For Sale: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS in Scotts Valley, California

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1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 M471 "Lightweight"
VIN: 9113601437

Extremely rare, one of 194 built M471 "lightweight" examples
Certified authentic via Porsche factory files and former Porsche engineers, Rolf Sprenger and Peter Falk
Exceptional original condition with 69,479 original miles
Matching numbers engine and transmission
Just 1,580 examples of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS built
210HP 2.7L aircooled flat six engine with mechanical fuel injection
5-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive
Unapologetic factory weight reduction for the ultimate road experience - 2,116 pounds!
One of the greatest road-going Porsches of all time

The legendary Carrera RS is one of Porsche's all-time greats, if not the greatest road going Porsche car ever produced. Created primarily to homologate the car for competition use, which required the building of 500 examples in 12 months in order to meet the requirements. However, the Carrera RS proved to be so popular that the production run was extended several times, with Porsche landing on a final production of 1,580 total cars. With the more powerful 2.7L MFI engine, rear flared metal fenders to allow for wider wheels and tires, deletions and optimizations to reduce weight, improved suspension, and a few cosmetic changes, all of which would become iconic to the Carrera RS.

While the M472 package or "touring" comprised most of the production run, the M471 "lightweight" Carrera RS has been the RS that has catapulted into the stratosphere of Porsche legends. While it may have looked similar on the outside to the more pedestrian "touring" cars, the M471 "lightweight" Carrera RS was a different animal altogether. Porsche was unapologetic about their mission to subtract weight from the Carrera RS, resulting in many changes that were both apparent and other changes that were clever and hidden. The front bumper was made of fiberglass, and deco strips were removed along with opening rear quarter windows, modified trailing arms, steel front cross member, and stone protection. They also featured lightweight door panels, lightweight carpeting, were devoid of almost all noise insulation, and racing-style seats. Lightweight glass and lightweight sheet metal also contributed to the car's lightweight ethos. No rear seats, no clock, no spare, and no right-side battery, all in the name of weight reduction chasing the very best Carrera RS. Built in exceedingly low numbers, factory files confirm that only 194 examples were ever built, comprising just 12% of all production of the Carrera RS.

When all said and done, the M471 cars were approximately 2,116 pounds, an astounding 253 pounds less than the touring models. While modern manufacturers today compare mere low single-digit weight reductions, Porsche was able to reduce the weight of the M471 by almost 11%! The result is one of the fastest and most analog experiences, channeling and distilling the Porsche spirit with a precise balance of balance, nimbleness, and tactility. With the level of communication and engagement it provides to its driver and occupants, it is one of the most rewarding cars to drive and experience, bar none.

This 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, chassis 9113601437, was sold new in Italy according to the respected survey carried out by Thomas Gruber and Georg Konradsheim, and was originally finished in Grand Prix White with blue accents, the same combination that it wears today. Completed in June of 1973, just a few months prior to the end of the Carrera RS production, it was among the last of 150 cars built. The car remained in Europe until being imported into the United States in 1992 where several caretakers took the utmost care of the car, where the RS received new Grand Prix White paint, and was imported back to Europe in 2011. Most importantly, this M471 Carrera RS is an exceptional example that has been expertly maintained and thoughtfully cared for, boasting a high level of originality, including retaining its original engine, transmission, and dashboard, confirmed by the legendary Porsche engineer, Rolf Sprenger.

Rolf Sprenger was a legend in Porsche's history. An engineer by trade originally hired and tasked to design the fuel injection system for the 911, he quickly rose within the ranks of Porsche and began working on special customer requests, eventually culminating in him creating Sonderwunch, known as the "Special Wishes" program at Porsche. His in-depth knowledge of the company and his access to company records made him exceptionally primed to authenticate rare Porsches, such as this 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS "lightweight." During an in-depth authentication of 9113601437, Sprenger confirmed from Porsche factory files that not only was the chassis an authentic M471 example, but it also retained its original engine, transmission, and dashboard stamping, a truly rare and highly coveted collector's dream. During this inspection in 2017, Sprenger confirmed that the RS retained the factory options that it left with and that it was in excellent original condition, with each panel being forensically inspected in the presence of former Porsche engineer and race director, Peter Falk. Afterwards, the history and condition of this specific example entered into and outlined in Porsche's factory files.

One of the Carrera RS's former caretakers was none other than Peter Livanos, the Greek shipping tycoon, chairing Ceres Hellenic and GasLog Ltd., overseeing one of the world's largest and most sophisticated fleets of LNG carriers. The most recent caretaker, known for their fastidious detail to ensure that their cars are kept in the best condition while preserving originality, ensured that the Carrera RS received excellent care in their stewardship.

Whenever a M471 "lightweight" Carrera RS arrives at Canepa, it is a special occasion. With just 194 examples of these cars built, they are exceedingly rare. What is more rare is an example like this in such excellent original condition. From the factory interior still in excellent condition, the cosmetics of the car overall, and that the car still retains its matching running gear and dashboard is a true trifecta of perfection. Nonetheless, the Carrera RS was put through the "Canepa Difference" process to ensure that it was mechanically and cosmetically sorted. The RS received a complete and thorough detailing process, including hand washing of the underside and a multi-pad foam polishing of the Grand Prix White paint. Inside the original interior was given exceptional care to preserve the original finishes from the Porsche factory. Mechanically, the car is exceptional. Thoroughly inspected, it has been kept in wonderful condition, with the matching-numbers engine and transmission performing flawlessly and giving the driver such exceptional feedback that the M471 "lightweights" and Carrera RS cars in general are known for. A prime example of the M471 "lightweights", this 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS will fit in with any collection, authenticated via factory records and in exceptional condition, allowing for the new caretaker to explore and experience what it means to pilot one of the best-driving analog Porsches of all time.