Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS
s/n 9113601291 eng no. *6631239*
White with Blue trim and Black Interior

Even a short drive in the Carrera 2.7 RS quickly demonstrates why the car is such a legend. The performance, immediacy, purity, and communication the car provides represent the true essence of the vintage 911 and quickly establishes the car as one of the most visceral and thrilling cars of any era. Based on the top of the range 911S, the RS was created for the FIA’s new series of production-based sports car, which required at least 500 examples to be built within a 12 month period in order to homologate the car for racing. The RS was a one year only model that proved to be so popular that the original production run of 500 cars was expanded twice.

The recipe for its development was familiar: more power, less weight, and a more focused chassis. The engine was expanded from 2.3 liters (which Porsche optimistically badged as 2.4 liters) to a genuine 2.7 liters (2,687cc), coupled with Nikasil coated cylinder linings to enhance durability and Porsche’s familiar MFI Bosch mechanical fuel injection and 915 5-speed gearbox. Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, torsion bars, and anti-roll bars, were coupled with independent rear suspension and transverse torsion bars, tubular shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. Wider wheels necessitated flared rear wheel arches to accommodate the wider track. The four-wheel disc brakes provided much needed stopping power to haul down the powerful acceleration the capable RS could achieve. Weight was reduced through a reduction in sound proofing, some fiberglass body panels, and thinner glass. Indeed, weighing in at a mere 2,370 pounds in the more luxurious “Touring” form, the Carrera RS was capable of 150 mph top speeds and a jaw dropping 0- 60 time of just 5.5 seconds.

Cosmetically, the car was reworked to create its now iconic look: a fiberglass duck tail and new front bumper reduced weight and drag while simultaneously increasing downforce, while bold contrasting Carrera scripts were added to the sides of the car to decisively declare the return of the Carrera, a moniker which had laid dormant on Porsche street cars since the demise of the legendary four-cam 356 Carrera in 1965. The RS was offered in two main forms, the Touring and the Lightweight (option codes M472 and M471 respectively). While the Touring had nearly all of the equipment of the 911S, including steel rear bumper and overriders, full deco strips, full door panels and seats, and even available sunroof, the Lightweight had fiberglass bumpers, lightweight seats and door panels and numerous other deletions. Despite Porsche’s uncertainty about the popularity of the model, its production run of 500 cars sold out almost instantly, and ultimately, 1580 examples were built.


According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this matching numbers Carrera RS example was built to M472 Touring specification, originally finished in Grand Prix White with Blue Lettering/2201 and trimmed with Black Leatherette/12 interior, the car was delivered to the first owner in Germany. The Porsche CoA indicates this RS was optioned from the factory with headrests, a Blaupunkt Radio ‘Frankfurt’, Additional Rear Apron, and Pirelli Tires, all features which it retains today. From 2014 - 2015, the car was treated to extensive and meticulous restoration, tending to both cosmetic and mechanical aspects with attention to detail and authenticity, benefiting from a particularly careful and expert rebuild of the original engine. Having completed the restoration, the current owner was pleased to return home from the 2018 Carmel Concours on the Avenue with a First in Class. He also displayed the car at The Quail Motorsports Gathering in 2017.

The current owner purchased the car from well-known and respected Porsche expert, Canepa. Already well documented with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, additionally confirming matching numbers as documented in the definitive Konradsheim/Gruber “Carrera RS” book, and supported by two large binders of photographs and mechanical records, the car underwent further restoration including a documented rebuild of the engine under the direction of Kjeld Christensen, VP and Director of the “Werks” shops. The engine was completely disassembled and a comprehensive rebuild was performed while the engine was out, tending to all mechanical aspects while addressing all new correct factory finishes. The gearbox was also removed and the clutch and flywheel were removed and replaced. Records total over $25,000.00 for just a portion of this mechanical work. During the restoration process, extensive work was performed on the suspension of the car including new control arms and bushings, re-indexing torsion bars for proper ride height, and a four-wheel custom alignment (specifications on file). At this time the brakes and lines were also replaced as needed including rebuilding the front calipers.

The car was also treated to a fresh interior from Autos International, Inc. including recovering the dashboard and fabricating a new correct speaker grille. At this time, the speedometer, tachometer, oil temp, fuel, and clock instruments were restored by Palo Alto Speedometer and installed in the new dash. Continued interior work included covering the rear seats, garnish rails, new jump seat straps, and other components with correct German vinyl per original specifications. The trunk set was also replaced with correct German Perlon. In short, every aspect of the car was included in the restoration, both above and below, and the resulting car is exceptional.

Today, this remarkable Carrera presents in superb correctly restored condition. The recently applied paint presents beautifully with a glossy finish throughout showing smooth surface transitions, fresh rubber gaskets and seals, correctly refinished window trim, and beautiful graphics. The panel fit is excellent, with the doors, hood and trunk opening and closing smoothly, revealing very nice inner painted surfaces and door jambs, also finished with the same attention to detail as the exterior. The factory correct Fuchs wheels have been properly finished with matching blue inners, polished alloy rims, and new Pirelli CN36 tires. The glass, body trim, emblems, lenses and Carrera side scripts are in exceptionally nice condition. The entire hood, front fenders, mirrors, and lights have been professionally covered by Premier Protective Films, offering virtually invisible protection from road debris. The visual condition of the car is truly exceptional with great stance, superb presence and attention to detail.

The interior features a beautifully finished dash with stunning instruments, knobs, and switches, all of which have been properly restored and correctly installed. The factory AM/FM Blaupunkt radio, working clock, and performance array of instruments completes the purposeful look of this iconic car. The carpet, headliner, visors, and all accompanying interior surfaces are nicely presented in correct materials with careful attention to details and the use of correct factory fasteners and details, be it the yellow-stitched seatbelts or double washers on the seat rails. Correct seat stitching, beautifully finished small diameter RS steering wheel, and corduroy inserts are among the many delightful interior details presented in the interior. The front storage compartment is nicely finished showing correct factory items in place, and finishes of very high quality.

Lifting the distinctive duck-tail rear deck lid, the engine compartment and matching numbers engine are beautifully revealed. The engine bay and the original engine have been restored to a very high level of finish both cosmetically and mechanically. The castings and painted finishes are correct showing factory clamps, hoses, and hardware, and proper factory decals and labels affixed in their original locations. The fiberglass deck lid shuts easily and fits well, neither of which is guaranteed even on the finest RS. The undercarriage is remarkable in every respect with clean surfaces, beautifully prepared castings, and exceptionally clean and well-detailed suspension and brake components.

Driving this car is an absolute treat. While it is capable of impressive speed, it is extraordinarily engaging and entertaining at any speed. There is a wonderful tactility to its interactions, particularly the steering and suspension. The engine starts easily and is tractable, with well-tuned MFI and acceleration that is intoxicating and surprisingly brisk, not just by 1973 standards, but by modern standards as well. The throttle response is exceptionally crisp, and the car’s light weight gives it a turn of speed that belies its power output. Cornering is legendary with tight and responsive steering, having benefited from the precise settings and suspension work recently performed on the car. Early 911s are always delightful to drive, but an example such as this combining historic import and exceptional mechanical traits truly delights capable drivers with its dynamic personality.

A toolkit and pouch, jack, and an electric tire pump accompany the car, a set of original Porsche manuals with pouch, along with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, two large notebooks containing a substantial number of service records, and an additional folder of invoices from the restoration.

An absolute legend of timeless beauty and performance, this Porsche Carrera RS lives up to the ambitious performance objectives originally developed more than 45 years ago, resulting in one of the finest and most desirable Porsche models ever produced. And while any Carrera must be considered special, this exceptionally correct matching numbers RS has been prepared with such care and expertise that it can be confidently shown and driven with pride and joy, exhibiting at major Concours fields or participating in Porsche road events throughout the world.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608