An ultra-rare 1997 Porsche 911 GT2 R, one of only 10 factory-built examples from the 993 generation, is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Milan on May 22. Despite being incomplete and lacking a confirmed chassis number, the car is estimated to fetch between $550,000 and $800,000.
The Porsche GT2 R, originally delivered to Dutch racer René Snel, made its competitive debut in the late 1990s. After being damaged in a crash during a 1999 race, it was repaired and returned to track use in 2001, participating in club-level events at circuits such as Monza, Hockenheim, and the Nürburgring.
In 2011, the car changed hands and underwent another extensive rebuild, including work on the chassis. That restoration, however, remains unfinished. According to RM Sotheby’s, approximately €20,885 (roughly $23,000) has already been invested into the incomplete project.
The auction listing includes a clear disclaimer: the Porsche is being sold based on its production number only, without a verified chassis identity, and is currently fitted with an engine of unknown origin. The stripped-down interior lacks gauges and is full of exposed wiring, although key elements like the steering wheel and extra body panels are included in the sale.
Though not currently track-ready, the GT2 R remains a highly desirable piece of Porsche motorsport history. Its rarity, race provenance, and potential eligibility for historic racing series such as Masters Endurance Legends or Peter Auto’s Endurance Racing Legends could make it an appealing project for seasoned collectors or specialized restoration firms.
RM Sotheby’s describes the car as a blank canvas for a qualified builder—not a casual project for weekend mechanics. With proper restoration, the GT2 R could once again take its place among Porsche’s most revered competition machines.