One to Buy: ex-Erik Henriksen 1993 Porsche 968 Turbo RS
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While the 964-based 911 Carrera RSR is remembered as perhaps Porsche’s best known customer GT racing car from the early-to-mid 1990s, the firm also produced a small batch of turbocharged 968s.
Derived from the 968 Turbo S homologation special, just four copies of the track-only RS version were ultimately completed, a figure that comprised the prototype and three production examples. All four cars were raced, variously appearing in the BPR Global Endurance GT Championship, the ADAC GT Masters, the IMSA GT Championship and at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
On account of its stunning Art Car livery, arguably the most famous 968 Turbo RS was chassis WP0ZZZ96ZPS896062 which will be going under the hammer at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Amelia Island sale in Florida on March 6th.
Displayed by Porsche at the Essen Motor Show in December 1993, chassis ‘896062’ appeared at Essen in a Black base adorned with spectacular multicoloured bubbles. Uniquely, the car had been completed with Wheel Locks, an Alarm System, Headlight Levelling Control and Velour Carpet in the Luggage Compartment suggesting Porsche had possibly created it with dual road-race use in mind.
On February 1st 1994, chassis ‘896062’ was acquired by its first owner, Norwegian privateer Erik Henriksen.
To prepare the 968 for the 1994 BPR Championship, chassis Henriksen had ‘896062’ adapted from its ADAC GT sprint specification towards something capable of contesting four hour endurance events. With this in mind, RSR Engineering added a long-range fuel tank, centre-lock wheels and hubs, air jacks and some lightweight Kevlar panels (front fenders, doors and hood).
Alongside Justin Bell, Erik Henriksen raced the 968 in five rounds of the 1994 BPR series. On its debut at the season-opening Paul Ricard 4 Hours in early March, chassis ‘896062’s engine expired three minutes from the end owing to a faulty engine part. A new power unit was supplied by Porsche free of charge.
At the Jarama 4 Hours five weeks later, Henriksen and Bell came home eighth overall to claim fourth in the GT3 class. This was followed by sixth place overall and third in class at the Dijon 4 Hours at the beginning of May.
Later that month, Montlhery hosted the Paris 1000km where Henriksen and Bell were joined by Bill Farmer. Although afflicted with engine issues, the trio were nevertheless still running at the end (albeit 57 laps behind the winners) and were classified 15th overall. Chassis ‘896062’ also then finished 15th on its final outing, the Vallelunga 4 Hour race in mid July.
Following the end of its contemporary racing career, the 968 saw little action. It joined the third and consigning owner’s collection in 2008 and is being sold with a technical report from Jurgen Barth along with its Kevlar BPR body panels.
