1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS

At one point or another during my time writing for GCFSB I have had the opportunity to feature nearly every variant of the 964 and as I’ve noted in previous posts there is a ton of variability within the 964 model range. The exception, the car I have yet to feature, is the 964 Carrera RS, quite possibly the best of the breed, especially were we to stumble across the ultra-rare 3.8 RS, which sadly this one is not. Nevertheless, the 3.6 version is truly a fantastic machine. The US market had to settle for the RS America, a lightened low-option version of the Carrera 2, that never fully approached, nor did Porsche intend it to approach, the full-on Carrera RS of other markets. The Carrera RS used the tried-and-true method of more power/less weight, combining a higher output version of the 964’s 3.6 liter flax-six with significant weight reduction – coming in 155 kg lighter than a standard Carrera 2 – to provide the sort of no frills performance that 911 enthusiasts had long craved since the original RS. To wear that moniker, the coveted Carrera RS badge, requires a special car and the version for the 964 filled those shoes quite well. It showed how far this newly redesigned 911 could be pushed and continued Porsche’s history of melding excellent road-going manners with track-focused performance. The particular example we see here is a Maritime Blue 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS with a contrasting black and blue leather interior and just 20,005 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS on 4 Star Classics

Year: 1992
Model: 911 Carrera RS
Engine: 3.6 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 20,005 mi
Price: £179,995 (~ $283,640)

MODEL HISTORY
The Porsche 964 is the internal name for Porsche 911s manufactured and sold between 1989 and 1994. Designed by Benjamin Dimson in 1986, it featured significant styling revisions over previous 911 models, most prominently the more integrated bumpers. The 964 was considered to be more than 85% new as compared to its predecessor, the Carrera 3.2. The first 964s available in 1989 were all wheel drive equipped ‘Carrera 4′ models, with the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant added to the range in 1990.

A new naturally aspirated engine called the M64 was used for 964 models, with a flat-6 displacement of 3.6 litres. Porsche substantially revised the suspension, replacing the rear torsion bars with coil springs and shock absorbers. Power steering and ABS brakes were added to the 911 for the first time; both were standard. The exterior bumpers and fog lamps became flush into the car, allowing for better aerodynamics. Furthermore, a new electric rear spoiler rose up at speeds above 50 mph and lowered down flush with the rear engine lid at lower speeds, or at rest.

In 1992, Porsche produced a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive only version of the 964 called the Carrera RS. The RS was fitted with a revised version of the standard engine titled M64/03 internally which had an increased power output of 256hp and a lightweight flywheel coupled to the G50/10 gearbox with closer ratios, asymmetrical Limited Slip Differential and steel synchromesh.

A stripped-out interior devoid of luxuries such as electric windows, rear seats, air conditioning, and cruise control were part of the RS package, as were the bucket front seats. The bonnet was made of aluminium, the chassis was seam welded, and sound deadening was deleted. Furthermore, the glass was thinner in the doors and rear window. The Carrera RS is approximately 155 kg lighter than the standard model.

EQUIPMENT

Power steering, Recaro leather bucket seats, Dash clock, Lockable glove compartment, Immobiliser.

EXTERIOR

The Maritime Blue paintwork is a stunning choice for the 964. The bold colour suits the Carrera RS well, and provides a vibrant contrast to the silver Cup alloys. The arrow-straight bodywork is in very good condition with absolutely no dents or scuffs to note whatsoever.

Having spent its life in a dry climate, there is no corrosion to be found. Aside from the usual insignificant chips to the front bumper, as well as slight discolouration around the tailpipe, the car remains in excellent condition overall. Furthermore, all trim around the car appears factory-fresh, as do the lenses, which are crystal clear and free from any cracks.

INTERIOR

The 964 is equipped with lightweight Recaro bucket seats upholstered in black and blue leather. The seats present very well with only very minor expected wear to the driver’s outer edge, consistent with a low mileage car such as this.

The door cards are entirely scuff-free as are the sill protectors. The carpets also present as new and extend to the rear of the cabin, where the back seats would usually reside. As to be expected, the switchgear retains a solid feel. Under the bonnet, everything appears in excellent order with all components very fresh indeed.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 3.6-litre air-cooled engine starts with a purposeful roar and idles up to temperature without fuss. The six-speed manual RS gearbox remains smooth and precise, handling the Porsche’s vast power with ease.

The engine bay is entirely corrosion-free with all components in excellent fettle, and is consistent with a well-maintained, low mileage vehicle.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The 17-inch magnesium wheels present in excellent condition, with no age-related wear or curb marking to note. The alloys are shod in a matching set of semi-slick Yokohama tyres, each with ample tread remaining.

The black Porsche callipers present nicely between the spokes, and the ventilated discs still show plenty of life.

HISTORY FILE

First registered in 1992, this rare Carrera RS has covered a mere 20k miles in its life to date. The car resided in a dry climate until it was recently imported into the UK, where all duties and taxes have now been taken care of.

Present in the History File is the original leather document holder, complete with the dealer-supplied owner’s manual, and service booklet.

A car like the Carrera RS deserves an eye-catching color and Maritime Blue does this car a lot of justice. It isn’t as electric as the later Riviera Blue of the 993, but it has nice brightness and given that it was only available during the 964’s model life it is a fitting color for this RS to wear. As the market for them has heated up considerably, we’ve come across, and featured, quite a few examples of the RS America. Naturally, we see far fewer of the Carrera RS come up for sale, but the market for these is even more intense with asking prices nearly doubling those of the RS America. Long term, the question with which collectors must grapple is whether these cars might follow a road similar to the ’73 Carrera RS and one day reach into seven-figure territory. That may be a long way off for the 3.6 RS, but a high place on the market is almost assured for these special 911s.

-Rob