Road Legal Version of The Porsche 962 Is Headed to Auction

Introduction to a Racing Legend

In the world of supercars, few vehicles are as extraordinary or as rooted in motorsport as the Schuppan 962CR. Conceived by Australian racing driver Vern Schuppan, this car was built to commemorate his 1983 Le Mans victory. The 962CR is a road-legal version of the Porsche 962, a race car that dominated endurance racing in the 1980s. With only a handful ever produced, the final Schuppan 962CR, Chassis No. 05/50, is now set to make waves at auction, offering a rare glimpse into the world of motorsport-inspired automotive excellence.

From Track to Road

Schuppan's transition from a successful racing career to a niche car manufacturer was driven by his deep connection with Porsche and a desire to bring race car technology to the road. After retiring from racing, Schuppan, supported by the Japanese Art Sports Corporation (ASC), embarked on a mission to create road-going versions of the Porsche 962. The 962CR featured an all-carbon fiber chassis designed by the renowned Reynard Racing, paired with a powerful 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. This combination resulted in a car capable of exceeding 230 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time.

Technical Marvels and Design Innovation

The car's design, led by Michael Simcoe—who would later become General Motors' vice president of Global Design—incorporated elements from the legendary Porsche 959, including a distinctive hoop-style rear wing. The carbon fiber chassis was widened by two inches to improve interior space, while the body featured large rear openings for better cooling. Inside, the car offered luxury rarely seen in supercars of that era, with leather upholstery, padded bucket seats, a sound system, and even air conditioning.

Powerhouse Performance

The 962CR was powered by a Mezger-designed 3.4-liter engine, the same engineer behind Porsche's most iconic engines. This twin-turbocharged flat-six produced over 600 horsepower, with adjustable boost levels allowing drivers to fine-tune the performance. The car's top speed of just over 230 mph was a testament to its engineering excellence, briefly making it the fastest production car in the world before the McLaren F1 took the title later in 1992.

A Limited Legacy

Originally, Schuppan planned to produce 50 units of the 962CR to meet homologation requirements for Le Mans. However, the Japanese economic downturn in the early 1990s caused investors to pull out, leading to the project's premature end. Only seven cars were completed: two prototype LMs, one production LM, two prototype CRs, and two production CRs, including the car now heading to auction. This limited production run, combined with its racing pedigree, makes the 962CR one of the rarest and most sought-after supercars in the world.

The Final Schuppan 962CR

The final 962CR, Chassis No. 05/50, has a unique history. Initially intended for delivery to ASC, the car was ultimately returned to the U.K. after ASC refused acceptance. It was later featured on Alain de Cadanet’s "Victory by Design" TV series, which helped to elevate its profile. Schuppan sold the car to a neighbor, who preserved it for nearly 30 years. In 2006, the car underwent modifications to meet road-legal requirements, including a new engine management system, a collapsible steering column, and updated headlights.

A Rare Opportunity

As this automotive gem heads to auction during Monterey Car Week, it comes with an array of original documents and spare parts, including its original British registration, a sales brochure, and a certificate of authenticity. The car remains in its original black-on-black color scheme, a testament to its impeccable preservation. With its blend of motorsport heritage, cutting-edge design, and rarity, the final Schuppan 962CR offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike to own a piece of automotive history.

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