911 GT3: A Legend Turns 25
Twenty-five years ago, Porsche introduced something special – a 911 like no other before it. The first GT3 arrived, and it changed the game. Today, that purist sports car still captures the hearts of enthusiasts, including a certain legendary driver who once called it his company car.
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Walter Röhrl
Walter Röhrl, two-time World Rally Champion and Porsche brand ambassador, stands in front of the Arctic Silver Metallic 911 GT3 (996) – the very same one that made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. But for Röhrl, this car is even more special. It was his company car more than two decades ago, and the number plate, S-WR 996, is proof.
"This is like a journey through time for me," says Röhrl, running his hands over the sleek bodywork.
At 77 years old and standing tall at 1.96 metres, he easily slides into the bucket seat, still upholstered in Nomex. He grips the wheel and grins. "Unbelievable how steep it is," he remarks. Then, that mischievous smile appears. "Should we do a lap or two?"
FL8WERK: A GT3 Paradise
We’re in Flacht, home to the Porsche Motorsport Centre, but today, we’re inside a private garage, FL8WERK, where a group of Porsche enthusiasts have created the ultimate retreat. Neon signs, old posters, pinball machines, and Porsche memorabilia fill the space. The soul of Porsche lives here.
Timo Conrad, one of FL8WERK’s founders, is also the proud owner of Röhrl’s former GT3. He leads us through display cases packed with Porsche model cars, books, and collectibles, each one a love letter to the brand. "We’ve been organising tours together for ten years, talking shop, and digging into the history of our cars," he explains.
Rare and Ready for Action
Today, seven first-gen GT3 Clubsport models are lined up in FL8WERK’s garage, sporting rare colours like Nogaro Blue and Rainforest Green Metallic. Only around 20% of the 1,900 first-gen GT3s came in Clubsport spec – designed for motorsport. These cars came with fixed roll cages, Nomex bucket seats, and six-point harnesses, not to mention a fire extinguisher as standard.
The real magic, however, is under the skin. Unlike the standard 996, the GT3 Clubsport features a single mass flywheel. "It ensures quicker throttle response," explains Alex Schwaderer, another FL8WERK co-founder, "but it’s also responsible for that signature rattling sound at idle."
Built for the Track, Ready for the Road
The first GT3 was all about pure driving pleasure. "Back then, this was the sportiest Porsche on the road," Röhrl recalls. "Honest and raw, just as it should be."
FL8WERK co-founder Cleto Di Paolo nods in agreement. "The first GT3 is all about feel – no fancy driver aids, just pure feedback." For Conrad, "It’s a race car at heart, but you can still drive it every day. Only Porsche could get that balance right."
The GT3 Legacy Begins
By 1997, Porsche had already made big changes with the water-cooled 996 Carrera, focusing on comfort and efficiency. But the GT3 went in a different direction. Named after the GT3 racing class, it was engineered for those who wanted serious performance.
Walter Röhrl worked closely with Porsche engineer Roland Kussmaul on the GT3’s development. "The goal was clear – a race car that you could also drive on the road," Röhrl explains. The result? A 911 stripped of excess weight, tuned for maximum agility, and boasting a power bump to 360 PS.
"Every last millimetre is designed for performance," Porsche said in its original brochure. The same is true of every GT3 model that has followed.
A Hidden Gem in the Collection
Conrad’s silver GT3 might look like any other Clubsport from 1999, but he didn’t realise its history when he bought it from a previous owner in southern Germany. "It was a factory car, that much was clear," he says. But after some research, the pieces started falling into place.
When he spotted the original number plate in the paperwork – S-WR 996 – it clicked. "I met Walter at an event and asked if this could’ve been his car. He remembered it immediately."
A Lap of Honour
Röhrl fires up the GT3’s engine, and there it is – that unmistakable rattling of the lightweight flywheel. He chuckles. "If you didn’t know better, you’d think something was broken."
Then, with a knowing grin, he recalls a moment in history. "We set a record at the Nürburgring with a GT3 back then – 7 minutes, 56 seconds. First time a road-going 911 went under 8 minutes." He pauses, taking in the moment.
"Back then, the car was a sensation," he says, eyes gleaming. "And it still is today."