1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS

This Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is a remarkable survivor; a well-known example among owners and enthusiasts, which remains one of the most original RS models anywhere in the world. It is powered by the numbers-matching 2.7-litre air-cooled flat-six, producing around 210bhp, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 85,063 km (52,856 miles).

Finished in Grand Prix White, this 2.7 RS left the factory with the red lettering along the flanks and rear, and was specified with leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats. In the interests of purity and lightweight performance, the first owner opted for manual winding windows and no sunroof.

The key reason for this 911’s incredible originality is that it was in single family ownership for 44 years. It was supplied via a dealer in Munich to its first owner, an Italian gentleman by the name of Ferdinando Pensato, on 8 May 1973. Initially registered on export plates, it was subsequently taken back to his homeland, and was later re-registered in the Foggia region in 1976 - and these plates remain with the car. The car was cherished, used sparingly, and carefully stored by the Pensato family until 2017, when it was brokered to a dealer in the UK, before being acquired by the current private owner in May 2017.

Today’s, its bodywork remains in astonishing original condition, having never needed restoration. The Grand Prix White paint is almost entirely original - the only known repainted areas being a small section around the rear bumper where drilled holes (for a previous Monaco registration) were filled in, and on the driver’s side rear wing that has a very small amount of paint blended over a small scratch. This is evidenced by the fact that the underside of the rear wing is still first paint.

As you would expect from a 47-year-old unrestored car, there are some blemishes in the factory finish, with very small stone chips across the leading edge of the front bonnet, and some other minor chips and tiny sections of flaked paint at joining points. The paint under the engine lid has also flaked in places, as has the coating on the exhaust box and tail pipe. However, the car boasts an undeniably appealing patina, and a level of originality that is incredibly hard to find among cars of its era. There is a charming aged appearance to the factory-fitted badges, and all of the body trims are in good order.

In the cabin, the Recaro seats remain in very good order for their age and mileage, presenting with a suitably ‘worn in’ look - but with no rips or tears in the covers. There are wonderful original features all around the interior, and the trim is in great shape for a 47-year-old car. The seat belts and latches, door panels and folding pockets, and the steering wheel and gear lever are all in very good condition. The heel patches on the driver’s floor mat have worn through, but that is about the only significant wear noticeable.

Mechanically in very good order, this Carrera 2.7 RS was subject to a major engine-out recommissioning upon its arrival in the UK in 2017 at renowned specialist Maxted-Page. An itemised invoice is in the photo gallery, but this included a leak-down test, new spark plugs, and adjustment of the valve clearances. The brakes were also overhauled with deglazed discs and renewed pads and flexi hoses, while all worn bushes and seals were replaced throughout. New track rod ends and ball joints were also fitted.

The front Bilsten shock absorbers were refurbished, while the rear items were replaced, and new wheel bearings were installed on all four corners. A new clutch, pressure plate and release bearing were fitted, and the gear lever mechanism was stripped and rebuilt. Minor repairs were made to the fuel tank, and the overhaul was completed with a full geometry setup and tuning of the engine.

The most recent MOT test was on 8 January 2019 at 85,017 km, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. It is however exempt from mandatory annual MOT testing on the basis of age. Its Fuchs alloy wheels are shod in Pirelli P6000 tyres on all four corners, in size 185/70 R15 at the front and 215/60 R15 at the rear.

Accompanying the car is the original Pflegepass service booklet, various recent invoices, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. There is also a signed letter from the first owner’s son, attesting to its 44-year single-family ownership. The original Webster air compressor, partially complete tool roll, Bilstein jack and spare wheel are also present.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a car that is not only in astonishingly original condition, but which also boasts impeccable provenance. A superb driver’s car, this exciting 1970s icon is also a treat to use for longer road trips. There can be few chances remaining to acquire a 2.7 RS that remains this original, so now is the time to act if you are a serious collector who has been seeking a remarkable example.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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.

Car Overview

  • 85,063 km (52,856 miles)
  • manual
  • LHD
  • Grand Prix White with Red Lettering
  • Black
  • 2.7L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01833
  • managed Sale
  • Haarlem, Netherlands

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1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS1973 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 RS
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