Porsche 911 (997) GT3 RS 4.0 (2011)

The reference ''RS'' will quicken the pulse of Porsche connoisseurs. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972, the 1991 964 911 RS, the 2004 996 GT3 RS and the 2007 997 GT3 RS are all normally aspirated sports cars that stand out on account of their extreme degree of manoeuvrability and handling.

With the 996 Porsche was the first completely new 911 in what was then already a 35-year-old career. A year later Porsche produced a pure sports version to enable it to homologate its racing cars and all were surprised to find it was not to be granted 'RS' status like its fabled predecessor, the 2.7 RS, which had been conceived in 1973 for much the same reason. Instead Porsche appended a new name to it, the 'GT3' badge relating to its intended category of racing.

However, after the GT3 the journey commenced with the first GT3 RS, and as the 996 evolved into the 997, so the breed developed until seven iterations later Porsche arrived at the 997 GT3 RS 4.0. From those inauspicious beginnings, Porsche had bred what is now widely regarded as its finest road car to date, better even than the only two other possible contenders for the title, the original 2.7 RS and the RS version of the last air-cooled car, the 993. This car was the very last of both the 997 and the original GT3 line and it is fitting that it was such a triumph and importantly the last manual GT3 to be built.

For some years the Hans Mezger-designed flat-six motor was only used in Porsche's GT3 and GT2 cars, all other 911s, Boxsters and Caymans using an entirely unrelated, much cheaper to manufacture, direct-injection flat-six. Routine tests to which this engine was subjected during development for use in this ultimate GT3 was to be run flat out and non-stop for 3000km. For this fond farewell Porsche's Motorsport department prepared this car to be the first road-going 911 to use an engine displacing more than 3.8 litres by using the long stroke crank of the RSR race car (there was no more space between the cylinders to allow expansion in that direction), ultimately a capacity of 3996cc was achieved resulting in more torque and power. This 4-litre engine produces 493bhp without the aid of turbocharging.

Although just 600 of these 4-litre RSs were built, Porsche went to great lengths to perfect it and also made it lighter, making extensive use of carbon fibre, notable in places like the bonnet and front bumper. Even the carpet underlay was discarded. The suspension used Rose joints in the rear suspension, unique spring rates and springs that come with small helper springs to ensure some pre-load is always kept in the suspension. Finally attention turned to aerodynamics. Porsche fitted a new rear wing and discovered two things: first it not only eliminated all rear axle lift but then actually contributed 200kg of downforce at 183mph. Secondly it completely unbalanced the car aerodynamically. That's why it has those little winglets at the front (left): they may not look like much but there are places at the old Nürburgring where they make the difference between being able to go flat out and leaving the circuit.

Since their delivery, these cars have been incredibly sought after with values appreciating and reviews glowing with many agreeing that this is not only the best road Porsche ever, but that with the demise of a manual gearbox also a car that marks the significant end of an era.

This sensational RS 4.0 is offered directly from the Stable of legendary World Rally Champion Petter Solberg, the only man to have claimed both the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and the FIA World Rallycross driver's titles.

This LHD example (319 of 600) was Swiss supplied and first delivered in November 2011. The car is presented in its original "Carrara White" paintwork and 4.0 litre livery. This model is the more desirable "Clubsport" specification and is therefore fitted with a Rear Roll Cage in White, Alcantara and Leather Bucket Seats, Red Harnesses and a Fire Extinguisher. Additionally, this 4.0 is fitted with options including the essential Front Axle Lifting System, Sport Chrono Package with Black Faced Stopwatch, Automatically Dimmable Mirrors, Rain Sensor, Cruise Control, Upgraded Sound System and CD Storage, Top Tinted Windscreen, Porsche Dynamic Light System, Sat Nav, and a 90L Fuel Tank. Although being a Clubsport example, this car has as well as harnesses, standard seatbelts.

The car has covered less than 15,000 miles and has been regularly serviced throughout its life by Official Porsche Centres and has been very well maintained. The car has just undergone a comprehensive full service at Porsche Great Britain who performed a complete 111-point check and issued a satisfactory rev range report. As a result, the car is ready to be enjoyed immediately by the new owner and is in need of nothing. The opportunity to acquire what can only be described as "The Ultimate 911", which was produced in such limited numbers, is one that is too good to miss, especially one with such ownership provenance.

The car has covered less than 15,000 miles and has been regularly serviced throughout its life by Official Porsche Centres and has been very well maintained. The car has just undergone a comprehensive full service at Porsche Great Britain who performed a complete 111-point check and issued a satisfactory rev range report. As a result, the car is ready to be enjoyed immediately by the new owner and is in need of nothing. The opportunity to acquire what can only be described as "The Ultimate 911", which was produced in such limited numbers, is one that is too good to miss.