Porsche 911 (996) GT1 Evo (1996)

Following the collapse of the Group C era due to rising costs and speeds, the GT1 category was created to attract a greater field of manufacturers and privateers to Le Mans and the newly created BPR Global GT series. The formula was the topflight of GT racing, returning GT cars to the pinnacle of sports car racing; this had not been witnessed since the early Sixties when 250 GTOs and Cobras were battling for the International Championship for GT Manufacturers. The category was to provide a rich array of magnificent homologation specials until 2011.

The GT1 regulations that applied from 1995 to 1997 specifically mandated that 25 examples of the homologated car had to be built and this led to the birth of the last breed of true roadgoing Supercars with a direct pedigree to their race variants. Highly promotable, the GT1 formula not only attracted smaller race car manufacturers but teams from top-tier manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Porsche, all of whom fielded cars making for a richly diverse and incredibly emotive grid with all manner of technical thesis employed.

The Porsche GT1 was based on a concept that effectively fused the front of a 993 variant of the 911 with the much proven 962-inspired technical layout at the rear. At its heart was the 4 valve, 4 cam, 3.2 litre boxer engine built around the GT2 Evo specification crankcase and (with mandatory restrictors fitted) it made 600 bhp laid down via a 6-speed synchromesh gearbox. At Le Mans in 1996 it proved to be good for a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph)

For the 1997 season Porsche honoured its tradition of offering customer specification, factory-built race cars. Having proven the 993 GT1 in the hands of the works teams during the 1996 season, the same model was offered for sale at a tax-free list price of over DM 1.5m (which at the time was approximately £650,000 GBP – notably more than a McLaren F1!). For 1997 the works team then moved onto the facelifted 996 Evolution variant.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Manufactured by Porsche Motorsport and delivered new to FINLIGA S.A. on 24 April 1997, 911 GT1 chassis #109 was campaigned by Germany's Konrad Motorsport during the opening rounds of the 1997 FIA GT Championship. The car made its competition debut in GT1-96 specification, distinguished by its 993-style headlamps and the striking blue-and-green livery of sponsors Giesse and Warsteiner.

Midway through the season, chassis #109 was acquired by JB Racing, who returned the car to the factory for a full 1997 Evo specification upgrade by Porsche Motorsport in Weissach. Shortly thereafter it rejoined competition.

1997 (Pre-Evo Specification):

• Le Mans (Pre-Qualifying) – Konrad Motorsport – Konrad / Baldi – 29th
• FIA GT – Silverstone – Konrad Motorsport – Konrad / Baldi – 12th
• FIA GT – Helsinki – Konrad Motorsport – Konrad / Baldi / Angelini – 7th
• 24 Hours of Le Mans – Konrad Motorsport – Konrad / Baldi / Nearn – DNF
• FIA GT – Nürburgring – Konrad Motorsport – Baldi / Capelli / Ruch – DNF
• FIA GT – Spa-Francorchamps – Konrad Motorsport – Baldi / Angelini – DNF
• FIA GT – Zeltweg – JB Racing – Baldi / Collard – 10th
• FIA GT – Suzuka – JB Racing – Baldi / Collard / Ferté – 11th

Following its upgrade, JB Racing campaigned GT1-109 for the remainder of the 1997 FIA GT Championship season. Having previously fielded GT1-96 chassis #101 under a lucrative Marlboro sponsorship agreement, the newly upgraded GT1-109 subsequently wore the same colours for the remainder of the championship.

Ahead of the 1998 season, GT1-109 was sold to France's Larbre Competition and re-liveried in Sony PlayStation colours. The car made just three further competitive appearances before retirement, including Le Mans pre-qualifying.

1997 (Upgraded to Evo Specification):

• FIA GT – Mugello – JB Racing – Baldi / Collard – 29th
• FIA GT – Sebring – JB Racing – Baldi / Collard – 9th
• FIA GT – Laguna Seca – JB Racing – Baldi / Collard – 13th

1998:

• Le Mans Pre-qualifying – Larbre Competition – Jean-Pierre Jarrier – 27th
• FIA GT – Dijon – Larbre Competition – Wollek / Rosenblad / Goueslard – 8th
• FIA GT – Hungaroring – Larbre Competition – Goueslard / Leconte / Chereau – DNF

Between 2007 and 2020, GT1-109 was rebuilt and maintained by X-Tech Engineering. The M96/80 3.2-litre flat-six was extensively rebuilt using a new Porsche-supplied crankshaft, along with new Mahle pistons and liners, titanium connecting rods, timing chains, valves, valve springs and numerous other components. Upon completion, the engine was dyno tested, producing 650 bhp at 7,600 rpm.

As part of the programme, the car also received a new wiring loom. The original TAG engine management system was carefully retained to preserve authenticity, while a modern MoTeC engine management system was discreetly integrated to enhance usability and provide comprehensive data logging, allowing easier condition monitoring and preventative maintenance.

Aside from a handful of historic appearances, including outings at the Silverstone Classic and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, GT1-109 has remained largely inactive since its period competition career.

In 2022, Maxted-Page was commissioned to restore GT1-109 to its iconic Marlboro livery and prepare the car for road registration. The carbon-fibre bodywork was professionally refinished by Normandale, while all time-expired safety equipment, including the fuel cell bladder, harnesses and fire suppression system, was replaced. To enhance practicality and ensure road compliance, a series of carefully considered, fully reversible modifications were also carried out. These included:

• Steel brake discs replacing the original carbon-carbon units
• Auxiliary front cooling fans
• Handbrake installation
• Softer springs and damper settings
• Secondary fire suppression system
• Live rear-view camera
• Stilo driver/passenger intercom with telephone connectivity
• Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (275/35 ZR18 front; 345/35 ZR18 rear)

Today, GT1-109 is eligible for many of the world's most prestigious concours events, demonstration runs and historic racing series, including Endurance Racing Legends. Its road registration further broadens its appeal, offering the rare opportunity to use a competition-spec GT1 beyond the confines of the circuit. Accompanied by a comprehensive history file and spares package, GT1-109 presents superbly following further mechanical works with Venture Engineering in 2026 in preparation for sale.