To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$500,000 - $600,000
- Built in collaboration with Porsche Exclusive for Jerry
Seinfeld
- Said to be the final and most expensive GT3 RS 4.0
produced
- Perhaps the most desirable GT3 RS 4.0 in existence
For the 997-generation 911, Porsche saved its best for last. 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 care of 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 911 GT3 RS was certainly
on a diet, Porsche managed to trim a further 22 lb from its overall
weight by fitting carbon-fiber front fenders and a trunk lid, along
with titanium connecting rods and lighter interior trim.
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 example
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 suited to his tastes and
preferences, one that would stand out from the crowd to the true
enthusiasts but fly under the radar while 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 (PCCB), the wheels were
painted in GT Silver Metallic, and the standard hood and side
stripes were deleted, replaced with subtler "RS 4.0" decals at the
front corners 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 (without "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 an MSRP of
$245,515. The final touch was Seinfield's personalized New York
license plate: "MEZGER."
Delivered to Mr. Seinfeld in January 2012, the car remained in his
ownership until June 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 swan song 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 finest Porsche collections.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be
sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.