2004 Porsche 911 (996) GT3-RSR Pilots: L. Hindery, M. Lieb, M. Rockenfeller Team: Alex Job Racing / BAM! Race: 10th overall (1st in class GT2 class) at Le Mans in 2005 Minichamps - 564471 (diecast)
Published 05/07/17
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.
The #71 was chassis number WP0ZZZ99Z4S693065b, produced in 2004. In the 2005 Le Mans race it raced as a joint venture between Alex Job Racing and BAM! (British American Motorsport). The car did a flawless race, only pitting for fuel, tires and pilot swaps. With a consistent race, all the way to the finish line, thus it came in first in the GT2 class. This was the second victory for AJR (the first time was in 2003, with a 996 GT3-RS).
I can’t say this GT3-RSR #71 is a grail model for me (like the Naked Lady), but it was definitively one I lusted for. Back in my 1:18 days AUTOart had just released this car. It was at the top of my wish list when I decided to quit collecting. Took me almost a decade, but I finally got one in my garage. A VERY nice model, in all aspects. I liked it to the point I won’t even complain (as usual) about the headlights… They are the bane of the car, but that is Porsche’s fault. The shape is spot on and the livery is faithful to the real deal. All in all, a model with the basic “Minichamps quality”. Add all that up to the fact that GT3-RSR #71 here was a class winner, it’s consequently a great buy.