A rare 1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Leichtbau, one of just 22 factory-built prototypes developed for Porsche’s inaugural Carrera Cup racing program, is set to headline Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions this August. With just 502 kilometers (312 miles) on the odometer, the car is expected to fetch between $750,000 and $1 million when it crosses the block on August 15–16.
The Leichtbau—German for “lightweight”—is a stripped-down, race-focused variant of the Porsche 964 Carrera 4, developed under the direction of Le Mans winner Jürgen Barth, then head of Porsche’s Customer Racing department. Produced entirely by hand in Porsche’s Werk I racing facility, the Leichtbau was never intended for public sale. Instead, the limited production run served as a testbed for the Carrera Cup racing series, which would go on to become a global motorsports staple.
Powered by a 3.6-liter dual-ignition flat-six engine producing 265 horsepower, the Leichtbau model weighs just 2,414 pounds thanks to a series of weight-saving measures including the deletion of comfort amenities, the addition of Recaro bucket seats, a fixed rear wing, and a fully welded aluminum roll cage. The suspension was also lowered, and the standard retractable spoiler was replaced for constant downforce.
“This model represents one of the most technically sophisticated and rare 911s ever built,” said David Brynan, senior specialist at Gooding Christie’s. “It’s among the last 911s crafted entirely by hand and is deeply rooted in Porsche’s motorsport heritage.”
Finished in Grand Prix White with a minimalist interior, this particular example stands out for its time-capsule condition, having never been raced or modified. Its low mileage and impeccable provenance make it one of the most desirable Porsche collectibles on the market.
The auction will take place during the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, where top-tier collectors gather to acquire the rarest automobiles in the world. If bidding meets expectations, this Leichtbau could set a new benchmark for factory-built prototype Porsche values.