An outstandingly impressive vehicle, this Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight sought to capture the all-time production-car record at the 100th Pike Peak International Hill Climb in 2022, with hall-of-famer and eight-time winner David Donner behind the wheel.

Donner, who previously held the production-car title with a Porsche, aimed to better a time set by Rhys Millen in a Bentley Continental GT in 2019. With financial backing from prominent collector Jim Edwards, it was decided to employ Porsche’s latest development of its headlining 911, the Turbo S Lightweight.

Stupendously fast out of the box, this 640-horsepower 911 Turbo S benefits from 80 pounds of weight reduction thanks to lightweight glass, removal of sound deadening and the rear seats, single-piece carbon-fiber bucket seats, and a lighter battery. Strict limitations established by the organizers for vehicles contesting the production-car record meant that the Porsche had to compete without modifications to engine, transmission, suspension, or bodywork. Safety standards dictated the fitment of a roll cage, removal of all carpeting, installation of a fuel cell, and a fire-suppression system. The rules do, however, allow for very limited performance modifications and, as such, this Porsche arrived at the mountain after being meticulously prepared by mechanic Victor Scanapico and Champion Motorsport director Tom Pevlov with a retuned ECU and a stainless-steel exhaust system by Sharkwerks. Perhaps the most impressive element of this venture, the Turbo S Lightweight would race up the 14,115 foot peak on street-legal tires.

A collaboration with 000 Magazine, the car’s one-of-a-kind livery celebrates the publication’s success with a “Print isn’t Dead” theme, featuring a distinctive patchwork of pages from an article detailing the original 911 Turbo. An instant hit with the public, the endeavor to conquer the mountain began with great enthusiasm after the Porsche began to set massively impressive times below the 10-minute threshold during practice sessions.

On actual race day, 26 June 2022, mother nature decided to play a tricky hand bathing the terrain in fog and rain. Nevertheless, Donner’s vast experience provided a special, competitive edge, and the Porsche ultimately set a time good enough for second place overall and first in the exhibition class. The vehicle was additionally awarded the coveted Bergmeister Award, given to the fastest Porsche on the mountain regardless of division. A remarkable achievement, the car’s time to complete the hill climb bested a majority of purpose-built race machinery competing on the mountain that year. The inclement weather unfortunately left the production-car record officially out of reach, but fortunately, a second officially sanctioned attempt was made possible in September of the same year. Donner was able to smash the record by setting a time of 9 minutes 53 seconds. As it stands, this Porsche still officially holds course record for production cars, providing this Turbo S an immortal status.

A distinctive piece of modern Porsche motor sport history, this street-legal 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight belongs on the short list of the Stuttgart automaker’s most impressive, contemporary competition winners and will certainly make a fine addition to any collection. Please note that the vehicle is accompanied by its original interior components in a crate, having been removed per hill-climb regulations.