable options.