The runaway success of the 2016’s 911R demonstrated to Porsche executives that there was a market for a high performance car which prioritized experience and driver involvement over outright speed. The 911R showed that such a car would complement rather than undermine the GT3 and its success led directly to the reintroduction of the manual transmission in the GT3, as well as the GT3 Touring.
When the 992 generation of GT3 appeared, it was available in both standard and Touring versions at the outset, and it came as no surprise that an even more uncompromising and limited model appeared eventually. Called the 911 S/T, it was developed with a confidence and dedication that hadn’t been possible during the 911R’s development, which was characterized by concern that there would not be a market for the car. Case in point, Porsche’s head of GT, Andreas Preuninger, dedicated his best chassis development engineer for a year to getting the dynamics of the S/T just right. The definition of success for the S/T meant a pure, fulfilling experience for the driver using the car on the road. To achieve this, the car was lightened considerably, the rear wheel steering eliminated, the steering ratio altered, and the suspension given more compliance which makes the car more at home on the road while telegraphing the car’s motions and attitude in a way that makes it much more engaging.
The weight saving was achieved by reducing soundproofing, and numerous carbon fiber panels including front deck lid, front fenders, roof, and doors. Magnesium wheels were also part of the specification. The engine is the 4.0 liter naturally-aspirated GT3RS unit making 518hp, which is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission which has closer ratios than the GT3 manual gearbox. The result of these thoughtful changes and the obsessive development is among the most enjoyable and satisfying road cars of the last decade. Just 1963 examples were built and they have already become thoroughly collectible cars.
This particular example was ordered in paint to sample (PTS) X blue, a dark non-metallic blue which debuted in 2019 on the Carrera 4S Belgian Legend Edition. It is also equipped with more than $26,000 of Sonderwunsch interior options including tasteful blue leather accents throughout the interior, including the seats, dashboard, center console, and floor mats. Deviated stitching, extended leather, front axle lift, and LED headlights were also among the many options specified on this example, which carried an original MSRP in excess of $363,000.
