2005 Porsche 911 (996) GT3 RSR Pilots: P. Long. S. Neiman, J. van Overbeek Team: Flying Lizard Motorsport Race: 13th overall (3rd in GT2 class) at Le Mans in 2005 Minichamps - 400056480 (diecast)
Published 04/14/18
The 2004 GT3-RSR was the last version of the 996 before it was replaced by the 997 in 2005, and was a development of the 996 GT3 Cup of 1998. The biggest difference with the preceding GT3-RS from 2001 was that the RSR had a sequential gearbox and a fuel cut-off system for faster gear changes. The engine was a 3598 cm³ boxer-6 with DOHC and 24 valves, capable of producing 445 hp.
Flying Lizard Motorsport was founded in early 2003, in Sonoma, California. By 2004 the team was competing in the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2005 they decided to try their luck at La Sarthe, and their first car to race there was this 996 GT3 RSR #80 (chassis #WPOZZZ99Z5S693062). Their first time in the French countryside, but the team did pretty well. The car completed 323 laps and finished 3rd in class, in 13th place overall.
And my lizard pen is growing. Maybe not as hip as it’s younger 997 art car brothers but still too cool for school. Especially in a group shot! This is one of what I call “basic” Minichamps models, with a very nice (enough for me) detail level. BUT, compared to the real deal I think the color is a tad off. I think it should be a lighter tone of red.
However, too dark or not, this one is even nicer because the Earl of Northumberland. Just because he wasted his money on the fancy-schmancy Spark version of the GT3 RSR #80, he sent me this one as a gift… 😁