To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Abu Dhabi event, 30
November 2019.
Estimate:
$750,000 - $850,000
- A fabulous example of Porsche's most famous and desirable
street GT
- Fully restored by a U.S. marque specialist, retains its
original engine
- One of only 87 Carrera RS 2.7s finished in Signal Yellow
Porsche constructed only 1,580 examples of the 1973 RS 2.7, most of
them in touring form. The RS 2.7 was a 'Homologation Special' based
on Porsche's 2.4-litre 1973 911S and would serve as the basis for
the 1973 2.8 RSR, the 1974 3.0 RSR, and finally, the turbocharged
934 and 935.
Weight reduction, a larger engine, and improved aerodynamics were
the keys to success. Doors and lids were stamped of thinner-gauge
steel and aluminium alloy, while the front and rear fascias were
fibreglass. Window glass was thinner and lighter, and the cars were
set off by the now-familiar engine lid 'ducktail', plus
eye-catching graphics. Some late-series RS 2.7s were fitted with
standard body parts and glass. The tub was modified with extended
wheel arches which contained wider 15-inch-diameter Fuchs alloy
wheels. The new 2.7-litre engine developed a healthy 210 bhp at
6,300 rpm with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. A five-speed manual
transaxle and disc brakes were standard.
The RS 2.7 in M472 touring spec retained much of the road equipment
of the production 911 S. Buyers could then add features from
Porsche's extensive options list. The exhaustive volume Carrera RS
states that this German-delivery example, one of only 87 finished
in Signal Yellow over black leatherette, was ordered with an
electric sliding sunroof, as well as power windows, heated rear
glass, an auxiliary gasoline heater, a Blaupunkt 'Coburg' AM/FM
radio, sport seats with headrests, retractable safety belts,
additional driving lamps, a rear fog lamp, and Dunlop tyres.
First registered in April of 1973, this RS 2.7 was enjoyed by its
first owner until 1978, when it was sold to a collector and placed
into dry storage, where it remained until 1985, having been driven
just 58,640 km. The second owner than commissioned a full
restoration by marque expert Hartmut Burhop at Automobil Conversion
in Ganderkensee, Germany. The car was stripped to bare metal, and
minor rust repairs were completed before a full respray. The
original engine was overhauled with a new crankshaft and 92 mm
Mahle pistons, which raised displacement to 2.8 litres. A new oil
pump, fuel-injection pump, distributor, generator, fuel pump,
flywheel, and clutch were installed. The brakes and suspension were
also overhauled, and new Bilstein shocks were fitted, along with a
new front oil cooler.
By late 1988 this RS 2.7 had made its way to the U.S., where it was
registered to Mr James Ladwig of Melrose, Illinois. By 1993 it been
sold to Mr Jeffrey Proval, at which time the car was resprayed a
dark green. The next private owner was a Mr Mark Lunenburg of
Farmington, Connecticut, who had Jim Newton of Canton, Connecticut,
carry out a two-year, concours-quality restoration to
factory-original specification and correct colour. The car had been
driven only a few hundred miles since its restoration when it was
sold at auction in Texas to restorer and collector Bruce Canepa of
Scotts Valley, California. Outstanding cars from the auction were
entered in the 2016 Concours d'Elegance of Texas, where it achieved
Best in Class and Grand Award ribbons. Mr Canepa took the car back
to California, where it was serviced and detailed before being sold
to the current owner.
Today this Carrera RS 2.7 is presented in its original colour
scheme of Signal Yellow over Black Leatherette, wearing refinished
Fuchs alloys, and now fitted with a pair of sport seats with
headrests, stainless rocker trim, and a pair of horn grille-mounted
clear fog lamps. For reliability, the engine was uprated with
pressure-fed chain tensioners. The original radio was removed by a
previous owner and replaced with a factory blanking plate. The
engine compartment is incredibly clean and detailed. This Carrera
RS 2.7's original manuals, a complete tool roll, a folio of
restoration photographs, previous registrations, repair invoices,
and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity are included.
Without question, this striking example is a fine Carrera RS 2.7,
and its next fortunate owner will have many opportunities to either
drive and enjoy it or contend for class honours at the local
concours.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ad19.
