PORSCHE has opened the vaults of its amazing museum to reveal five rare and unique production models from its collection in the first episode of a weekly YouTube series.
In the depths of the top secret Porsche Museum warehouse in Stuttgart, Dieter Landenberger (Head of Historical Archive) showcased the incredible cars and their exquisite features.
356 America Roadster
Built in 1953, the 356 America Roadster leads the way as one of the rarest Porsche factory models – with only 16 of its kind ever built, RM Sotheby’s estimates the current worth of the car to be approximately $638,050 (£511,873).
First listed on the market in 1953 for $4,600 (£3,680) – a shimmering silver gloss has dominated the aesthetic for more than 60 years.
Dieter, 43, said: “The number one spot goes to the America Roadster”. “Most of the cars enjoyed a successful motorsport career in America, where they became the inspiration for another Porsche legend – the 356 Speedster.
“In the US, the America Roadster was used by famous racing drivers such as Briggs Cunningham, Jack McAfee and Jonny von Neumann, who enjoyed great successes with it. “All the same, only 16 units were manufactured.”
Exclusively designed to race on the track, the Roadster has a 70hp and a top speed of up to 177km/h due to its remarkably light build. Boasting just 605kg worth of weight – the aluminium body, the doors, the side windows and the rain top are all specifically equipped for racing.
911 SC/RS
The 911 SC/RS was presented next in this episode with only 20 models manufactured since its first production in 1983.
This particular Porsche is capable of attaining a quicker speed than the America Roadster with a 250hp and a six-cylinder engine. Dieter said: “It has 40 horsepower more than the production version. “The 911 SC/RS were built exclusively for rally sport.”
Initially listed for $103,944 (£83,175) in ’83, the 911 SC/RS is now roadworthy and can reach up to 230km/h – a speed that helped the car achieve success in the famous Rothmans racing team. Champion rally driver Saeed al Hajri’s famous victories in the 6,000km Qatar Rally and the Middle East-Championship in 1984 were both achieved in this very model.
Porsche intensified its commitment to using 911 models in rally races and thanks to the aluminium and plastic aspects of this car, it used to be a great favourite amongst the esteemed private teams weighing just 1,050kg.
In 2017, RM Sotheby’s predicted the 911 SC/RS to be worth an estimated $213,508. (£172,653).
911 GT1
Coming in third on the prestigious Porsche list was the road version of the 911 GT1 – this model secured third place with its rare nature as a racing car that was made for the street. That said, the outstanding racing performance of this Porsche produced an impressive price tag of $856,536 (£685,400) back in 1997, and RM Sotheby’s suggests the car is now approximately worth a staggering $3,182,850. (£2,552,327).
Dieter said: “The 911 GT1 is a racing car that is approved for road use. “It was designed for the 24h Le Mans.”
Only 21 models have been produced in the last 20 years; the 911 GT1 can race to 310km/h and has a commanding horsepower of 544, therefore making it the quickest Porsche on the list.
924 Carrera GTS
The fiery Indian red 924 Carrera GTS made up fourth place as one of the rarest factory models ever made in this episode that is part of a weekly YouTube series released by Porsche.
Walter Röhrl, the most famous Porsche rally driver, holds this model in the highest regard with its wheels and brakes from the 911 turbo and its racing seats from the 935.
Röhrl pushed rallying sports in Germany to the next level as he drove the Carrera with Christian Geistdörfer in the German Rally Championship of 1981.
“Developed in 1981 for private racing, only 50 924 Carrera GTS were built – the first in white, the remaining 49 in Indian red,” Dieter added.
Currently estimated to be worth approximately $318,285 (£255,199) by RM Sotheby’s – the off-road performance of the Carrera makes it stand out with a four-cylinder engine that produces a 245hp.
911 Turbo S (964)
Finally, the 911 Turbo S (964) squeezed into the top five selection with only 86 models produced since 1992.
The ‘speed yellow’ aesthetic was developed specifically for this car that surprisingly weighs 180kg less than the production model. The 911 Turbo S was indeed made for the road but intentionally had more power than the standard model to secure outstanding performance qualities.
Dieter said: “As the first series production Porsche, the Turbo S has parts made from carbon and 18-inch wheels. “The colour Speed Yellow was especially developed for it – nevertheless, only 86 were made.”
Numerous body components were manufactured with an extremely light glass fibre-reinforced composite and the rear and side windows were formed with thin glass.
One of the models was sold at RM Sotheby’s Auction for a staggering $1,200,166 (£962,288) in 2016 – over one million dollars more expensive than the first market listing in 1991. With the top speed as high as 290km/h and the horsepower at 381, the 911 Turbo S (964) certainly delivers the speed.
So there you have it, the doors of the exclusive Stuttgart vault have been opened to reveal five unique Porsche factory models that belong to the rarest Porsche models in existence – all displaying the poise and power of this iconic brand.
To see more Porsche ‘Top 5’ videos visit: www.youtube.com/porsche
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