PROVENANCE
Jeff Zwart, Santa Ana, California (acquired new in 1996 via Circle Porsche)
Private Collection, California (acquired from the above in August 1996)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

RACE HISTORY
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, July 4, 1996, Jeff Zwart, No. 11 (1st in HPSS Class)

THIS CAR
The history of this remarkable 993 Turbo can be traced back to May 6, 1996, when it was completed on the Porsche assembly line. Originally finished in Grand Prix White with black leather upholstery, the Porsche was equipped as a standard US model with options such as racing-style sport seats and a six-disc remote CD changer.

This car’s unique story begins to unfold upon its delivery to Circle Porsche in Long Beach, California, and subsequent sale to Jeff Zwart, the famed Road & Track contributor, filmmaker, collector, and race car driver. A lifelong car enthusiast, Zwart turned his passion into a career and, for decades now, has been responsible for some of Porsche’s most memorable print and film advertisements. When he’s not behind the camera, Zwart is often found behind the wheel of a Porsche, and his class, name is virtually synonymous with the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, racing the latest production model at the event since 1994. In a 2011 interview with Car and Driver magazine, Zwart summed up his fascination with this legendary race by stating: “It’s twelve-and-a-half miles long, with 156 turns. It’s like doing one lap of the Nürburgring, only it’s uphill and finishes at 14,000 feet.”

In preparation for the 1996 event, this 993 Turbo was sent to Rod Millen of Millenworks and Andial (now known as Porsche Motorsports North America), where minor modifications were made, such as fitting racing seats, a fuel cell, and a full roll cage. On July 4, 1996, Zwart drove the Valvoline-liveried 993 Turbo up Pikes Peak to a 1st Place finish in the High Performance Showroom Stock (HPSS) class, with a blistering time of 12 minutes and 34 seconds.

In 1996, Zwart sold his 700-mile 993 Turbo to an enthusiast living near Fresno, California. The Porsche remained in the care of its second owner for over 15 years, accruing some 4,000 miles on occasional weekend drives and track outings. The current owner, a New York Porsche collector, recently entrusted this historic 993 Turbo to marque specialists Callas Rennsport who, with the advisement of Zwart, returned the car to its original racing specification and appearance.

Displaying less than 6,000 original miles and faithfully presented in its original racing livery, this car is virtually unique in the world of contemporary racing Porsches in that it was originally built and sold as a road car. Beyond its own qualities, this exceptional car is accompanied by important documentation, including the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of Sale, a photograph signed by Zwart, a recent CARFAX report, and various maintenance records.

Speaking at Stanford University in 2013, Jeff Zwart said of his filmmaking, “I want you to feel like you’re a participant, not an observer.” With daily driver usability, documented provenance, and a Pikes Peak win to its credit, this 993 Turbo will give its new owner the opportunity to be a real participant in Porsche history.