Describing a lightweight special as a ‘race car for the road’ has become an automotive cliché. But the 993-type 911 Carrera RS 3.8 is inextricably linked to its circuit siblings. Porsche took the two-wheel-drive Carrera bodyshell to initially create its spec-series Cup racer. That was then used as the basis for the RS 3.8, which tipped the scales at only 1,270 kilograms. It used a naturally aspirated flat-six equipped with a Varioram intake system to send 300 horsepower to the rear wheels via a new six-speed manual transmission. Still, the motorsport links stretched further. The Carrera RS 3.8 was in turn used to homologate the RSR that battled in the flagship BPR Global GT Series alongside the McLaren F1 GTR and Ferrari’s F40.

It is believed that just 1,104 examples of the Carrera RS 3.8 were built across 1995 and 1996. Of those, circa 213 were the more uncompromising Clubsport model. Then consider the 112 cars built in right-hand-drive form and it leaves a pool of only 779 that were produced in left-hand drive, such as the particularly handsome specimen offered here.

Chassis number 390407 left the Stuttgart factory finished in beautiful metallic Midnight Blue while the bucket sport seats were trimmed in Black vinyl. It was configured with optional air conditioning and electric windows to add a touch of civility. But selecting the prominent Clubsport rear wing ensured this car better resembled the Carrera Cup racer. Red callipers then sit behind 18-inch split RS wheels.

Listed as complete on 11 July 1995, the Carrera RS 3.8 was imported to Japan via official marque distributor Mitsuwa Motors. The Porsche was then collected on 6 September by its first owner, who was based in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

Air-cooled, naturally aspirated, and honed for the racetrack, the 993-generation Carrera RS 3.8 is among the purest and most engaging of all 911 models. This especially attractive example shows 48,229 kilometres on its odometer at the time of cataloguing and is offered with its owner’s guides and warranty book in their leather folio, a jack, spare wheel, plus a bulb and fuse kit. It is now primed to be admired and enjoyed by a new Rennsport enthusiast.