Released in 1989, the third-generation Porsche 911 marked the dawn of a new era. The smoother bumpers, redesigned wheels, and retractable spoiler suggested a superficial makeover—yet 85% of the car had been reengineered. Key updates included the 3.6-liter Type M64 flat-six, coil-spring suspension (in place of torsion bars), and improved aerodynamics.

Variants included the Carrera 2, all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, and Turbo, but for 1992 Porsche developed a very special version: the Carrera RS. Inspired by its 1973 namesake, the RS was closely related to the Carrera Cup racer. Sitting 40 millimeters lower than the Carrera 2, the 260-horsepower RS featured a lightened flywheel, limited-slip differential, Cup wheels, and Turbo brakes, plus a bare-bones cockpit to keep weight down.

In 1993, Porsche developed the Carrera RS even further with the ultra-exclusive RS 3.8. Built to homologate the highly successful 3.8 RSR racer, the road car is easily identified by its wide-body fenders, massive rear wing, and three-piece “Speedline for Porsche” wheels. Naturally, the vehicle was subjected to an extensive light-weight program which utilized aluminum for the construction of the hood and doors, while the windows featured thinner glass. Following that theme, the 964's standard plush carpeting was replaced with thinner and lighter material, the rear seats were deleted, and items such as the power door locks, electric window lifts, and electric multi-adjustable seats were replaced with less weighty components. There was no sound insulation or undercoating. All told, 600 pounds were shaved off of the chassis compared to a standard, 3,300-pound Carrera 2.

As the name implies, a 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine, bored out by 2 millimeters, provides a healthy 300 horsepower to the rear wheels through a strengthened six-speed manual transmission. This output results in a 0-60 mph time just under 5 seconds with an ultimate top speed nudging 170 mph.

The example on offer is one of just 55 produced. Completed in December 1993, this Carrera 3.8 was among several RS 3.8s delivered to German racer Helmut Reis' Eco-Tec Consulting in Aachen. Befitting a road racer, Porshe’s iconic Speed Yellow paint coats the purposeful bodylines of this 911. The stripped-down interior features black and gray leather racing seats with body-colored hard shell backs, and while there are very few creature comforts, the occupants are treated to a Porsche CD-radio mounted within the dashboard.

Soon after its delivery in Germany, the Porsche was exported to Japan and received by its first owner. The vehicle would remain in the Far East until 2015, when it was imported into the United States under a US DOT "Show and Display" license issued 9 February 2015 and joined a prominent Porsche collection. Later in 2018, the Carrera RS 3.8 was sold to its current owner. With just 8,117 kilometers (~5,044 miles) logged on the odometer at the time of cataloguing and retaining its numbers-matching engine, the Porsche presents in wonderful condition and will be accompanied by a set of owner’s books, a tool roll, and a collection of documents. Notably, as the car is over 25 years old, it is no longer subject to Show and Display provisions, and it can be enjoyed by its next owner without restriction.

One of the most sought-after and hardcore air-cooled 911s, the Carrera RS 3.8 presents not only as a thrilling sports car, but also as an exceedingly rare modern Porsche fit for any collection.