1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS

This 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is a recently restored example of one of the marque’s most iconic cars, and represents the genesis of the ‘Rennsport’ models. Under the engine lid is the car’s original 2.7-litre air-cooled flat-six, which produces around 210bhp and drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 82,116 miles.

Believed to be one of only around 100 right-hand drive UK-market cars built, this Carrera RS was first registered in February 1973, and was originally finished in the period hue of Light Yellow (code 6262).

During its early life, the car was raced in the Porsche RS Championship, however it was crashed during a race and was subsequently rebuilt. It was then acquired by the current owner in 2002, who commissioned Le Mans Porsche entrants Pickup Motorsport to prepare the car for track use. This included the installation of a roll cage, a plumbed-in fire extinguisher, race seats and full harnesses, amongst other modifications.

The car was then shipped to Australia, where it took part in the Classic Adelaide Rally, before it returned to the UK and saw extensive use as a track car, taking part in a number of Goodwood Road Racing Club and Porsche Club track days. In 2011, the car’s owner moved abroad and placed it in storage until 2017. Shortly after this, it was sent to Porsche specialist Carrera Performance, to be stripped back and restored to road car specification; a process that was completed in March 2019 at a total cost of nearly £78,000.

As a result of its recent and extensive rebuild, which involved fully sandblasting the shell before reassembling and repainting the bodywork, this classic Porsche’s exterior is in very good condition. Although it is known to have been involved in a crash in its early life, it was rebuilt from another 1973 donor car. Some additional panels were replaced during the car’s first restoration in 2010 due to some corrosion.

Today, all of the panels appear straight and free of any visible damage. Having been resprayed, the Grand Prix White paintwork also presents very well, with a bright gloss and no noticeable chips, scratches or other blemishes. Vibrant blue decals add a racy touch to the car’s bumpers and flanks, and the exterior trims are in good order. It rides on the correct set of 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, which have bright blue painted ‘petal’ spokes and silver rims.

Inside, the cabin is believed to feature its original trim and upholstery, and is described by the seller as being in very good condition. The front seats had been safely stored during the car’s recent racing use, but were put back in during the 2019 restoration. They are trimmed in black leatherette with black fabric centres, and are still smart, though there is a tear in the driver’s outer bolster and some general ageing of the upholstery on their bases. The rear seats, door cards and dashboard are also wrapped in black leatherette, and there is general light wear on several surfaces, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. All of the switches and electrical items work as they should.

Thanks to its owner’s careful stewardship and its restoration and maintenance over the years, this Carrera RS is in excellent mechanical order. During the recent extensive work, Porsche specialist Carrera Performance also fabricated a wiring loom for the kill-switch, replaced the speedometer cable and adjusted the ride height. Prior to this, Carrera Performance also reconditioned the gear linkage in June 2018, carried out a full service in March 2014 while the car was in storage, and rebuilt the engine and gearbox in 2007.

Furthermore, the car has been lightly modified to enhance its on-track performance, and is fitted with uprated dampers, racing brake pads and brake fluid, as well as lower profile tyres for more responsive handling.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 11 September 2020 at an indicated 82,056 miles, which resulted in a clean, first-time pass. All four wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, with 4mm of tread remaining at the front and 3mm at the rear.

This 911 will be accompanied by invoices for its maintenance and restoration, as well as a number of racing parts, including a roll cage and a spare set of wheels with wet-weather tyres – in case the next owner wishes to take this RS back to the track where it has proven to be a highly capable machine.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is a wonderful and well-travelled example of one of the world’s most sought-after classic sports cars. Very rare as an original UK right-hand drive car, this recently-restored 1970s icon is a focused driver’s car, which can also be relished on the track thanks to its discreet performance modifications. Now presented in fantastic condition throughout, this genuine 2.7 RS is ready to be enjoyed immediately, and would be a credit to any Porsche collection.

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