1973-Porsche-Carrera RS Touring

Description

1973 Porsche Carrera RS Touring
s/n 9113601222 engine stamped 6631197
Light Ivory with Black Interior

The legendary Carrera RS is widely regarded to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest roadgoing Porsche ever. Its primary purpose was to homologate the car for competition use, which required the construction of a minimum of five hundred examples within twelve months. Eventually, the cars proved to be so popular that the production run was expanded several times, with an eventual total of 1580 cars being built. The cars themselves featured larger more powerful engines, flared rear wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels, numerous deletions and alterations to reduce weight, improved suspension, and a few cosmetic alterations, which would become the car’s trademark. With its distinctive contrasting striping and wheels and the simple and functional ‘burzel’ or ducktail, the styling of the RS is iconic. The real treat, however, is in the driving. It epitomizes the ultimate Porsche experience with its immense tactility, balance, and nimbleness. Very few cars are as communicative and engaging as a properly set up 911 of this vintage, especially a Carrera RS.

This particular car was, according to its Certificate of Authenticity, an M472 Touring model supplied new in Italian specification, finished in Light Ivory with Black interior. Although its early history is unknown, the car found its way to Japan, then to a collection in Mexico before coming to the United States, where it has been part of a collection that has included a host of other interesting Porsche road cars, as well as a 962 and a 935.

The car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. While not freshly restored, it has a crispness that is very attractive. It has some M471 Lightweight attributes including fiberglass bumpers and lightweight door cards without armrests or map pockets. The body is excellent, with straight panels and good fit. The paintwork was done to high standards and is in very nice condition other than a few small chips from use. There are a couple of hairline cracks in the paint on the front bumper. The lights and lenses are excellent throughout. The glass is generally excellent as well, save for a small area of delamination at the bottom of the windscreen and a few small marks from road use. The wheels are very nice 7 and 8 inch Fuchs with color crests. The limited amount of chrome trim is very good to excellent, with light scratches in some of the door frame trim.

The interior is excellent. The dashboard is free of cracking or warping, and the gauges and switches are in fine shape. The car is fitted with desirable 300kph speedometer and also has a pair of rally timers. The sports setas have been reupholstered with corduroy inserts and are in excellent shape, while the carpets and in very good condition, aside from a hole in the driver’s heel pad. The steering wheel has the appearance of a very nice original item rather than a freshly restored one. The headliner is in excellent shape.

The engine is very clean driver condition, but not detailed for show. It has been updated with Carrera chain tensioners. The front compartment is structurally excellent and has correct dual batteries and plastic fuel tank.

The undercarriage is solid and free of corrosion. The engine and transmission are both extremely clean and dry, and there is evidence of recent maintenance. The car is fitted with SSI stainless heat exchangers.

The car feels special to drive. It is genuinely quick by modern standard and the engine runs well. The gearbox works as designed and the chassis and suspension are well-resolved, providing the inimitable and highly communicative 911 experience that makes the RS such a legend. There is a wonderful precision coupled with a sense of durability resulting in part from the 911’s massive success in endurance racing that makes the car a pleasure to drive.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an attractive and genuine RS that is an ideal car to use. Cosmetically attractive but not so perfect as to discourage its use, this example is ready to drive and enjoy. It comes with Certificate of Authenticity, owner’s manual with RS supplement, and tools. Inspections welcome by prospective purchasers.