1999 Porsche 911

The 1 of 500 Porsche 996 GT3 MK1 Clubsport

The GT3 began as a necessary requirement for FIA factory racing: each manufacturer had to produce a minimum of 1,000 units for the street in order to qualify for the GT Cup Series.

Porsche Motorsport began development of the first GT3 in 1998 for FIA homologation. The executives at Porsche at the time provided minimal financial support while management said, ''we will build this car but don't ruin the brand.''

The tight financial times of the late 1990s and limited budgets forced Preuninger's engineers to grab components from prior motorsport cars; dolling the Le Mans winning GT1 race car. Its Mezger racing engine became the basis for this first GT3.

Only the MK1 Clubsport was equipped with a cup car lightweight flywheel GT3; all MK2 Clubsports and Tourings went to dual mass worldwide.

The dominant performance feature of the Clubsport is a lightweight cup single mass flywheel in place of the Touring's dual mass item, resulting in freer revs. The Clubsport also features carbon-backed Recaro bucket seats, harnesses, and a full cage.

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