Porsche has unveiled a stunning one-off 911 GT3 RS, crafted as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert, whose expertise helped transform the Porsche 917 into a race-winning icon.
Dubbed the “911 GT3 RS Tribute to Jo Siffert,” this special edition was brought to life through Porsche’s exclusive Sonderwunsch personalization program. Its design draws inspiration from the iconic livery of the 917 that Siffert, along with co-driver Kurt Ahrens, drove to victory at the 1969 race held at the Österreichring in Austria—a milestone that marked the 917’s first-ever win, silencing critics who had doubted its aerodynamic capabilities.
Siffert’s racing career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 11 years, he competed in nearly 300 races, often participating in multiple events over a single weekend, driven by his relentless passion for the sport. Tragically, his life was cut short at just 35 years old when he died in a crash during a 1971 Formula 1 race at Brands Hatch in the U.K.
To honor Siffert’s legacy, Porsche collaborated closely with his family, including his son Philippe and grandson Jérémy, to perfect the design of this one-off masterpiece. The car features sponsor logos from Bosch and Shell, meticulously recreated to mirror those on Siffert’s victorious 917. Adding a personal touch, Siffert’s autograph is elegantly embossed on the center console cover and the leather key case.
Beneath the hood, this unique 911 GT3 RS houses a 4.0-liter flat-6 engine, generating an impressive 518 hp, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. The car can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just three seconds, with a top speed of 184 mph.
The “911 GT3 RS Tribute to Jo Siffert” will be showcased at various Porsche dealerships across Switzerland throughout August, before making its grand appearance at the Zürich auto show from November 7-10. Following the exhibition, Porsche will select a buyer at random from the pool of interested parties to take home this one-of-a-kind tribute.