STUTTGART, Germany – In a gesture of high regard and celebration, Porsche has crafted a one-of-a-kind, street-legal 963 hypercar for the legendary 88-year-old racing icon, Roger Penske.
Immediate Impact
Roger Searle Penske, notable billionaire and team owner of the Porsche factory-supported IMSA and WEC sports prototype program, received this exceptional gift as a tribute to his enduring loyalty and contributions to the Porsche brand. The unveiling coincides with the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s last street-legal one-off creation, the Porsche 917 for Count Rossi.
Key Details Emerge
The bespoke vehicle, aptly named the 963 RSP, is inspired by the racing version of the 963. This unique model was presented ahead of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Penske’s team is set to compete with three Porsche 963s aiming for victory.
“The 917 from the story was every inch a race car – albeit one driven on the road – and we took the same approach with the 963 RSP,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.
Industry Response
The automotive industry has reacted with enthusiasm to Porsche’s homage to Penske. The 963 RSP is finished in the iconic Martini Silver paint, mirroring the Count Rossi 917, and stands out without the traditional racecar livery and sponsor logos.
By the Numbers
- 1 – Number of street-legal 963 hypercars made
- 50 – Years since the last street-legal one-off Porsche 917
- 3 – Porsche 963s to be fielded by Penske at Le Mans
Background Context
Penske’s relationship with Porsche dates back to his own racing days in the 1950s. His consistent loyalty to the brand is well-documented, making the creation of the 963 RSP a fitting tribute. This development builds on Porsche’s tradition of honoring long-standing partnerships with unique automotive creations.
Future Implications
The introduction of the 963 RSP not only celebrates a significant milestone in Porsche’s history but also signals the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. As Porsche continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering, industry experts predict further collaborations and bespoke projects that honor legendary figures in motorsport.
The timing is particularly significant as the automotive world watches Porsche’s performance at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, setting the stage for future triumphs and innovations.
