The Schuppan 962 CR is a little-known road-legal race car.
The prestigious London Concours event will kick off in a couple of weeks, with a bevy of iconic exotics descending on the British capital, amongst them the little-known Schuppan 962 CR, an ultra-rare racecar made for the road. If you've never heard of this car, you're not alone - just six examples were ever produced, making it one of the most exclusive motorcars ever made.
It all started when racing driver Vern Schuppan decided to create his own supercar. Schuppan, who claimed victory at the 1983 Le Mans while driving a Porsche 956, had a great affinity for Stuttgart's sports car brand. As such, the Australian native decided to base his creation on the carbon fiber chassis of the Porsche 962.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter flat-six engine, the 962 CR produces a healthy 600 horsepower. Couple that with the featherweight mass of just 2,315 pounds, and the performance is best described as rapid. 0-60 mph is dispatched in a dizzying 3.5 seconds (unheard of in the early '90s), while the top speed was pegged at a heady 230 mph.
The Schuppan 962 CR is a true driver's car. You won't find an automatic 'box or sophisticated dual-clutch transmission here. A five-speed manual gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels, which should make for an enthralling driving experience. Visually, the 962 CR is as dramatic as cars get. The low-slung profile betrays the vehicle's motorsport heritage.
The sculpted flanks flow into the prominent rear spoiler, while the narrow cockpit has been designed for performance and not comfort. Porsche design touches can be seen throughout the vehicle; the front end resembles the 911 Carrera (993), while the rear sports a light bar very similar to the one found on the iconic 959 supercar.
As mentioned, just six examples were made in the two-year production run. These vehicles were assembled in Buckinghamshire, England, but unfortunately, the company faced several struggles that led to Schuppan's demise as an automaker. According to various reports, high construction costs, lack of payment for two completed cars, and a recession left the founder with no choice but to declare bankruptcy.
Thankfully, six examples left the factory before the doors were closed for good.
When new, the Schuppan 962CR was rumored to cost more than $1.5 million - an insane amount of money for the time period. This extraordinary creation makes it worth visiting the London Concours, as seeing one in the metal is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity.
If, for some reason, the 962CR doesn't blow your skirt up, there are plenty of other rare supercars to feast your eyes on. Also in attendance will be a Bugatti Veyron Vitesse World Record Car edition, one of eight created to celebrate the Vitesse's 254-mph record run in Germany.
The exquisite Porsche Carrera GTZ will also be on display. This Zagato-designed coupe is an exceptionally beautiful car and a treat for all Porsche lovers. A variety of McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari rarities will be present.
If you're interested, the event will take place between June 6-8, with tickets priced from £35 (approximately $44).
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