Historic 1997 Porsche 911 GT2 R Race Car Project for Sale

The Porsche 911 GT2 R represents the pinnacle of air-cooled racing technology, and this 1997 example carries a storied competitive history from the European circuit. Originally campaigned by Dutch driver René Snel in the 1998 Super Car Cup, this chassis secured a third-place season finish before transitioning to the Euro GT Series. Later owned by Klaus Abbelen of Frikadelli Racing, the vehicle underwent extensive structural refurbishment in Germany in 2017. Now offered as a non-running project, it provides a rare opportunity to restore a dominant force of the 993 competition era.

Lightweight Competition Shell and Biplane Aerodynamics

Constructed for maximum track efficiency, this Porsche 911 GT2 R features a replacement body shell finished in classic Grand Prix White. The 993-generation silhouette is defined by its signature riveted fender flares, aluminum doors, and a massive biplane rear wing designed for high-speed stability. Weight reduction was a primary factory focus, utilizing an aluminum hood and polycarbonate windows to shed approximately 485 lbs compared to the standard road-going Turbo. The exterior is further equipped with a front spoiler, 935-style side mirrors, and a vented rear bumper.

Stripped Racing Cockpit and Matter Safety Cage

The interior is a functional environment strictly tailored for competition, housing a single Sparco racing seat and a welded Matter roll cage for structural rigidity. Following its professional racing career, the cockpit remains in a stripped state, featuring a Sparco steering wheel and a dashboard devoid of factory instrumentation. While the chassis mileage remains unknown, the presence of a dated Premier fuel cell in the front trunk and a racing-spec fire suppression setup reinforces its purpose-built nature. This space serves as a blank canvas for a period-correct restoration.

Twin Turbocharged Power and Manual Engagement

Mechanical motivation for this racer comes from a replacement twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine managed by a Bosch Motronic ECU. The powertrain retains twin BorgWarner turbochargers and a massive aluminum intercooler to manage thermal loads during endurance sessions. An HJS Motorsport exhaust system with tubular headers provides an unrestricted narrative, while power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transaxle. The engine delivered factory benchmarks of 450 hp/456 PS and 400 lb-ft/542 Nm when configured to original GT2 R racing specifications.

Niche Market Appeal for Air Cooled Race Icons

As one of a reported ten examples built for the 1997 model year, this Porsche 911 GT2 R occupies a unique position in the collectors’ market. Its eligibility for various vintage racing series and its direct connection to European GT history make it a high-value prospect for specialists. In the current market, authentic 993 GT2 variants often outperform their contemporaries due to their rarity and the mechanical purity of the air-cooled era. This project serves as an ideal entry point for a collector looking to return a genuine Porsche icon to the grid.

A Technical Resurrection of a Super Car Cup Legend

Restoring this Porsche 911 GT2 R is an undertaking that bridges the gap between mechanical archaeology and high-performance engineering. With its replacement forward chassis and updated bodywork already in place, the groundwork for a world-class rebuild has been established. This project offers the chance to preserve the legacy of René Snel’s podium-placing machine, ensuring that one of the rarest 911 race cars ever produced continues to represent the zenith of Porsche’s 993 competition heritage for future generations.

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Source: bringatrailer.com