Porsche 911 Mk1 GT3

Group	1
Engine	R 3600 6
Transmission	RWD 6 speed
Cabin	2 door; 2 seat
Bhp @ rpm	360 @ 7200
lb ft @ rpm	273 @ 5000
Kerb weight/kg	1350
bhp/ton	267
bhp/litre	100
0-60/secs	4.5
0-100/secs	10.3
Max mph	188
Fuel tank/l	63
Year	1999-2001
Country	Germany
Price when new	£85,000
Number produced	106 (UK RHD)

The GT3 was introduced with the basic principles of the previous RS models: sound deadening was almost completely removed, there was no sunroof and no rear seats; air conditioning and a stereo were no cost options, as was the ClubSport version. Even so there was not quite so much raw weight savings, due to the uprated engine, gearbox and brakes, though it still had a better power/weight ratio than previous RS models, and the 996 turbo due to its race derived engine providing 360bhp. This enabled the GT3 to be a superb track machine whilst retaining everyday usability typical of the 996 series 911. It was the first production car to lap the northern circuit of the Nürburgring (the Nordschleife) in under 8mins.

Compared to the standard 911, it has seem welding for extra body strength, an engine developed from the one used in the LeMans winning GT1 race car of 1998 and a stronger gearbox from the 993 GT2 with short throw gearshift. In addition larger brakes are fitted under the 18" lightweight aluminium alloy two piece race wheels with larger tyres. A fully adjustable suspension setup with race springs that sits 30mm lower and has axel geometry adjustment is standard. There were also various aerodynamic improvements, including a double rear wing to improve down-force and therefore grip, and a new front bumper.

The most important difference was that hand assembled GT1 race engine with dry sump to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering and braking. It was up to 3600cc from the standard horizontally opposed 6-cylinder, 24valve, 3.4 of the time. It had lots of internal modifications, including lightweight titanium connecting rods, and components hardened with Plasma-Nitride for increased strength, it was also stiffer as a different manufacturing process was used for the engine block and crankcase. These improvements allow a higher rev limit near 8000rpm, and more power.

There are only 106 RHD examples in the UK, 28 of which are Clubsports with the full roll cage, this is 1 of 9 in Zanzibar red.

"Our Car of the Year 1999. Porsche didn't build enough" ***** evo Magazine, THE KNOWLEDGE