The RSR Project Reveals Ultra-Lightweight RSR Carrera 911 Reimagined for Daily Driving with Iconic Gulf Blue Colorway

Commissions Starting at $375,000–The RSR Project Channels Ethos of Lightweight Design with Newly Presented 1986 Custom Build

[source: The RSR Project]

BEDFORD HILLS, NY – The RSR Project is intensely focused on honoring the illustrious seventies racing style of Porsche in all of the company’s custom builds inspired by the very same era. Newly presented, The RSR Project proudly unveils another delightfully analogue one-of-a-kind restoration and modification of a 1986 Porsche channeled into an absolutely stunning Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) 911 custom paying homage to the iconic 1973 RennSport Rennwagen (RSR). Starting at $375,000, the new 235-hp 1986 Gulf Blue 911 from RSR Project is made for daily driving and unlike many restorations, meant to be used by clients for enjoying the open road.

Starting life as a 1986 911, the latest highlighted RSR Project build features a 3.4L engine upgraded from the original vehicle’s 3.2L, significantly increasing overall power output to 235-hp. The additional horsepower and performance is specially designed by RSR Project to mirror the uniquely raw, crisp experience found behind the wheel of an original RSR classic. RSR Project also concisely integrates a host of other body modifications to further reduce vehicle weight. 

While original RSR 911 iterations regularly sell at auctions for millions of dollars, RSR Project presents clients with a reimagined car that is meant to be driven in the same captivating style and sublime on-road driving experience as the classic. First conceived in 1973 as the absolute apex of the Stuttgart factory’s incredible engineering prowess, the lightweight RSR cars historically built a reputation as being the cars to beat in global racing challenges on track and off, including the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Literally translated from German “RennSport Rennwagen” to English “Racing Sport Racing car,” RSR cars became the alpha version of Porsche’s venerated 911 series.

“I actually started RSR Project to build a custom for myself. As soon as enthusiasts and collectors took a look at my finished car out on the road, many wanted one for themselves. My background is in operations and manufacturing, so my professional skill set has served RSR Project well as more and more clients commission cars with us,” comments Richard Schickman, Founder of The RSR Project. “Original RSR cars are almost impossible to find these days, and if a collector does manage to procure one, they seldom drive it. Inversely, RSR Project builds cars that are made to be driven. While many companies strive to make classic cars into something decidedly modern, RSR Project recaptures the original essence of the RSR in a period correct way that better suits drivers today. RSR Project cars are not for everyone, but driving purists that know the original car can come to us.” 

RSR Project starts every commission by sourcing a donor body from a vehicle dated between 1984 – 1989. Porsches from this era were built with galvanized bodies preventing many from rusting even decades later. The approach allows RSR Project to streamline the conversion process, as there are less differences in body and interior styling from that era than with newer nineties renditions of the 911. Following a complete disassembly of the donor vehicle, RSR Project deletes all superfluous vehicle features including the original factory electric windows and electric seats to reduce overall vehicle weight to the absolute minimum. 

Clients have the option of a subtly integrated A/C unit, but the Gulf Blue client opted to go without this upgrade to keep the car even more nimble. RSR Project further reduced weight by removing the car’s front and rear impact bumpers and front and rear metal deck lids. Clients can also reduce further weight by having RSR Project integrate a special aluminum hood. RSR Project also introduces a special ducktail spoiler to reimagine the beautiful silhouette of the original vehicle. 

The RSR Project takes a minimalist approach to the cabin, lining the contours of the saloon in ultra-lightweight Perlon carpet and vinyl appearing throughout the headliner, dashboard, and door panels. While many restoration specialists introduce opulent interior customizations, RSR Project instead focuses on recapturing the spartan, race-ready essence of the original. The new 1986 RSR Project custom includes the classic RS door panels alongside original styled seats, which are swathed in super-premium leather and Scottish Tartan. A vintage dashboard is integrated along with fully updated new gauges, and a WEVO racing-style shifter. RSR Project also offers a roll-cage option for safety.
RSR Project engine modifications include the installation of race spec cams, which introduce aggressive lift and duration profiles to optimize airflow and power at high RPMs. Additionally, RSR Project fine-tunes the ECU with a Steve Wong Chip (SW Chip), resulting in improved throttle response, increased horsepower, and enhanced overall engine performance. To further boost the engine’s capabilities, RSR Project has increased the engine displacement from 3.2 liters to 3.4 liters. This increases displacement, combined with the high-performance camshafts and custom ECU tuning, delivers a smoother, more powerful driving experience that exhilarates. 

RSR Project engines are comprehensively rebuilt and detailed to factory-new condition with clients having the option between 3.2L, 3.4L or 3.5L engine formats. Additional engine appointments can include stock, PMO or custom fuel injection. All gaskets and rubber on board each engine is fully replaced, making each customized build absolutely brand new inside and out. Clients have the option to choose between the original single-piston factory brakes or upgraded four-piston brakes with sharper stopping power. The new RSR Project 1986 Gulf Blue build features upgraded four-piston brakes engineered for improved on-road driving dynamics. The vehicle’s suspension is also completely rebuilt with new Bilstein shocks and bushings with Braid wheels (11×15 in rear and 9×15 in front) wearing sticky Michelin TB-15 tires.

Prior to each vehicle delivery, every RSR Project car is thoroughly road tested and shaken-down to rigorous standards to ensure the highest expectations of quality and performance. Commissions for a bespoke RSR Project car now start at $375,000 with vehicle delivery typically taking 12 – 18 months. To learn more about The RSR Project, please visit www.thersrproject.com.