Generally, classic car resale values hinge on minute details: number-matching parts, factory-spec paint, even certain trim options. Which is great, if you care about that sort of thing. And that’s totally fine if you do. But when it boils down to it, not having factory paint really won’t spoil the fun you have behind the wheel, will it?
So, when a car like this 1993 Porsche 911 RS America pops up for $57,401 (the car’s original MSRP, by the way) because of a few light modifications, it’s astonishing. Granted, the RS America was sold with a price cut compared to its full-fledged lightweight European counterpart because the U.S. regulations demanded the car have things like airbags, thicker window glass and side-impact beams — extras that Porsche deemed contrary to the spirit of the lightweight driving experience. Porsche probably felt bad for us Americans, so they gave us the bargain price.
To the average driver, though, the RS America is no less an incredible car. If anything, the biggest knock against it seems to be that it is slightly safer. And let’s not forget the aforementioned price cut came in the form of $40,000. So not only is it safer, but significantly cheaper, too. Is that a trade-off? I’ll take it.
Only 701 RS Americas were made between 1992 and 1994 (1994 models received the unique addition of a backseat). Most RS Americas were flogged on track days or heavily modified, so to find a ’93 with 62,786 miles and light modifications that can easily be returned to stock with basic tools is even more of a feat.
So let the collectors and OCD Porschephiles pass over this one because it’s not European-spec, or because it’s not exactly as it was when it left the factory. Do yourself a favor and bid on this perfect lightweight Porsche, now.
Editor’s Note: The price listed reflects the bid at the time of publishing.
