For the 997-generation 911, Porsche truly saved its best efforts for last, and the GT3 RS 4.0 was the culmination of years of testing on the open road and in the crucible of motorsport. Its engine was the most powerful normally aspirated flat-six built by Porsche at the time of its unveiling, producing 500 bhp at 8,250 rpm along with 339 foot-pounds of torque. This was thanks to a new intake manifold, new higher-flow air filters within carbon-fiber housings, less-restrictive catalytic converters to reduce exhaust back pressure, Variocam-Plus variable valve timing, and a two-stage variable induction system. Even though the standard GT3 RS was certainly on a diet, Porsche managed to find a way to trim a further 22 lbs. from its overall weight by fitting carbon-fiber front fenders and trunk lid along with titanium connecting rods, and lighter interior trim, making it truly a blast to drive.

To many enthusiasts at the time, this was the ultimate iteration of the most radical, road-going Porsche 911, and a car to be treasured for years to come with its status as a future collectible being almost certain. It is no wonder that these 600 cars were delivered to some of the most loyal Porsche customers, and this example is no exception.

Within the echelon of the GT3 RS 4.0, this example is perhaps the most desirable. Said to be the final and most expensive GT3 RS 4.0 built, this car bears serial no. 009 and was built for comedian and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld worked closely with Porsche Exclusive to build a car perfectly suited to his tastes and preferences, one which would stand out from the crowd to the true enthusiasts but fly under the radar whilst out and about.

According to its accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the car was finished in Black with a matching Black interior. Along with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, the wheels were painted in GT Silver Metallic, and the standard hood and side stripes were deleted, replaced with a subtler “RS 4.0” at the front corner of both doors. A high-gloss bare carbon-fiber hood (the underside of which is signed by Andreas Preuninger, Hans Mezger, and the head of Porsche Exclusive) is mimicked at the back with a matching carbon rear spoiler with contrasting white “Porsche” lettering, along with matching carbon side mirrors. No other 4.0 left the factory with bare carbon fiber bodywork.

Inside, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is normally a study in minimalism and awash in Alcantara, but Seinfeld clearly chose to reverse this and went about luxuriously trimming the car in leather wherever possible, save for the headliner. As such, the steering wheel, sport bucket seats (with deleted “RS 4.0” logos), door panels, dashboard, steering column trim, and gear shifter (which, along with the brake handle, are of Seinfeld’s own design) are trimmed in black leather, beautifully contrasting with GT Silver stitching throughout – matching the wheels. Other options include the Front Axle Lifting System, Sound Package Plus with Bluetooth Phone Interface, Sport Chrono Package Plus, and PCM with Extended Navigation. With production completed on 23 December 2011, this is said to be the most expensive GT3 RS 4.0 built, with a MSRP of $245,515.00. The final touch was Seinfield’s personalized New York license plate: “MEZGER”.

Delivered to Mr. Seinfeld in January of 2012, the car remained in his ownership until June of 2017, during which period it was driven over 5,000 miles, having clearly been a favorite of his to drive and enjoy on the open road. His ownership is confirmed by service receipts and a previous New York title in his name, which are included in the car’s history file, in addition to the car’s original owner’s manuals, original window sticker, and original key fob.

The swansong of the 997-generation of 911s, the GT3 RS 4.0 is a must-have automobile in all respects, combining the sheer character that the model has become known for with groundbreaking performance. As is the case with all modern Porsche cars, the uniquely optioned examples consistently prove to be the most desirable. Seinfeld’s own GT3 RS 4.0 checks all the proverbial boxes and has already proven to be a highlight in one of the world’s great Porsche collections.