Owning a GT3 is on the bucket list of many Porschephiles, and though the 996-generation 911 received fierce criticism from Porsche purists outraged at the end of the air-cooled era, the GT3 was widely celebrated by all marque enthusiasts, regardless of whether they were still reeling from the introduction of new-fangled water-cooled flat-sixes or ‘fried egg’ headlights.
Introduced in 1999, two years after the 996’s debut, the GT3 was a homologation model to enable Porsche to compete in the FIA’s GT3 Cup racing category. Much like the Carrera RS 2.7, the GT3 was configured with a firm focus on racing, resulting in deletion of rear seats, sound proofing material, sunroof and audio equipment, though comfort items, such as air-conditioning and a basic compact disc player (with accompanying centre console disc magazine) could be optioned as no-cost extras. A model-specific body kit – subtle by today’s standards, even with a large rear wing stealing the show – and lightweight two-piece multi-spoke wheels helped the GT3 to stand out from the rest of the 996 pack, but it was the car’s superbly engineered boxer which got 911 and trackday enthusiasts most excited.
Derived from the 911 GT1 race
