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This is probably the ultimate derivative of the 993 series 911. Launched in 1995, this car was a homologation special built by Porsche to compete in the FIA World Sportscar Championship. The 911 GT2, as it's name suggests, races in the GT2 category. GT2 cars are far more closely based on regular production cars (if you can call any 911 a regular car!), and certainly the 911 GT2 is visually very similar to the less specialized 911's on which it was based. This is in contrast to the 911 GT1 which followed in 1996, a car which only loosely resembles the regular production 911's.

The GT2 is based upon the 911 Turbo, itself a very fast car. To increase performance, the twin turbo flat six is tuned to give in excess of 480bhp and weight is saved by removing items such as electrically adjusted seats, air-conditioning, sound insulation, electric windows, and by using thinner glass and some carbon composites in the cars construction. Unlike the 4 wheel drive 911 Turbo, the GT2 is rear wheel drive only, further saving weight and thereby increasing performance.

As with most competition Porsches, the GT2 saw much success in GT2 racing, but was ultimately eclipsed by the Dodge Viper GTS-R, especially when racing at LeMans.

This example, modelled in silver by UT, is an exceptionally fine looking car. I bought this one in the "Sharper Image" in Orlando, in Nov'97, during my first year in this hobby, so it is one of my first models. As perhaps the ultimate version of the old air-cooled 911's, it's place is assured in history as a great sportscar. Compared to the latest models from the likes of Kyosho and AUTOart this older model of a great 911 is no longer the state of the art in 1:18ths, but it is still a superb looking piece.