FYI: The ultra-rare Schuppan 962CR, a road-going marvel inspired by the legendary Porsche 962 race car, will be auctioned at the 2024 Monterey Car Week.
Mecum to Auction Exclusive Schuppan 962CR During 2024 Monterey Car Week
The Porsche 962 is revered as one of the most successful race cars in motorsport history. This weekend, a rare road-legal iteration known as the Schuppan 962CR will go under the hammer, sparking excitement among car aficionados worldwide.
A Legacy of Racing Excellence
Introduced in 1984 as the successor to the Porsche 956, the Porsche 962 dominated the racing circuits through the mid-1990s. Its supremacy in the Group C series in Europe and the IMSA GTP class in North America is legendary. Vern Schuppan, an Australian racing legend, was among the elite drivers to find success with the 962, having previously won the 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans with a 956.
The Birth of the Schuppan 962CR
In the early ’90s, Schuppan envisioned a road-going version of the 962. Collaborating with Mike Simcoe, a fellow Australian and current head of design at General Motors, Schuppan aimed to create 50 units of this exclusive car. Although seven cars were built, financial constraints stemming from Japan’s economic crisis halved the original vision. Each unit came with a hefty price tag of nearly $2 million.
The Rare Schuppan 962CR
The Schuppan 962CR up for auction is one of the exceedingly rare examples of this model, completed in 1993 with chassis number AS 962CR 05/50. Featuring just 91 miles on its odometer, this model has spent the last three decades in the care of Schuppan’s neighbor in the UK. Collectors might recognize another 962CR showcased on "Jay Leno’s Garage" in 2018.
Specifications and Performance
The car is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, producing around 600 horsepower. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The construction employs extensive use of carbon-fiber for both the body and the tub, closely mirroring the race car’s design. Importantly, Porsche endorsed Schuppan’s project, making it a genuinely remarkable piece of automotive history.
A Significant Auction Event
This Schuppan 962CR will be auctioned by Mecum Auctions during the 2024 Monterey Car Week, scheduled for August 16. In addition, Mecum will also auction a Shelby Cobra once owned by Steve McQueen, further adding to the allure of this prestigious event.
For those keen on rare and historic automotive marvels, this auction presents a unique opportunity. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the world of luxury cars.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
