New model spotlight
Stephen Paul Hardy follows on from January’s Porsche tail tales by travelling back to the 1990s with more recent GT Spirit releases, in the first of a pair of back-to-back features about a certain look.
GT Spirit Porsches analysed by Stephen Paul Hardy.
GT Spirit continues to expand its already lavish coverage of Porsche 911 production history with a regular flow of new, 1/18 scale resin-cast models and two of the most recent certainly exude the style of the era they represent. Back in January one of the models I showcased was the, then recently-released, Carrera RS 3.6 Club Sport (GT060) of 1992, from Porsche’s third generation 911 series - the 964 - produced between 1989 and 1994. First up then this month is a companion for it from the next, fourth generation, 911 series - the 993 - produced between 1994 and 1998.
1995 PORSCHE 993 RS (GT314)
The Carrera RS version was launched in 1995, one year after commencement of 993 series production. It was a lightweight variant of the Carrera and, as such, powered by a 3.8 litre engine kicking a maximum power output of 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) and with seriously uprated braking systems to match, was the embodiment of a serious gran turismo car.
Attention grabbing in its immaculate Midnight Blue paintwork, the visual impact of the model initially distracts the eye from the extensive, authentic detailing of the black upholstered interior. With its wider section, seam welded body shell and aluminum bonnet, it was also subjected to numerous weight reduction adaptations, including thinner window glass and a minimalist interior.The latter included removal of the rear seats, special racing front seats, spartan door cards and an extensive reduction in sound proofing. At first glance, the casual observer might not notice the finer points of the external equipment reduction, but there was no mistaking the addition of that telltale tail end spoiler.
Obviously, the superb paint finish on the model gives no hint to the special construction panelwork of the 1:1 version, but it does show off the wider body lines of the
RS (and the more general lines of the 992 series complete with idiosyncratic headlamp style) to perfection. But for the real treat that the model delivers, you need to look past the bodywork and immerse yourself in that 1/18 scale interior - it is utterly superb in its replication of the minimalist real thing.
1992 - PORSCHE 964 TURBOLOOK CABRIOLET (GT294)
Turning to the second of this month’s GT Spirit duo, we step back in time just three years to the 1995 RS, into the later years of the 3rd generation 911 - the 964. Early in the development of the 911 series, it was intended that there should be a cabriolet version to continue with the precedent set by the 356.That intention evolved into the Targa with its distinctive roll-bar. Then as if overturning production history, and fifteen years after the introduction of the Targa, Porsche expanded the 911 range with the addition of a cabriolet version, making its début at the Geneva Motor Show, in March 1982, as the 911 SC Cabriolet.
At the same time as the 911 Cabriolet was being developed, another ‘Turbo-look’ Porsche styling option was evolving. It was eventually introduced as an orderable factory option, M491, in 1985.Although retaining the standard contemporary engine options, rather than using turbocharged engines, it was much more than just a cosmetic option.The widened bodywork, front spoiler and whale-tail rear spoiler were supplemented by uprated equipment that included suspension, brakes and wheels.The option was modified subsequently, with buyers given the choice to delete the front and rear spoilers through
factory option M470.
So when the 964 series was introduced as continuing with the three main body styles of Coupé,Targa and Cabriolet, combined with the Carrera 4 (AWD) and Carrera 2 (traditional RWD) options, the 911 entered into what many enthusiasts would consider to be its most desirable generation. Particularly when the OE factory-build specification of the car included that Turbo-look option.
A total of 1,532 Carrera 2 Cabriolet TurboLook 964s are documented as having been built by Porsche, either as effectively normal production models or, in the case of just six cars, built under the "Sonderwunschprogramm"- a very special arrangement set apart from ‘normal’ production. To further enhance the image of the Carrera 2 Cabriolet Turbo-Look version, Porsche offered three striking metallic paint options in addition to the factory’s usual paint colour palette.These were Raspberry Red L83E,Wimbledon Green L23I and Lavender Blue. L38W. Each came with colour-coordinated interior trim.
It is the Wimbledon Green/green combination that GT Spirit has chosen for No GT294 - a combination that I find staggeringly attractive.An attraction undoubtedly enhanced by how well all the different surfaces have been modelled.A high gloss paint finish is almost taken as read, but it is the textural contrast between it and the upholstery facings, flock finished carpets and very convincing representation of the folded hood tonneau that make the whole visual experience such a treat.Well that and the choice of colour they are finished in.What this stunning model also provides is an absolute gem of a display companion for GT Spirit’s 964 Targa in Turquoise Metallic (GT805) that I showcased back in January.
A PERFECT PAIR
Setting the two metallic green ‘open-version’ 964s together - Cabriolet (GT294) and Targa (GT805) in a display really illustrates that age old saying of the whole being greater than sum of its parts. Apart from the sheer visual treat of the pair sat together and illustrating the two open body styles in outstanding detail, they illustrate two more significant aspects of Porsche production history. Firstly the Targa is a Carrera 4 whilst the Cabriolet is a Carrera 2. Secondly - and visually more dramatically - the additional width of the Turbo-look body on the cabriolet is very well illustrated when compared with the standard width body of the Targa.
Now, for those six Sonderwunschprogramm cars mentioned earlier, read on...