One to Buy: triple black 1994 Schuppan 962 CR
Ex-works Porsche driver Vern Schuppan was one of several individuals that, during the late 1980s collector car boom, decided to offer a road-going version of the legendary Porsche 962.
Significantly though, Schuppan planned to base his cars on carbonfibre tubs that were lighter and stiffer than the aluminium honeycomb originals. Conceived for racing use by Schuppan’s British-based racing team, these state-of-art composite tubs were produced with Porsche’s blessing.
Having had the idea to build 962 road cars around his expensively developed carbon tubs, Vern Schuppan decided to offer two alternative road-going versions: the 962 LM and 962 CR.
While the 962 LM was conceived as simple road-going conversion of a standard-looking 962, the 962 CR would be a more luxurious variant built on a widened tub and fitted with a completely redesigned body.
Ultimately, Schuppan built just six 962 road cars before the company went into administration as a result of the early 1990s economic crash.
One of these cars, chassis AS962CRP2, is currently on offer with Bingo Sports in Tokyo.
Finished in its original black on black colour scheme, it represents a high point for development of the 962 road car theme having been crash tested, emission controlled and type approved for road use in all key markets at vast expense.
Unfortunately though, when demand for high end vehicles collapsed, there was simply insufficient demand for a car that was priced at nearly $1m in 1991.
Reprinted below is Bingo Sports’ description:
One of six
VIN: AS962CRP2
The 962CR is essentially a Porsche Group C race car for the road. It’s based on the Porsche 962, one of the most successful race cars ever, which led the company to victories at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1986 and 1987.
One of Porsche’s drivers, Vern Schuppan, a Le Mans winner with Porsche in 1983, drove a 962 for his own team (Team Schuppan) in the 1989 race. When support by Porsche and the racing cycle of the 962 ended, Vern decided to take these racing cars and convert them into road cars at the team’s facilities in England. The project was backed by Japanese investors and a total of 6 cars were made.
The 962CR, like the race car, is powered by a twin-turbo 3.3-litre flat-6 engine which produces about 600hp with the power going to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The monocoque and the bespoke body are made of carbon fibre. The suspension has spring rates and dampers for road-use and the interior is covered in leather that adds a touch of luxury.
Just by standing next to the car one can immediately recognise that this car is special. The car is low and wide at 2 metres but it’s relatively short giving slightly unusual proportions. Opening the small doors reveals a cramped interior with two seats and massive sills that have to be managed to get inside.
While the 962CR is road-legal, it’s still a legendary group C Porsche race car underneath, very few cars have made such an extreme transition.
