One to Buy: 13,000 mile Grand Prix White 1992 Porsche 911 3.6 RS America (964)
Because the 964-based 911 3.6 Carrera RS launched in early 1991 was not legal for sale in the United States on safety grounds, Porsche caved to customer demand and produced a back-to-basics driver-focused normally aspirated Coupe specifically for export across the Atlantic.
The resultant 911 RS America arrived in October 1991 under option code M504 and was priced at round 30% less than a full-fat Carrera RS. It came with uprated suspension and wheels, a simplified interior with basic door cards, no rear seats, fabric sports seats and thinner carpet, a fixed rear spoiler and stock 250bhp Flat 6 motor.
All told, the RS America weighed in 75kg lighter than a standard rear-drive Carrera 2 Coupe and 701 were built between 1991 and 1993.
Currently on the market at the Canepa showroom in Scotts Valley, California, is undoubtedly one of the best examples of a 911 RS America to exist: chassis WP0AB296XPS418145.
Configured in Grand Prix White with three of the four optional extras available (air conditioning, a limited-slip differential and two-speaker audio system), the car’s first owner took delivery on June 16th, 1992. Chassis ‘418145’ joined an extensive collection of high end cars and for the best part of 20 years was maintained by the first owner’s in-house mechanic, during which time it accumulated 13,000 miles.
More recently, this incredible unrestored RS America has undergone the usual comprehensive pre-sale preparation for which Canepa have become renowned.
Reprinted below is Canepa’s description:
VIN: WP0AB296XPS418145
One of only 701 examples ever produced
13,363 original miles!
All original paint
Original show quality interior
Optioned in Grand Prix White paint with black cloth interior
Optioned with A/C, Limited Slip Differential, and Radio Cassette Player
1 longtime caretaker of 20 years
3.6-liter flat six air-cooled engine - 250HP, 229lb-ft of torque
5-speed manual transmission
Porsche’s answer for America’s Carrera RS
Americans are generally used to not being able to get all the types of cars that the Europeans are able to enjoy due to stricter safety and emission regulations. However, once in a while the stars align and let a truly awesome automobile make its way to the U.S., even if those stars being aligned is due to the hard work of enthusiasts.
When Porsche announced that the new lightweight 964 Carrera RS would not make its way to American shores, there was an uproar among American Porsche enthusiasts who were ready to purchase a lighter weight and focused Carrera. Undeterred, these enthusiasts constantly hounded Porsche to release a car that they could actually buy, and in 1993 Porsche relented with this: the 1993 Porsche 911 RS America.
Built to meet U.S. regulations while providing a more focused driving experience, the RS America was lighter, nimbler, faster, and most importantly a crucial step in returning the 911 to its racing heritage.
Porsche 911 RS Americas were only available with 4 equipment options from the Porsche factory. This RS was optioned with 3 most popular options of the 4 available: air conditioning, a mechanical limited slip differential, and a radio and cassette player with 2 speakers. The first owner, who kept this car for close to 20 years and purchased it on June 16th, 1992.
Adding the RS America to his extensive collection of collector vehicles, he maintained the car with his in-house mechanic who oversaw all of his other vehicles. This owner added 99% of original miles added to the odometer, approximately 13,000 over 20 years.
The condition of the vehicle is a testament to the RS being a part of his collection, as the interior, paint, and mechanicals are exceptionally pristine and present like a 1,300 mile car, not a 13,000 mile car.
In 2022 the car found a new owner who treated the car to a $2,362.95 service (CAD) that included a fuel system flush, oil change, transmission fluid flush and replacement, brake fluid and clutch fluid flush, and a general inspection. Adding very few miles, he drove the car sparingly and after owning the car for almost 2 years.
The dealership took the exceptional RS America and decided to do a complete in-depth servicing and preparation for a new future caretaker. After a thorough inspection, the RS America went into service which included installing new Michelin Pilot Sport tires, a Porsche Classic radio, air conditioning service, and a full brake service including brake rotors and pads. This work came out to a total of $17,509.50 (CAD), with work completed on October 11th, 2023.
This RS America arrived at Canepa as a shining example of what an RS America can look like. The black cloth interior presents as new, the exterior Grand Prix White paint is in exceptional original condition, and is mechanically ready to drive to the next Cars & Coffee or on a 3,000 mile road trip.
Despite all of this, the RS America was put through the “Canepa Difference” process, to ensure that every system and surface is perfect for a new caretaker. All systems were inspected thoroughly and addressed accordingly, the exterior and underside detailed to a concours standard, and the Grand Prix White paint polished using only light foam pads to bring out a lustrous shine, this 1993 Porsche 911 RS America is a perfect example of what a well taken care of collector car can look like.
Ready for another 13,000 miles on the road, entering a concours event or car show, or even both, it is not a car that will leave you disappointed, but feeling only rewarded.
For more information visit the Canepa website at: https://www.canepa.com/
