Porsche LMP 2000 9R3 n° 1 Prototype Weissach 1999 / 2024 1/18 Spark MAP02165025

Miniature Porsche LMP 2000 9R3 n° 1 Prototype Weissach 1999 / 2024

Drivers : Allan McNish / Bob Wollek

Scale : 1/18

Manufacturer : Spark

Article ID MAP02165025

Resin Model

Real Model – Porsche LMP 2000 9R3 n° 1 Prototype Weissach 1999 / 2024

The Porsche LMP 2000—internally designated as the 9R3—is one of the rarest and most mysterious prototypes ever developed by Porsche. Designed in the late 1990s to enable the brand to aim for another overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was intended to compete in the premier LMP900 class.

Developed at Weissach under the guidance of Norbert Singer—a legendary figure in Porsche’s racing department—the LMP 2000 featured a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and an ultra-lightweight open-cockpit prototype design. In compliance with the LMP900 regulations of the time, it weighed approximately 900 kg.

Its most remarkable mechanical feature was its naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V10 engine, mounted mid-rear and producing over 600 hp. This engine originated from a V10 project initially developed by Porsche for Formula 1 before being extensively reworked for endurance racing. This exceptional powertrain also represents a pivotal chapter in Porsche’s history: its architecture would later serve as the basis for the spectacular V10 engine found in the Porsche Carrera GT.

Despite its potential, the LMP 2000 never competed in a single race. The program was halted in 1999 when the car was virtually complete. Nevertheless, Porsche authorized continued development and organized two days of private testing at its Weissach track on November 2 and 3, 1999.

Two Porsche factory drivers took the wheel: Bob Wollek and Allan McNish. Together, they covered only 78 kilometers. Even so, McNish reached a speed of 302 km/h on the test track and set a new lap record, despite particularly low temperatures and tires that were difficult to bring up to operating temperature. Following these tests, the prototype was put into storage and remained virtually unseen by the public for many years, eventually becoming one of the "ghost cars" in Porsche's history.

In 2024—exactly 25 years after its initial testing—Porsche Heritage and Museum undertook the task of restoring the LMP 2000 to running condition. Allan McNish got back behind the wheel at the Weissach test track, a quarter of a century after last driving it.

With its unique history, naturally aspirated V10 engine, and direct link to the future Carrera GT, the Porsche LMP 2000 (9R3) represents a chapter of Porsche Motorsport history that is as fascinating as it is little-known: a car designed to win Le Mans, yet one that never actually started a single race.

Miniature – Porsche LMP 2000 9R3 n° 1 Prototype Weissach 1999 / 2024 1/18 Spark (MAP02165025)

This 1:18 scale Spark model reproduces the Porsche LMP 2000 Prototype as it was brought back to life in 2024, while retaining the black configuration of the original 1999 prototype. Bearing reference number MAP02165025, it is crafted from resin and is a special Porsche Museum edition. It accurately captures the low-slung, fluid design of this racing barchetta: open cockpit, tapered nose, large front wheel arches, side air intakes, rear wing, and diffuser. The black finish highlights the raw, almost secretive nature of the original prototype, while the large 1:18 scale showcases its aerodynamic features and complex contours.