Vehicle Description
Chassis No. WP0ZZZ99Z3S692065
The Porsche 996-generation 911 GT3 established an extraordinary
competition record that few rivals could match in the late 1990s
and into the early 2000s. The remarkable water-cooled platform
claimed multiple GT class victories at major endurance events
including Daytona, Le Mans, and Sebring. Perhaps most notably, it
achieved an unexpected overall victory at the 2003 Daytona 24
Hours, defeating purpose-built Daytona Prototype racers. The 911
GT3 platform also conquered the challenging 24-hour races at both
Spa and the N�rburgring, while securing championships across
diverse series including FIA GT, American Le Mans Series GT,
European Le Mans Series GT, and Grand-Am.
Introduced in 1999 with the arrival of the 996.1 generation, the
road-going GT3 brought stiffer and lowered suspension, increased
chassis bracing, 100 pounds in weight savings, and a delightful
3.6-liter flat-six delivering 360 horsepower. Carrying forward the
competition legacy of the Holy Grail homologation-special 1973 911
Carrera RS, Porsche's Weissach department also developed a
dedicated racing version-the GT3 R-which debuted at Le Mans in 1999
with an immediate class victory. The GT3 R continued its dominance
in both the American Le Mans Series and FIA GT Championship over
subsequent years. In 2000, a factory-supported Phoenix Racing GT3 R
claimed victory at the grueling N�rburgring 24 Hours.
The GT3 R's successor arrived in the form of the modified GT3 RS in
2001 and was campaigned through 2003. Our subject car, a 2003
model, utilized the GT1-based Mezger 3.6-liter engine equipped with
specialized components, including a unique intake manifold, larger
diameter titanium valves, and a more aggressive camshaft profile.
Under ACO regulations, two 30.8-mm diameter restrictors limited
power output to 435 horsepower at 8,250 rpm. Per Le Mans
regulations, the car weighed just 1,100 kg (approximately 2,442
lbs) thanks to carbon-Kevlar body panels, plastic door, side, and
rear windows. The chassis featured a McPherson front, multi-link
rear suspension with spherical joints and RS-specific front and
rear uprights, paired with 380-mm front, 355-mm rear ceramic
composite brakes.
Weissach produced just two prototypes in 1999, 66 GT3 R models in
2000, followed by 51 GT3 RS variants in 2001, 48 in 2002, and 20 in
2003. The RSR saw 28 units built in 2004 and just 10 in 2005. The
2001-2003 RS models like the car on offer are particularly
significant as the last 911 endurance racers equipped with a
six-speed manual transmission before Porsche switched to
pneumatically-actuated sequential gearboxes in the RSR-marking the
end of an era.
This particular 911 GT3 RS, chassis number 065, is one of the 20
built in 2003 and was delivered to Rodger Hawley, owner of
Florida-based Orbit Racing. Porsche provided factory support for
the team, as evidenced by its full carbon floor and one-piece,
hollow monoblock BBS wheels, as well as the participation of works
driver Marc Lieb-who partnered with Peter Baron and Leo Hindery-for
the car's competitive debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June
2003. Hindery, a notable figure in sports media, was involved with
the television rights for the New York Yankees baseball team and
owned the YES Network, giving the car its distinctive livery which
it retains today. Carrying start number 87, the car joined seven
other Porsche GT class entries against competition from four
Ferraris, two TVRs, and a lone BMW-powered Spyker. This formidable
Porsche presence continued the marque's perfect record at Le Mans
since the GT3's introduction in 1999, sweeping the top six
positions. The Orbit car of Hindery, Lieb, and Baron secured a
strong starting position in qualifying, lining up in third place
behind the Alex Job Racing/Petersen Motorsport "White Lightning"
GT3 and Kevin Buckler's The Racer's Group car.
In the race, Lucas Luhr (AJR), Marc Lieb (Orbit), and Timo Bernhard
(Racer's Group) set a blistering pace, establishing a clear lead
and leaving little doubt they would dominate the category. The
Orbit Racing team held a strong position initially but yielded 3rd
position to the Team Taisan Advan Porsche in the second hour. As
the race progressed, all the leading Porsches encountered technical
difficulties, with the Orbit team needing to change a water
radiator. Despite these challenges, the number 87 car persevered,
ultimately finishing in 2nd place in the GT class, six laps behind
the winning Alex Job Racing/Petersen Motorsport Porsche of Maassen,
Luhr, and Collard.
The car's next appearance came during the American Le Mans season
opener at the Sebring 12 Hours in March of 2004, wearing start
number 43 and under the banner of BAM! (British American
Motorsport). Leo Hindery and Peter Baron were joined by 20-year-old
Porsche works driver Mike Rockenfeller, finishing 13th overall and
5th in the GT class behind the Porsche GT3s of Alex Job Racing,
Petersen Motorsports, and Flying Lizard Motorsports.
This exceptional 911 GT3 RS retains its original, matching-numbers
chassis that has been meticulously restored to its precise 2003 Le
Mans specification as campaigned by Orbit Racing. Unlike many
competition cars of the era that have endured significant damage
requiring extensive repairs or complete chassis replacements,
chassis WP0ZZZ99Z3S692065 stands apart, having never suffered
structural damage and never being "retubbed" as evidenced by the
original Le Mans technical inspection stickers still affixed to the
chassis. The car has been thoughtfully updated with current safety
equipment to meet European historic racing standards, including a
modern fuel cell and racing harnesses that ensure both driver
safety and event eligibility. Recently the subject of a
comprehensive restoration, the vehicle has been returned to its
iconic YES Network/New York Yankees livery-the distinctive blue and
silver color scheme that made it instantly recognizable on the
Circuit de la Sarthe.
Having undergone only a single shakedown test since this exacting
restoration work, the car presents in competition-ready condition.
As one of the most approachable modern Porsche GT competition cars
and one of the last with a six-speed manual transmission, this GT3
RS offers a perfect combination of competition pedigree and genuine
usability for future historic racing events such as Endurance
Racing Legends or any number of Porsche Club events.
