The 2016 911 R is Porsche’s indirect apology to purists upset with the company for only offering its raciest version of the 991-generation 911, the GT3 RS, with a dual-clutch PDK transmission. Though the superb, paddle-shifting gearbox operated far faster than a traditional manual, hardcore enthusiasts yearned for the tactile experience and simplicity of rowing through the gears themselves.

To its credit, Porsche heeded customer requests and released a limited-edition 911 with the high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six of the GT3 RS, coupled with a manual gearbox instead of the PDK. Introduced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and designated the 911 R, it was similar to the GT3 RS but with a different ethos. Rather than chasing the fastest possible track times, driver enjoyment became the overriding goal. Forgoing the GT3 RS’s massive rear wing, using polycarbonate rather than glass for the rear windscreen and rear side windows, and other weight-saving measures shed 110 pounds compared to the GT3 RS. In a throwback to 1960s Porsches, the carbon-fiber full bucket seats featured “Pepita” tartan fabric inserts and red or green racing stripes on the exterior. More importantly, special tuning of the suspension and steering, and the responsive six-speed manual gearbox with its single-mass flywheel created the most engaging driving experience possible. Porsche produced only 991 examples of the type-991 911 R, ensuring interest would far outstrip demand.

This incredibly low-mileage example completed production on 19 July 2016 and was sold to its first owner, a resident of Colleyville, Texas, through Park Place Porsche in Dallas, as documented on the accompanying build sheet. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirms that it came finished from the factory in White with red stripes, reflecting the model’s purity of intent and motorsport heritage. The interior features the desirable Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur upholstery treatment in Black and Tarpan Brown authentic leather with white contrast stitching and silver seatbelts to complement the model’s signature tartan inserts and carbon fiber trim. Factory options included the front suspension lift system, Sport Chrono Package, Light Design Package, Smoking Package, air conditioning, side stripes with black Porsche script, Porsche Dynamic Lighting System LED headlights in black, aluminum-look fuel cap, fire extinguisher, color-matched key with leather pouch, and stereo delete.

With its highly appealing color combination, desirable factory options, and ludicrously low mileage of just 168 miles at cataloguing time, this spectacular 911 R is the perfect collector piece for the discerning Porsche enthusiast wishing to augment a stable of supercars with one of the most desirable 911 models from the past decade and experience the thrill of its unfiltered driving dynamics firsthand.