FYI: The 1992 Schuppan 962CR is a rare automotive legend with a design rooted in racing history and enhanced for luxury road use, set to captivate collectors at an upcoming auction.
The Schuppan 962CR: Racing Legacy Meets Road Luxury
The Schuppan 962CR transforms the legacy of the Porsche 962 race car into a stunning road-ready marvel. With its origins in Group C racing, the 962 dominated the Le Mans circuits in the mid-1980s, clinching victories in 1986 and 1987. Following Porsche’s cessation of support for the 962, Vern Schuppan, who triumphed at Le Mans in 1983, pursued a visionary path by converting these race beasts into road-legal cars at his England-based facility, catalyzed by Japanese investors’ support.
Unmatched Design and Comfort
Crafted with an all-carbon fiber chassis, the 962CR was widened by two inches to enhance the interior space, making it more accommodating for road use. Sparkling with refined design elements, the 962CR injected luxury into the realm of racing by featuring leather seating, air conditioning, a sound system, and even a rear-view camera. The redesigned doors and rear cooling vents complemented its evolution from track fighter to road cruiser.
Performance That Stuns
At its heart, the 962CR was powered by a formidable 3.4L twin-turbo flat-6 engine designed by Porsche’s renowned engineer Hans Mezger. Commanding over 600 HP and achieving an exhilarating top speed of 230 MPH, this exquisite machine briefly held the title of the world’s fastest production car in 1992.
An Auction Worth Watching
The upcoming Mecum auction will display the striking Chassis No. 05/50, the seventh and last 962CR ever produced. Built on a wider Reynard chassis, intended initially for automotive giant ASC, its journey is laden with drama, having also gained fame through Alain de Cadenet’s Victory by Design TV series. Following legal proceedings that allowed Vern Schuppan to sell the vehicle elsewhere, it has since resided in a private collection for nearly three decades.
A Road-Legal Transition
In 2006, this iconic car underwent modifications by Group C, Ltd. to meet Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) standards, solidifying its road-legal status. Enhancements included the installation of a Motec engine management system, collapsible steering column, polycarbonate side windows, updated headlights, and road-compliant tires.
Historical Provenance
Supporting its mesmerizing presence, the Schuppan 962CR comes with extensive documentation, including a Vern Schuppan Limited sales brochure, certificate of authenticity, provenance records, U.K. registration, and MOT certificates. Encased in its original black-on-black design, inspired by the Porsche 959 and engineered on Reynard’s wider chassis, it stands as a testament to superior engineering and design.
Collecting enthusiasts are sure to have their eyes on this masterpiece at the upcoming auction, reflecting its blend of power, rarity, and luxury. This ultimate synthesis of racing zeal and road elegance speaks to automotive history and a future of classic collector appeal.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
