To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$600,000 - $725,000
- An early example of Porsche's legendary RS
- Finished in its original color of Light Yellow
- Attractive green wheels and matching negative Carrera script
decals
- Includes tool roll, manuals, and air compressor
Along with the spritely 356 Speedster and whale-tailed 911 Turbos,
the 911 Carrera RS of 1973 is among Porsche's most recognizable and
desirable models.
In 1972 the FIA effectively pushed the fearsome Le Mans-winning
Porsche 917 prototypes off the track by limiting engine
displacement to 3.0 liters. The company had to fall back on its
bread-and-butter production 911 to compete in the World
Championship of Makes. The 2.4-liter 911 S was not deemed strong
enough for competition; as such, Porsche upgraded it with a
2.7-liter engine, larger wheels, and other modifications to match.
Some of those included flared rear quarter panels and an intriguing
rear spoiler that became known as the "ducktail." This device had
been proven in wind-tunnel and track testing to greatly reduce the
rear-end lift generated by the 911's slightly recessed rear
window.
The new model, branded the 911 Carrera RS, was duly homologated
with the construction of 500 examples to meet the new class rules.
These would serve as the basis for even more potent versions as the
ferocious Group 5 2.8- and 3.0-liter RSRs that would come to
dominate GT racing, especially in the U.S. The new RS 2.7 was
introduced at the 1972 Paris Auto Salon to rave reviews, and the
first 500 cars quickly sold out. Despite the sales department's
reluctance to approve a second production run, another group of 500
cars was built, and then a third run, in spite of the factory
sharply increasing the retail price each time. Most of the second
and third production runs were delivered as "Touring" versions, as
featured here, retaining the interior trim and comfort features of
the 911 S.
In total, 1,590 examples were built (including "Homologation," or
"H," cars) and sold, enough to qualify the model for Group 3,
standard GT production cars. Today, the 1973 911 Carrera RS is one
of the most coveted sports cars on the planet.
The RS 2.7 offered here was originally delivered new to Italy in
1973, attractively ordered in pale yellow over a black leatherette
interior with Pepita cloth seat inserts and fitted with power
windows. Six years later the Porsche would exchange hands and be
exported to its new owner in Japan. During the car's time Japan, it
would change hands once more, and in 2004 the car was fully
restored while in Japan, for which a file with restoration photos
is included with the car. In November 2012 the RS was purchased by
a French collector who only retained it briefly. In 2013 the
current owner acquired the RS and brought it to the U.S., where he
has enjoyed regularly driving it throughout Southern California,
including on two 1,000-mile rallies which it completed without
fault.
Fastidiously maintained and presented with its owner's manual, air
compressor, spare wheel, tool kit, and jack, this '73 RS 2.7
presents the opportunity to fully experience a bygone era of
Porsche sports cars.To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.