1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

2,687cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
210bhp at 6,300rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Purchased new by the consignor in December of 1972
*Superbly preserved, highly original matching-numbers example
*One of just about 100 factory-delivered right hand drive examples ever made
*Factory Signal Yellow example highly optioned from new with electric sunroof and windows
*Offered with extensive history file containing original sales brochure, books and tools


THE PORSCHE 911 RS 2.7 CARRERA

Revealed at the 1972 Paris Auto Salon, Porsche revived the Carrera name for its luxuriously equipped, top-of-the-range 911 for model-year 1973. Designated "Carrera RS" (RennSport), the newcomer was intended as a limited-edition product for Group 4 GT racing, a class that required a minimum of 500 built. However, the resulting demand for this fabulous car proved so great that the production run was progressively extended, eventually ending up at 1,590 units and allowing homologation in Group 3 for standard GT production cars. Of the 1,590 units, only the first 500 cars were built to exacting homologation specifications, by the use of thinner gauge sheet metal and glass. The majority of cars produced were to "Lightweight" (competition) specification, the remainder being delivered as the Carrera RS Touring, complete with 911S-type interior trim and fittings.

Based on a lightened 911S platform, the Carrera RS featured revised suspension and wider rear wheels (beneath flared 'arches) for improved handling, while the 2.7-liter, fuel-injected, air-cooled six-cylinder engine's 210bhp boosted top speed to around 150mph. Today these 1973 model-year 911 Carrera RS's are among the most collectible Porsches ever produced, and stand out as one of the most iconic and hallowed cars of the era. Collectors around the world have their eye on these cars, and they will undoubtedly remain as collectible as they are today decades from now.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Even with a considerably high production number for the legendary 1973 model-year 911 Carrera RS 2.7, it has become increasingly hard to locate "best-of-the-best" examples. And when you take into consideration that just about 100 or so examples were equipped from the factory with right hand drive steering; it gets even harder! The exceptional Carrera offered here, chassis no. 9113600918, must be considered among the very best examples of the iconic model, not just due to its rare specification and superbly preserved original condition, but also due to the fact that it is offered for sale today by its original owner, who purchased the car brand new in December of 1972.

The story of 0918 really begins earlier in 1972, when the consigner - a renowned collector of spectacular sports cars and true 'car guy' - was considering his next new car to enjoy in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa. Several upper end sports cars on the '72 market was considered, including a 246 Dino, Porsche 911S and BMW 3.0 CSI. But before pulling the trigger, he read an article about the introduction of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, and soon rushed to the local Johannesburg Porsche dealer to place and order. But here he was told that just 100 right hand drive examples would be built, and none were destined for the South African market. However, he convinced the dealer one should go to South Africa and was able to place and order for 9113600918.

Completed at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory during March of 1973, 0918 was the 918th example in the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 model range produced. Built to the Touring code 472 specifications, 0918 was completed just appears today, finished in color code 6262 'Hellgelb' or Signal Yellow, over a black leatherette and Pepita interior, fitted with both passenger and driver side sports seats with headrests, and a driver's side mirror. Perhaps the most exciting, and certainly very rare detail on 0918's production record, was the right-hand drive steering, South Africa region configuration and no "Carrera" script request, but also the factory electric sunroof and power window options if was fitted with. All these details are documented in the well-known Gruber/Konradsheim book on the model, Carrera RS. Once the new high-performance Porsche was completed, the consignor traveled to Zuffenhusen to see his new car be finalized and took a first test drive. He took delivery of the car in Johannesburg in October of 1973 and would put about 30,000 kilometers on it until 1977, when he migrated to the US. As the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 didn't conform to US specifications, he had to leave it behind, and would sell the car to a family friend.

In 2001, as the car was old enough to import into the US, the consignor got the bug to get his old Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 back and traced it through his brother-in-law who had kept in touch with the car and owner. At the time, the car remained in superb original condition, and had only traveled about 100,000 kilometers (60,000 miles) since new. The dry Johannesburg climate and interim custodians had been very good to the car, and it remained complete with factory delivered accessories such as tools, tire pump, books and manuals.

Today - offered from its original owner - 0918 presents in extraordinarily original condition. It is a car with integrity and no bad stories. It has fewer than 149,500 kilometers (92,900 miles) recorded on its odometer, a figure well-documented through the years. The original factory installed sports seats with Pepita inserts are intact, as are the original carpets, dash and headliner. The original Fuchs wheels are in wonderful condition and fitted with a fresh set of Pirelli Centurato tires. The original brightwork, lights and lenses remain intact, as does the glass except from the windshield which was replaced as a rock chip hit some years back. One gentle respray in the original Signal Yellow color of the exterior panels has been performed, but jambs and compartments still carry the original factory applied paint. 0918 of course retains its original, matching numbers engine and transaxle.

0918 is offered with the full set of original tools, spare and jack, tire pump, owner's manual and supplement, and an original 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 sales brochure. The car has been featured in magazine articles, which will accompany the sale as well. The level of originality seen on 0918 is just incredible and speaks not only to the fastidious high level of care and loving use this car has seen, but also the quality of these cars. As an exceedingly rare factory right hand drive delivered car (and sole example delivered new to South Africa), equipped with factory sunroof and electric windows - and now offered from the original owner - the level of pedigree found with 0918 will be very hard to find again.