1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
s/n 9113600486, Engine number 6630498
Grand Prix White with Green Script and Black Interior
The legendary Carrera RS is widely regarded to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest roadgoing Porsche ever. Certainly it is one of the most iconic. Its primary purpose was to homologate the car for competition use, which required the construction of a minimum of five hundred examples within twelve months. Eventually, the cars proved to be so popular that the production run was expanded several times, with an eventual total of 1580 cars being built. The cars themselves featured larger more powerful engines, flared rear wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels, numerous deletions and alterations to reduce weight, improved suspension, and a few cosmetic alterations, which together would become the car's trademark. With its distinctive contrasting striping and wheels and the simple and functional 'burzel' or ducktail, the styling of the RS is iconic and trend-setting. The real treat, however, is in the driving. It epitomizes the ultimate Porsche experience with its immense tactility, balance, and nimbleness. Very few cars are as communicative and engaging as a properly set up 911 of this vintage, especially a Carrera RS.
This particular car is a first series so-called “Homologation car”, one of the first 500 built. It has been restored in its original colors of Grand Prix White with green scripts and was originally optioned with sport seats on both sides, an antenna, and sunroof. Its early history is not well known, but it came to the United States with a serviceman who was stationed overseas and brought the car back with him. It’s been in the United States since at least 1985, when it was registered in Texas. The car has been with the current owner for more than 20 years. He bought it at the Porsche dealer in Walnut Creek, California and sent it back to the factory for restoration, which was completed in February of 1996. At this time, the engine and transmission cases were stamped to match the car’s original numbers and supplied with an “Auslieferungsbestätigung,” a delivery confirmation document usually supplied with new cars. When stampings are performed at the factory the number is followed by “AT”, as shown on this car. As part of the restoration works, at the current owner’s request, the car was stripped to bare metal and galvanized on the 993 assembly line, a process which the owner was invited to attend at the factory. According to the owner, the restoration is thoroughly documented with extensive invoices. The car remains very fresh in its presentation, ostensibly, as-new in every way.
The body is excellent, with straight panels and excellent fit. The paint was done to high standards and is nearly unmarked. The chrome and other bright trim are very nice, as are the wheels. The windscreen was not replaced during the restoration and has some marks but no major chips, and is the correct West German Signla which retains its 1985 Texas inspection sticker. The car retains full Touring specification equipment instead of having been partially converted to lightweight like many cars. There are a few details that reflect the date of the car’s restoration at the Porsche factory, including red bar hood crest and black sun visors with mirrors.
The interior is excellent, and original, with sport seats with corduroy inserts which a pleasant and light patina. The Perlon carpets are excellent as is the headliner. The door panels and dashboard are also excellent, with no warping, cracking, or other deterioration to the sometimes sensitive areas. The gauges and switches are in similarly nice condition and the car has a 300kph speedometer. Overall, the interior has a crisp presentation that is consistent with the rest of the car, yet is original in its materials.
The engine compartment has the correct smooth finish to the inner fenders and frame components, a feature that appeared on the first 500 cars only. Both the engine compartment and the engine itself are extremely clean and nicely detailed.
With very few miles logged since the completion of the factory restoration, this RS Touring has the tight and accurate driving experience that a new RS owner would have experienced on the way home from the dealership in 1973.
This is an opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of this legendary car which boasts a Porsche factory restoration. It is faithful to its original configuration, and in immaculate condition above and below. Save for the marvelous original interior, this is a fully rebuilt and refinished turnkey example which will bring much pleasure to its new owner.
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Originally Posted by Rick Cabell
