1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS

The history of the Carrera RS and its significance to Porsche is well documented: a road-going lightweight special to allow homogolation for racing. This Carrera RS is a striking example of what has become one of the most iconic classic cars of them all, and the genesis for every ‘Rennsport’ model since. It is powered by the characterful 210hp 2.7-litre air-cooled flat-six, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 136,078 km (84,555 miles). Tuthill Porsche have confirmed that this 2.7 RS is matching numbers and a report is on file for any prospective bidders.

An original left-hand drive, non sun-roof example, this is number 164 of the first series of 500 built for homologation, which are highly regarded by collectors – not least because they all featured the thinner-gauge steel body panels. This Carrera RS left the factory in ‘M472’ Touring specification in December 1972, and was delivered to an official Porsche dealer in Switzerland. Around two years later, it was purchased by a respected Porsche enthusiast who, during his ownership, commissioned a conversion to lightweight specification deleting heavier front and rear bumpers, trims and interior elements, replacing them with the lightweight versions as fitted to the ‘M471’ Sport cars.

In 2000/01, the car was subject to a full bare-metal respray in the original and vibrant Chartreuse factory colour. Only 23 RS were produced in Chartreuse, making it a rare and desirable shade for this model. All the original lightweight panels were retained, while the sills were replaced.

The RS remained in Switzerland until 2005, when it was exported to the UK with all duties paid and re-registered to the current owner - understood to be only the third from new - who has covered around 33,000 km over the last 15 years, thoroughly enjoying this RS on regular road trips. The Carrera RS is the perfect classic car for spirited weekend drives or longer road trips, combining modern day pace with practicality and reliability.

As one of only 23 examples of the Carrera RS originally finished in Chartreuse, this 911 turns heads wherever it goes; and it doesn’t disappoint as the bodywork, paint and mechanicals are reported to be in very good condition. The vendor notes some stone chips to the bonnet and front bumper, and a small bubble in the paint on the lower trailing corner of both doors, but overall this is evidently a well-presented example of the 1970s icon. It rides on 15-inch Fuchs alloys – with 7-inch width at the front and 8-inch at the rear – which are in superb order following full refurbishment to the correct RS finish by specialist Diamond Styling in 2005.

The cabin exudes a wonderful no-frills environment for the keen driver, with its original M471 lightweight seats upholstered in black fabric and equipped with period-correct Repa harnesses with remanufactured orange stripe webbing. Like all early 911s, the cockpit gives the driver excellent all-round visibility. During the conversion to lightweight specification, the glove box door was retained, as was the original glass including the opening rear quarter windows. Behind the occupants is space for smaller items of luggage, trimmed in lightweight black carpet and the front footwells have the correct narrow-ribbed rubber mats. The VDO instrument gauges all read clearly, and there are no known faults having been professionally overhauled in 2010.

Its last maintenance was carried out in May 2019 at 134,503 km, which consisted of a major 24,000-mile service at Porsche Centre Swindon. It had annual services and oil changes prior to this in April 2018 as well as May 2017.

In addition to annual servicing, more substantial maintenance carried out during the vendor’s ownership has included a full engine and gearbox rebuild in 2010, and in 2014 the brake calipers were all rebuilt by specialist Classicar Automotive.

The last MOT test took place on 30 April 2019 at 134,530 km, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. The wheels are shod in Pirelli P6000 tyres, which are still in excellent condition having been fitted in May 2019.

All of the work listed above has been completed or overseen by Porsche Classic Partner, Porsche Centre Swindon. All MOT certificates, invoices for servicing and other work during the vendor’s 15 years of ownership together with some earlier invoices are on file.

Accompanying this 2.7 RS is a period-correct Porsche tool kit and roll, the correct compressor pump for the space-saver spare tyre fitted to a Fuchs alloy, not a steel rim, and the correct handbook and reproduction RS supplement with Porsche wallet.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is a great example of one of the most coveted classic sport cars in the back catalogue of the marque. It boasts a rare and vivid factory colour, not to mention a very well-documented history, having also featured in a number of magazine articles. An original first 500 series Carrera 2.7 RS Touring in lightweight specification, it presents as a focused classic driver’s car today. It would be a fine addition to any collection, to be used and enjoyed at numerous prestigious events or simply driven regularly in the way that Porsche intended.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to another age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.