In the world of exceptional sports cars, few models rival the extraordinary Schuppan 962CR. This rare hyper sports car, designed by Australian driver Vern Schuppan, represents the pinnacle of 1990s technology and a vibrant tribute to the legendary Porsche 962 at Le Mans. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this automotive gem that left its mark on its era and continues to amaze enthusiasts.
A genesis rooted in competition
The Schuppan 962CR has its roots directly on the racetrack. Vern Schuppan, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983, wanted to create a road car that embodied the spirit and performance of racing prototypes. This ambitious project aimed to transform the formidable Porsche 962, dominating endurance racing, into a road-legal vehicle.
The adventure began in the early 1990s, when Schuppan teamed up with the Japanese company Art Sports Corporation to bring his dream to life. The initial goal was to produce 50 examples, enough to obtain the homologation necessary to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, the Japanese economic crisis of 1992 upset these grandiose plans.
An avant-garde technique
The Schuppan 962CR stands out for its revolutionary technical choices for the time. The carbon fiber chassis, a rarity in 1992, offers exceptional rigidity while maintaining a contained weight. This innovative structure allows the engine's performance to be fully exploited.
Under the rear bonnet lies a 3.4-litre twin-turbo flat-six, directly derived from the Porsche 962 racing engine. Designed by legendary engineer Hans Mezger and developed by the American team Andial, this power unit develops over 600 horsepower. A phenomenal power output that propels the 962CR to dizzying speeds, exceeding 370 km/h at top speed.
This exceptional engine is accompanied by sophisticated aerodynamics, directly inherited from the experience acquired in competition. The body design, both elegant and functional, optimizes aerodynamic support while reducing drag, allowing these stratospheric speeds to be reached.
A confidential production
Despite the initial ambitions, production of the Schuppan 962CR remained extremely limited. Economic difficulties forced the premature end of the project after only a few examples had been produced. In total, there were:
This extreme rarity contributes today to making the Schuppan 962CR one of the most sought-after vehicles by collectors of exceptional automobiles. Each example represents a unique testimony to this pivotal period in automotive history, when the line between racing cars and road-going hyper sports cars began to blur.
A legacy that continues
The influence of the Schuppan 962CR on the automotive world did not stop with its limited production run. This visionary model paved the way for a new generation of hyper sports cars, combining cutting-edge technology with extreme performance.
The 962CR can be considered the spiritual ancestor of modern hypercars such as the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari. These exceptional vehicles share with their illustrious ancestor the desire to push the limits of what is possible in terms of road performance.
The legacy of the Schuppan 962CR is also reflected in the widespread use of advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber, which have become essential in the construction of high-end sports cars today.
A soaring rating
At the time of its commercialization, the Schuppan 962CR had a stratospheric sale price of 1.5 million dollars, equivalent to more than 3.3 million euros today. This exceptional valuation reflected not only the cutting-edge technology on board, but also the promised exclusivity of the model.
Today, the extreme rarity of the Schuppan 962CR makes it an object of desire for the wealthiest collectors. The few existing examples reach dizzying sums at the rare auctions where they appear. The value of this hyper sports car continues to grow, testifying to its status as an automotive icon.
A unique copy at auction
The announcement of the auction of one of the two CR production models has generated a great deal of interest in the collectors' world. This example, kept for nearly 30 years by its first owner, is in remarkable condition.
The car has benefited from a few technical modifications over the years, including the installation of a Motec engine management system, the addition of a retractable steering wheel to facilitate access on board, and the replacement of the side windows with lighter polycarbonate elements. These developments, far from distorting the vehicle, contribute to improving its user-friendliness while preserving its authenticity.
The example offered at auction retains its original livery, all black, both outside and inside. It is accompanied by a large batch of spare parts, including an additional driver's seat, highlighting the care taken in its conservation.
The documentation supplied with the vehicle is particularly comprehensive, including the original British registration documents, a certificate from the Porsche Club of Great Britain, the original sales brochure and a certificate of authenticity. These elements help to trace the fascinating history of this exceptional automobile and to guarantee its provenance.
Although no official estimate has been released for this sale, specialists expect the bidding to reach highs, reflecting the rarity and historical importance of the Schuppan 962CR in the history of hyper sports cars.
The auction of this exceptional example offers a unique opportunity to acquire a true piece of automotive history. The Schuppan 962CR, with its technical audacity and its direct link to competition, perfectly embodies the spirit of the most extreme hyper sports cars. Its future owner will become the guardian of an inestimable automotive heritage, witness to an era where passion and innovation constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible.