The history of Porsche GT1 begins in 1993 with the 911 Turbo S LM at Le Mans. In 1996, the 911 GT1 appears, evolving into the EVO version in 1997. The 911 GT1-98 wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998. Porsche then withdraws, making way for the 911 GT3 R in the GT category. The GT1 category returns in 2005, inspiring private initiatives. Teams modify 996s to compete in FIA GT. Two notable projects emerge: PSI's 996 GT-2 R (9 chassis, including 3 for ACO series) and A:Level's 996 Turbo GT1. PSI versions shine in national championships, while the Porsche A-Level becomes the only 911 turbo GT1 entered internationally, in Le Mans Endurance Series in 2004 and 2005, making it the only Porsche 996 GT1 eligible for Endurance Racing Legends and Le Mans Classic.

 

The unique Porsche GT1 A-Level

The project to see a 911 type 996 Turbo on international circuits was initiated by Vladimir Raikhlin, general manager of A- Level, who integrated the RED (Raikhlin Engine Development) structure into his group to ensure complete vehicle development. The goal was to manage every aspect internally, especially the engine part.

 

The car was homologated on April 30, 2004, just a week before the first round of the Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES) at Monza. Despite being entered for the season, the 996 never made it to a starting grid, with the engine being the source of many problems. Top speed was lacking and cooling issues prevented race participation.

 

The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six M96/70 engine boasted impressive performance: 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. To compete with V8s and V12s, adding two turbos was essential. Paired with a 6-speed Ricardo sequential gearbox, the package gave birth to the Porsche 996 Bi-Turbo, weighing just 1,200 kg. The incisive braking system relied on Carbone Industrie components, while the running gear, equipped with Bilstein dampers and Michelin tires, was completely recalibrated to exploit significantly optimized aerodynamics. Indeed, the iconic 911 silhouette wasn't designed for the top speeds required in GT1, hence substantial aerodynamic work including multiple air intakes visible on the front hood.

Although this work didn't bear fruit in 2004, things changed with the 2005 season.

 

A 2005 season with a podium in Le Mans Endurance Series at the 1000 km of Silverstone

During the 2004/2005 off-season, the team restructured with the arrival of Norbert Kreyer, former engine specialist from Toyota Team Europe (TTE). He had, among other things, collaborated with André de Cortanze on the Toyota GT-One. After starting at Zakspeed, he had taken responsibility for building turbo engines from 1982, when Ford Germany ceased its funding.

 

For 2005, with this new collaboration, the idea of entering two 996 Turbos was considered by the A-Level team. An entry in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps was also part of the plans, but ultimately, only the single completed example showed up at Spa. With reworked aerodynamics and Dunlop tires, replacing the previous Michelin rubber, ambitions were high.

 

Unfortunately, the 1000 km of Spa started badly. On the sixth lap, the car returned to the pits under Eric Van de Poele's driving, where a modification of the wing angles was made. Although the car rejoined the race, engine overheating led to retirement after 84 laps.

 

At Monza, the performance was more encouraging as the car was classified. Nevertheless, the race was full of obstacles: water pump failure causing engine overheating and boost loss (reduction of 0.2 bar, bringing power down to GT3 RSR level), a hose rupture requiring two consecutive stops, as well as a slow puncture and a throttle cable problem.

 

Despite these setbacks, Wolfgang Kaufmann and Marcel Tiemann finished the race in sixth position in the GT1 category, setting a best lap time of 1'50''7, less than three seconds off the times set by the Ferrari 550 Maranello with their V12s. A promising finish.

 

The highlight of the season came at Silverstone. In pouring rain, the Porsche A-Level Engineering led most of the race, but problems occurred during the driver change. Marcel Tiemann failed to settle in properly when Wolfgang "Piranha" Kaufmann left his seat, causing a loss of time and an uncomfortable position that penalized their lap times.

 

Kaufmann also mentions minor technical issues that, in rainy conditions, made competition more difficult: "The headlights were constantly flickering and, as night fell, visibility was reduced by a greasy and oily windshield". The duo eventually finished in a respectable third place in GT1. A remarkable performance, especially since this round was memorable for its difficult conditions, punctuated by over 50 minutes of safety car.

 

At the Nürburgring, the Porsche's qualifying was cancelled due to speeding in the pit lane. In the race, the car couldn't finish, marking another disappointment. The Porsche A Level then made a final appearance in the Spanish GT Championship, where it dominated the Valencia round, crossing the finish line first, but was disqualified for exceeding Marcel Tiemann's driving time. A victory that seemed promised thus evaporated...

 

The 996 Bi-Turbo, often referred to as 996 TT for "Twin Turbo", has not been entered in the Le Mans Series or any other championship since.

 

The only Porsche 996 GT1 eligible for Endurance Racing Legends and Le Mans Classic Legend plateau 9

This Porsche GT1 is a regular performer in the Peter Auto Championship in the Endurance Racing Legends series. Indeed, since 2023, it has proven its reliability and ability to compete for victory in GT1B. It is sold ready to race with a significant lot of spare parts.