2009 Porsche 911 (997) GT3 RSR
Pilots: É. Hélary, E. Maris, J-M. Merlin
Team: IMSA Performance Matmut
Race: 34th GC (13th GT Am class) at Le Mans in 2014
Spark - S423 (resin)
Published 11/18/18
LUWerner on W-143:
Introduced as Porsche’s flagship GT racer in substitution to the 996 GT3, the 997 was a slight improvement over its predecessor. The new engine was a 3996 cm³ six-cylinders boxer with 24 valves and DOHC that produced 455 hp. Porsche also issued 18” BBS wheels fitted with 12”-wide tires on the front and 13”-wide on the rear. The new huge wheels improved a good deal cornering and traction in general. But maybe the most important improvement was the headlights. The design department (finally!) dropped the ungodly terrible fried-egg style of headlights. Instead, Porsche used elegant round ones, like it’s only proper and decent for a 911. Finally the Earth was spinning around the sun again and happiness returned to the land…
French team Matmut bought chassis #WP0ZZZ99Z9S799915b new in 2009. The team campaigned the car three times at La Sarthe, and 2014 was the car’s last race. That year RSR #67 finished in 34th place, 62 laps behind the winning Audi R18. But what really made the car shine was the livery. With a true art car livery, it became known as the “Richard Mille Porsche”. The car was fully wrapped in a graphic of a Richard Mille watch movement. According to Richard Mille, every part that makes their movement is depicted.
In scale, once again it’s Spark at its finest – a gorgeous model. So, a Porsche art car? OF COURSE I wanted one! I’ve been after it since I first saw it last year, and finally scored one. Very possibly the GT3 (with all it’s variations) is the most prolific Le Mans 1:43 model. So it’s understandable to pass up on “another GT3”. But the art car livery makes it VERY special. That being so, I would say it’s a must buy for the Le Mans art car aficionado. Like me*.
*If my math is right, there are 13 Porsche art cars that raced at Le Mans available in 1:43. Well, 14 counting the promised 2018 Pink Pig…. So I’m still four or five short.