In fact, the RS America was so named on account of once being described as ‘the car that the Porsche Club of America built.’ In 1992 Porsche Cars North America made a crucial decision: the Carrera 3.8 RS was too uncontrolled and oomph-packed for the US market, as well as needing modifications to comply with federal law.

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After assiduous lobbying by Porsche Cars of North America, Porsche in Germany created a high-performance version that complied with American import requirements. The new model, introduced for the 1993 model year, was listed as the Type 964-320 and known as the RS America: conveniently, its arrival celebrated the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the Porsche 911 RS Carrera. It came at first in only four colors: red, black, silver, and dark metallic blue – white was a later add-on.

But the idea was that it was a no frills 911 with minimal luxury options, which led to higher performance limits.

Based on the Type 964 Carrera 2, it was a limited edition, lightweight, highly puissant version of that classic. Simplicity goes a long way when executed properly, like the RS America’s whale tail spoiler. It retained the fuel-injected 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and close-ratio five-speed manual transmission of the Carrera RS. The Stuttgart company declared the car to be a ‘pure protein Porsche 911’ – it would, in other words, handle like a competition 911.

It had the same mechanical setup as the Carrera 2, but its fender flares, brakes, suspension, and wheels received a Turbo-spec upgrade. Cloth covered sports seats, 17 inch wheels and M030 Sports Suspension were fitted as standard. The logo ‘RS America’ was written distinctively on the deck lid along with an ‘RS’ logo in front of the rear wheels.The America Roadsters had a distinctly wider body from the other 911s, so the stance of the car commanded attention.

In total only 701 Porsche RS Americas were ever built, so they are indubitably rare. They were constructed over a two-year period, beginning in 1992, for the 1993 and 1994 model years – most were built as 1993 models.

Equipped with a 5-speed G50 manual transmission, Flat 6 Cylinder 3.6-liter engine, single exhaust outlet, four-wheel disc brakes, VDO instruments, Bosch headlights, front fog lights, electric sliding sunroof, four-spoke steering wheel, whale-tail spoiler, “RS” side decals, Toyo tires, alloy wheels, tool roll, jack, and spare tire fitted in the front trunk.

Amenities include air conditioning, full-analog gauges w/warning light protection system, outside rearview mirrors (electrically controlled), power windows, power-adjustable front seats, lockable glove box, center console, AM/FM radio, cigar lighter with an ashtray, and sun visors with vanity mirrors.

In addition to the equipment, this original example comes with an owner’s manual booklet, maintenance booklet with stamps, manufacturer’s literature, and service receipt copies totaling over $25,000 that has been invested into the vehicle dating from December 1995 through April 2022.

Who could sum up the RS America better than Porsche itself. For 1993 the company’s fact-book declared:

‘The RS America is a new derivative of the Carrera 2 for drivers who demand an even higher level of feedback – feedback so detailed, so precise that it usually is found only in racing cars. Indeed the designator “RS” – German for “Renn Sport” or “Race Sport,” is traditionally reserved for the highest performance Porsches. In a Porsche RS model, refinements in the suspension, steering, wheels and tires all work in combination with perfectly coordinated weight reduction to create a dramatically different driving feel.’

As I emphasized, who could say it better than Porsche itself?

-Alex Manos, Owner