The 964-based Carrera RS was unveiled in 1991 as a limited-production, lightweight high- performance version of the Carrera 2 production car built to satisfy the many marque enthusiasts who demanded a new and modern successor to the wildly popular but low-production Carrera RS 2.7 and 3.0 of 1973-1975. Porsche produced a total of 2,276 examples of the 964 RS; 1,910 of those were stripped "Basics," also sometimes called Lightweights, designed to be highly responsive street or track cars with no luxury options available. There were also 290 N/GTs or "Sport" models for racing in the BPR GT Group N series and for owners who wished to participate in track events; and another 76 in "Touring" trim, with different and unique seats, full interiors, sound deadening, and luxury options like AC, sunroofs, and power windows, more suitable for everyday street use.

The new RS closely followed the path of the 964 Carrera Cup racers. The RS packed an M64/03 air-cooled, dry-sump horizontally opposed SOHC six-cylinder modified to produce 260 hp at 6,100 rpm with 240 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine incorporated carefully matched pistons and cylinders, Bosch electronic engine management, and sequential fuel injection. Power was delivered via a single-mass sport flywheel to a G50/10 five-speed gearbox with steel synchronizer rings, altered shift sleeves, and taller first and second gears. A ZF asymmetrical limited-slip differential borrowed from the 911 Turbo delivered 20 percent lockup under load and 100 percent lockup under braking.

The suspension offered a ride height reduced by an inch and a half, with stiffer McPherson struts, alloy transverse control arms, and coil-over shock absorbers in the front end, and light-alloy semi-trailing arms with coil-over shock absorbers in the rear. Anti-roll bars at both ends were adjustable.

The 964's electrically assisted steering was replaced with a manual rack. Niceties such as air conditioning, power-adjustable seats, cruise control, an entertainment system, and sound deadening and insulation were dispensed with, all in the name of weight reduction. The rear seat was eliminated, replaced with lightweight carpeting. All chassis seams were fully welded, and the 964's steel doors and front trunk lid were replaced with aluminum panels, and thinner glass was used for the doors and backlight. Driver and passenger enjoyed deeply bolstered bucket sport seats.

This "Basic" example is finished in its original Polar Silver Metallic (92E), with black RS exterior trim, a black leatherette interior with black and grey leather-covered sports seats. The car has lightweight door cards with red RS door pulls and manual window lifts. An attractive set of drilled aluminum pedal covers was installed by a previous owner.

Having recorded just 60,500 km (37,592 miles) from new, this beautiful Japanese-delivery RS was brought to the U.S. in July 2013. As it was less than 25 years old at the time, it was fully federalized to U.S. DOT standards by JK Technologies LLC in Baltimore, Maryland, which is confirmed by a plaque in the door jamb. The current owner, a noted Porsche collector, states that this car has been recently serviced and has been driven regularly to ensure that all systems are in proper working order. It is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, its original manuals in their factory pouch, a correct collapsible spare tire, a correct tool roll, an emergency travel kit, work gloves, and other desirable accessories.

This silver RS is lovely to behold and exciting to drive. Its next owner is certain to enjoy the experience.