Once described as “the car that the Porsche Club of America built,” the 911 RS America was based on the Type 964 Carrera 2 and was created as a limited-production, lightweight, performance version of the 964 for the United States market. On its introduction in 1992, the factory stated that the new model was a “Pure protein Porsche 911,” designed to handle more like a competition 911. For markets other than the United States, Porsche had offered the 964 Carrera RS in both Lightweight and Touring versions, plus two racing models, the Competition and the Carrera Cup.

Like its fabled predecessor, the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973, the 964 Carrera RS and its derivatives could not be imported to the United States and legally registered, but an intense lobbying effort by Porsche Cars of North America, the PCA, and former factory driver Vic Elford, led to Porsche creating a higher-performance version that met American import requirements. The new model would be listed as the Type 964-320 and called the RS America. It would be offered initially in only four colors: red, black, silver, and dark metallic blue, with white added later. Essentially a “de-contented” Carrera 2, it did away with non-essential items like sound insulation, power steering, electric seats, the usual door trim, and air conditioning, although A/C, a limited-slip differential, a sunroof, and a stereo player were available if a buyer so chose. Electric windows were standard.

To create a more visceral “driver’s car,” the RSA used non-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and the lower and stiffer M030 Sport suspension package from the C2 Turbo. That included progressively wound coil springs, a larger 22 millimeter front anti-roll bar (20 millimeters in back), uprated shock absorbers, and 17-inch diameter Mille Miglia Cup 1 alloy wheels—seven inches wide in front and 8 inches in the rear. Brakes were four-piston fixed-caliper discs with ABS. Externally, there was a distinctive, large rubber-edged whale-tail deck spoiler and “RS” decals.

Offered is a very attractive RS America in Guards Red over black with black-anodized window trim, showing just 15,380 miles on its odometer. The bodywork, interior, and road wheels appear in pristine condition, suggesting very careful use by its previous owners. The interior includes drilled aluminum pedals and footrest. This car is supplied with a set of OEM rubber pedal covers, a pair of aftermarket mirror covers, a performance chip, a spare muffler, and an uninstalled Blaupunkt Savannah stereo head unit. Additionally, service invoices throughout the life of the car are included, along with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The COA documents the car as being optioned with a limited-slip differential, AM/FM radio, and electric sunroof.

Today, the RSA is a much sought-after model, relatively few in number, able to provide a thrilling motoring experience to the discerning enthusiast. “The RS America,” wrote David Coleman in Excellence Magazine, “captures the look, feel, and spartan quality of the Carrera Cup car in a 911 you can drive with impunity every day.”