In 1975, Count Rossi of the Martini & Rossi family drove a street-legal Porsche 917 from the factory in Zuffenhausen to his home in Paris. Decades later, that bold gesture has inspired a modern reinterpretation. We’ve already shown you Remastered Porsche 904. And the Porsche 963 RSP is the result of a unique collaboration between Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche Cars North America, and Roger Penske himself. The RSP stands for Roger Searle Penske, honoring his personal involvement in making this project happen.
This one-off machine is based on the Porsche 963 Hypercar, originally designed for endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the RSP, Porsche engineered a road-legal version that remains faithful to its motorsport DNA while being compliant with public road standards. The modifications are extensive yet purposeful. The ride height has been raised to its highest possible setting, and the Multimatic DSSV dampers are configured in their softest mode for more comfortable driving. Bodywork changes include opened wheel-arch vents and the removal of race-specific blanking plates. The lighting system has been adapted for road use, and functional elements like a horn, front and rear license plate mounts, and a cup holder have been added.
The powertrain remains a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid, remapped to run on pump fuel while maintaining around 671 horsepower. It still uses the seven-speed sequential Xtrac transmission and rear-mounted MGU. The RSP rides on Michelin wet-weather tires with period-correct 1970s-style branding, adding a subtle nod to the past.
Inside the cabin, the single-seat layout is wrapped in bespoke tan leather and Alcantara, reflecting the elegance of Count Rossi’s 917. Details like a custom carbon helmet, laptop compartment, and even air vents styled after the original 917’s cooling fan create a space that’s both nostalgic and functional. While clearly performance-focused, the RSP is no stripped-out track weapon – it was built to be driven and appreciated in the real world.
Only one Porsche 963 RSP exists. The car was developed at Porsche’s Sonderwunsch division and involved input from the Porsche Classic team in Atlanta. It made its debut on public roads during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it was driven around Circuit de la Sarthe. After its public appearance, the car will return to the Porsche Museum and later travel to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Blending racing pedigree with street legality, the 963 RSP is a tribute to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of performance and storytelling. It’s not just a car – it’s a moving homage to one of the most iconic moments in Porsche history, recreated for the modern age. And don’t forget to check our list of the fastest cars in the world.
