1997 Porsche 911 GT2 Coupé
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ99ZVS392082
Engine no. M64/60R-61V01169

"Named after a class of endurance race cars, this new series of motorsport-derived cars were designed to deliver a more visceral, harder-edge driving experience for the true enthusiasts. They've been delivering that ever since, and they're now the most desirable of all modern Porsches." – Autocar.

Intended primarily for racing, though still road legal, the Porsche 911 GT2 can trace its ancestry all the way back through a succession of high-performance models to the legendary 911 Carrera RS of 1973. The car takes its name from the FIA's GT2 category of production sports car racing for which it was homologated and has been produced in a variety of versions since its introduction in 1993 on the Type 993 iteration of the perennial 911, regarded by many as the most beautiful 911 of all.
Over the years the 911 had received numerous aerodynamic and safety-inspired add-ons, diluting the purity of the original form. The Type 993's arrival marked a return to basic principles, being recognisably a 911 but one in which all functions had been harmoniously integrated in a truly outstanding example of modern automotive styling. The range offered remained pretty much as before, comprising two- and four-wheel drive models, the legendary Turbo and the Cabriolet convertible, all powered by the latest 3.6-litre version of Porsche's perennial flat-six engine.

The GT2 variant was based on the contemporary 911 Turbo, using essentially the same twin-turbocharged engine. In the GT2 the 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six engine produced around 424bhp initially (444bhp in later models), which was good enough for a top speed of 301km/h (187mph). Acceleration was breathtaking, with 100mph (161km/h) reached from a standstill in a mere 7.2 seconds (at the time, only to the McLaren F1 got there quicker).

To make the GT2 fit for track use the brakes, suspension, and wheels were up-rated to cope with the substantial increase in performance, while aerodynamic downforce was enhanced by a larger front air dam and a rear spoiler. Of rear-wheel drive configuration, the GT2 was considerably lighter - by some 300kg - than its Turbo parent. This weight saving was achieved through the use of aluminium body panels and lightweight racing seats, and the deletion of many of the interior fittings, including the Turbo's soundproofing and rear seats. The GT2 also featured widened wheelarches and a larger rear wing with air ducts in the support struts for improved engine cooling. The most expensive model in the 911 range, the GT2 in its original Type 993 incarnation was produced up to 1998.

According to the accompanying certificate of authenticity, issued by Porsche Italia, this stunning 911 GT2 left the factory on 13th January 1997 to its first lucky owner in Japan. The external colour is recorded as L3AU – FIRNWEISS (white) with black and grey bucket seats. Further equipment is listed as a larger capacity battery (no. 197), preparation for the fitment of a car radio (451), a darker tinted strip on top of the windscreen (567) and an automatic air conditioning system (573). While in Japan the car was serviced four times, at 1,936 km; 5,512 km; 6,841 km and 7,590 km, as recorded in the Japanese service book as well as on stickers in the engine bay. The odometer at the time of cataloguing shows just 8,845 km.

Imported into Europe via Germany on behalf of the current owner, a lifelong Porsche enthusiast, in 2008, the car has resided in a very secure facility where it was regularly started, with the battery maintained and the tyres resting on tyre savers.
In 2020 the owner commissioned the very well-respected official Porsche Classic workshop Verardini of Padova to thoroughly inspect the car. The paint thickness was measured, resulting in slightly thicker paint on the front bumper and bonnet, as well as the front wings – presumably to get rid of stone chips. The chassis was then thoroughly measured using the precise Spanesi method – the exact results can be consulted in the history file but suffice to say that the report concluded that "the car is perfectly aligned with a Porsche chassis and does not show any signs of repairs".

With less than 9,000 km recorded, a clean bill of health from an official Porsche workshop, this car would make a wonderful addition to any significant collection.
The 911 GT2 is being offered with Italian registration documents, aforementioned Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and further reports, the original tool kit, collapsible spare wheel, tyre pressure gauge and tyre compressor, car jack, as well as two keys, Japanese service book, and Italian instruction manual. An opportunity not to be missed.