The Porsche 911, in all its versions, is one of the most definitive sports cars of all time. With this in mind, Porsche’s “Sonderwunsch” (special request) program occasionally spawns some truly epic versions, based on the rear-engine sports car. Such is the case with this Porsche 992 GT3 “956 Edition”.

Why the 956 Edition?

This Porsche 911 isn’t simply a custom-made GT3, but a tribute to the 1985 LeMans-winning Porsche 956 racecar, driven by Paolo Barilla, whose signature can be seen on the exterior of the car. Barilla was an overall winner back in the 1985 LeMans and he also raced for the Minardi Formula One team in 1989 and 1990.

The 956-inspired Porsche 911 GT3 is a one-off, specially-commissioned by the veteran racing driver who was also the project manager of the build and worked closely with Porsche Exclusive Manifaktur and Style Porsche design department. After three years of waiting, the car is finally complete and scores the iconic livery from 1985.

It features a Summer Yellow primary color with black and white accents throughout, just like the 956 LM from 1985. The one-off 911 GT3 also scores the racing number 7, to commemorate the racing success of the Porsche 956 and Paolo Barilla, from the mid-1980s.

Part of a New Customization Program

“Sonderwunsch” is the program where all special requests are made and the 956 Edition is the first of a new line, which allows for more customization options, which would lead to future one-off specials. The veteran racing driver ordered the LeMans-inspired 992 GT3 for his 60th birthday and we couldn’t think of a more fitting present.

Inside the cabin, you will see the same driver-centric and clean interior, as in any other 992 GT3, but even here, we see some inspiration from the 956. The interior is mostly black and features an Alcantara steering wheel. The shifter is styled after the one from the 1985 LeMans-winning car. The carbon-fiber, race seats feature “1985 LeMans” yellow stitching with the Circuit de la Sarthe, embroidered on them, while the door sills feature plaques with similar motives.

While the car’s unique aesthetics are mostly credited to the iconic livery, it also features a modified rear wing, for improved airflow. On its flanks, you will notice the “PB60” decals, styled after the team’s main sponsor from 1985, which stands for Paolo Barilla 60 years.

There are no performance modifications to speak of, but even so, the 4.0-liter normally-aspirated flat-six develops an impressive 503 horsepower and 347 pound-feet (470 Nm), while able to rev up to 9,000 RPM. The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint happens in about 3.2 seconds while the top speed is 199 mph (320 km/h). More importantly, the gearbox is a six-speed manual.

Porsche 911 GT3 956 Edition specifications

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