The Schuppan 962CR is a road-legal version of the Porsche 962, a dominant Group C race car that won Le Mans in 1986 and 1987. Vern Schuppan, who won Le Mans with Porsche in 1983, raced the 962 with his own team in 1989. After Porsche ended support for the 962, Schuppan converted the cars into road models at his England-based facility, with backing from Japanese investors.
The 962CR featured an all-carbon fiber chassis, widened by two inches for more interior space. Modifications included redesigned doors for road use, improved rear cooling vents, and a more luxurious interior with leather seats, air conditioning, a sound system, and a rear-view camera.
Powered by a 3.4L twin-turbo flat-6 engine designed by Porsche engineer Hans Mezger, the 962CR produced over 600 HP and reached a top speed of 230 MPH, briefly holding the title of the world’s fastest production car in 1992.
Scheduled to cross the auction block at Mecum next month, this 1992 Schuppan 962CR, Chassis No. 05/50, is the final car of the seven produced, built on the third 2-inch wider Reynard chassis. Initially intended for delivery to ASC under a contract requiring full payment upon receipt, ASC refused the car.
Following court proceedings, Schuppan was allowed to sell it to another client. During this time, the car gained attention through Alain de Cadenet’s Victory by Design TV series. Schuppan later sold it to a neighbor, who preserved it in a private collection for nearly 30 years.
In 2006, Group C, Ltd. modified 05/50 to meet Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) standards for road use. Updates included a Motec engine management system for emissions compliance, a collapsible steering column, updated headlights, polycarbonate side windows, and road-legal tires.
Extensive documentation accompanies the car, including a Vern Schuppan Limited sales brochure, certificate of authenticity, provenance declaration, U.K. registration document, and MOT certificates. It retains its original black-on-black color scheme with Michael Simcoe’s 959-inspired design and Reynard’s wider carbon fiber chassis.
Source: Mecum Auctions