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Built with Japanese backing, Le Mans-winning driver Vern Schuppan created his very own street-legal Porsche 962. These cars were built as a tribute to his victory at the 1993 Le Mans behind the wheel of a Porsche 956. Since then, the Porsche 956 and its 962 IMSA-spec have become one of the most successful prototype racecars in history, claiming over 130 victories.

Specific details on how the Schuppan cars came about are quite rare. Supposedly five or six examples were built by Modena Cars in High and complied with either Japanese or German safety laws. Each car was entirely new since Schuppan manufactured his own chassis and body based on 962 designs. The only Porsche-sourced component was the engine which was the same used in 962C North American IMSA car, that is, the air-cooled, 3.3 liter, twin turbo version.

The price amount was recently modified from 2 500 000. Karl Ludvigsen wrote in his book, Porsche: Excellence was Expected, that the price was 195 million yen which would have amounted to 1.5 USD in 1994. In either case, the 962CR, when new, was one of the most expensive cars ever produced.

After payment failed to arrive when two cars were shipped to Japan, Schuppan was forced to declare bankruptcy. The 962CR remains as the only car Vern Schuppan has ever made.

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Continuing Story by Richard Owen for Supercars.net