1983 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA RS TRIBUTE

This Porsche 911 Carrera RS Tribute is a striking homage to the early air-cooled models, borrowing heavily from the iconic silhouette of the 2.7 RS. Using a 911 SC as the foundation, power comes from a 3.0-litre air-cooled flat-six, producing around 201bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 205,000 miles.

First registered in March 1983, this 911 SC has seven previous registered keepers on the log book. It has evidently been used and enjoyed as intended throughout its life, and was acquired by the seller in August 2016. Over the last few years, it has been cosmetically ‘backdated’, while leaving the original mechanicals under the skin. Parts were largely sourced from Porsche specialist Fenn Lane Motorsport as well as Stuttgart Classica.

The modifications to the body are extensive, and include RS-style front and rear bumpers, as well as a ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler, and RS light clusters and ‘horn’ grilles. The sunroof was deleted, the suspension was lowered, and it was fitted with wider Turbo-specification Fuchs alloys. Inside, the standard seats were replaced with Corbeau buckets with colour-coded shells, a roll cage was installed, lightweight doors cards were fitted, and it was given a radio blanking plate and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel.

Its Mexico Blue paintwork was applied earlier this year at Jon Seal Sportscars, and presents in very good condition, as shown in the photo gallery below. There are ‘Carrera’ decals along the flanks, and tribute motifs around the rear spoiler. Some of the seals around the glass and door handles are slightly worn and marked, but overall this car looks very smart indeed. The Fuchs alloy wheels are finished with satin black centre petals and polished rims, and are in excellent order.

In the cabin, the Corbeau bucket seats are trimmed in lightweight cloth and synthetic suede, and show no significant wear. The hard backs are colour-coded to the exterior, as is the partial roll cage that is bolted in either side of the rear seats. All of the VDO instrument gauges are believed to be original, and there are no known electrical faults or warning lights. The dashboard panel also appears original, though the headliner has been replaced.

The car is fresh from a recent service at Porsche specialist Lee Mayor Restorations, which included renewal of engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, and fitment of new rear suspension bushes and refurbishment of the torsion bars. The seller states that the car runs beautifully, and is a truly characterful driver on the road.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 3 January 2020 at 204,177 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The car is shod in Bridgestone S02 tyres on all four corners, which are reported to be in great shape with ample tread.

Accompanying the car is the maroon book pouch, housing the driver’s manual, service directory, and the original maintenance record. There are service stamps in the book from 1983 right through to 1998, when the odometer was showing around 175,000 miles. Its online MOT history starts in 2007 at 186,987 miles. There is also some limited history covering the last 10 years in the file.

This 1983 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Tribute is an eye-catching classic sports car, which has been lovingly ‘backdated’ to recreate the purposeful stance of the legendary 1970s ‘Rennsport’ model. A usable, exciting and elegant 911, this is a great car to savour on Sunday jaunts, or even to use for a road trip on the continent.

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.