OVERVIEW
1993 Porsche 964 Turbo S Leichtbau
VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZPS479036
One of 67 left-hand drive examples, one of 86 total produced
Only 1,403 original miles from new (2,258 kilometers)
100% pristine original concours-level condition
Commemorative model from the 1992 IMSA Supercar Champion
Lightweight design saving 396 pounds vs. a stock 964 Turbo
Matching numbers with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Includes books, tools, jack and spare
1,403 miles = 2,258 kilometers
In January of 1992 the head of Porsche's Exclusive Department, Rolf Sprenger, sent out a memo to the Board of Directors regarding a new bold idea- a lightweight 911 Turbo. Porsche had never offered a lightweight turbo model, yet Sprenger believed that if the car was produced that there would be a market for it. Built only for 1993, these cars were destined to be ultra-limited and available to only a few lucky owners. With Turbo straight-line performance and the uncompromising nature of the Carrera RS handling merged into one, the 1993 Porsche 964 Turbo S Leichtbau (Lightweight Construction) was born.
During the development of the car, different techniques were applied in order to shave weight from every conceivable part of the car. Sound proofing and undercoating was limited to minor amounts, power windows and power steering were removed, no air conditioning and the rear seats were removed. Fiberglass-reinforced carbon-composite panels were used for the doors, front trunk lid and the rear wing, while thin glass, Carrera RS bucket seats and RS door panels completed the lightweight construction. In all, the car weighs in just under 2,844 pounds, 396 pounds less than a standard 964 Turbo.
With engine upgrades that put it far beyond a standard 964 Turbo, the Turbo S Leichtbau was truly the top-tier performance car. The Porsche was given more aggressive camshafts, new injection valves, more boost pressure with various auxiliaries removed for efficiency. The sum of all these parts allows the Turbo S to produce 381 horsepower at 6,000rpm, a gain of over 61 horsepower from the stock 964 Turbo.
Special components were made specifically for this 964 production variant to enhance its handling and appearance, some of which are subtle. The car was lowered by 40mm, an aluminum shock tower brace was added, a reinforced unibody, upgrade brakes and its 18" 3-piece wheels. Distancing itself from normal 964 Turbos visually, its fender vents were inspired by the Porsche 959 were added, unique rear spoiler, and front bumper intakes which feed air to the oil cooler and front brakes. Coming from the Exclusive Department, many colors were a possibility for these rare cars and this Turbo S Leichtbau was painted in the stunning Speed Yellow color.
This 964 Turbo S Leichtbau was completed at the Porsche factory on September 8th, 1992, optioned with the color Speed Yellow, a color that many enthusiasts associate with the Turbo S and is the color of the prototype car that was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in 1992. This car is one of the 67 specified with left-hand drive, and was prepared for German delivery. On October 29th, 1992, the Leichtbau was sold through Porsche Zentrum Leipzig to its first owner, the Salmon family of Weissenthurm, Germany. According to original registration documents, the Porsche was registered to their company, Weiland Handelsges, MBH, until 1997 when it was transferred into Birgit Salmon's personal name. Amazingly, this Turbo S saw very little road use and remained in the Salmon family until 2015 where it was then sold to its new owner in the United States.
The Turbo S was treated to a $3,100 service before leaving Germany, changing fluids and various seals and gaskets. Imported by Addixon LLC of Oak Park, Michigan, the Porsche was flown into Chicago in July of 2015 and was given its Show or Display status allowing it to be imported into the United States. The owner would keep the car until March 2017, where the car was then sold at the Amelia Island Auction showing only 2,250 original kilometers.
Arriving at Canepa just recently, the Turbo S Leichtbau presents itself with no need for introduction. All of its factory finishes and materials are 100% factory original and present as new as if the car was just delivered from the factory. The mechanicals are just as equally impressive, as starting up the car takes and produces no drama and the aggressive purr of the 3.3 liter turbocharged flat six brings up emotions of Porsche's monster turbocharged race cars. Presented now in as-new condition with only 2,258 original kilometers, you can own a special piece of Porsche history. With only 86 ever produced and 67 of which in left-hand drive, you will be hard pressed to find a finer example of a 964 Turbo S Leichtbau in existence.
