• Year of manufacture 
    1975
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    47
  • Reference number 
    2nX4jUa0SBDbWu5w4iOAvg
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

Introduced in 1973, the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.8 RSR – standing for RennSport Rennwagen or “racing sport racing car” – served as the competition counterpart to the Carrera RS 2.7. Developed for the FIA Group 4 Special Grand Touring Cars category, the original RSR showcased its ability during its inaugural season by clinching victories at the Targa Florio, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring, securing Porsche the World Manufacturers’ and IMSA Drivers’ Championships.

For 1974, Porsche overhauled the RSR based on their new G-body platform. Built around a production 911 body shell per regulations, the new 3.0 RSR featured wider vented wheel arches and a deep front air dam, while 15" magnesium center-lock wheels and brakes were sourced from the 917. Fiberglass was utilized for the bumpers, trunk lid, engine cover, and “tea tray” rear spoiler, while lightweight Perspex replaced the glass side windows. Nonessential interior items were omitted for additional weight reduction.

The RSR’s 3.0-liter type 911/75 flat-six was more powerful and durable than previous engines, with technical highlights including an aluminum crankcase, twin-plug ignition, high-lift camshafts, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and higher 10.3:1 compression. With a dry curb weight of 900 kg (1,984 lbs.) and an estimated 330 hp, the RSR was capable of 0–60 mph in the high-four-second range, and a 179 mph top speed. Supplied to privateer teams from late 1973, 3.0 RSRs swiftly established themselves as formidable contenders in GT endurance racing, with wins at Le Mans, Targa Florio, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, among others.

Finished in Grand Prix White, chassis 911 560 9120 is one of just 54 examples of the 3.0 RSRs built by the factory. Completed in late 1974, this chassis is the third-to-last 3.0 RSR manufactured, and benefits from lessons learned from earlier examples including relocated rear trailing-arm mounting points and 1" larger rear-wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels for enhanced traction out of the corners. Delivered new to renowned Porsche dealer and racing team owner Vasek Polak of Hermosa Beach, California, in early 1975, this RSR has a documented history of participating in only a single official race – the Laguna Seca 100 Miles on October 3, 1976. With the accomplished Milt Minter at the wheel, the RSR qualified an impressive 5th and later led the race before mechanical troubles forced early retirement after 20 laps.

According to notes and correspondence on file, this 3.0 RSR was subsequently used for testing by Polak in period, with notable excursions by Paul Newman at Riverside in 1976 and Porsche development engineer Manfred Jantke at Laguna Seca circa 1977. Throughout the next two decades, the RSR remained within the personal collection of Vasek Polak, seeing limited use.

Following Polak’s passing in 1998, the RSR was acquired by distinguished Porsche collector Jeff Lewis of Newport Beach, California. Lewis entrusted the well-preserved RSR to Ryan Racing Restoration in Ohio for a comprehensive restoration and preparation for vintage racing. Between 2000 and 2004, the RSR participated in several significant historic races in the US and, in 2004, it was sold to Belgian collector and historic racer Marc Devis. In 2005, the RSR was acquired by notable Porsche collector John Kotts, making an appearance at Rennsport Reunion III in 2007. Sold into current ownership at the 2015 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auctions, this RSR has received consistent mechanical attention at classic Porsche racing specialist Retro Sport in California. The RSR has participated in prestigious vintage racing events, including the 2016 Monterey Motorsports Reunion, 2016 Le Mans Classic, 2017 Laguna Seca Spring Classic Run, 2017 HSR Classic 24 at Daytona, Rennsport Reunion VI in 2018, and The Velocity Invitational in 2021.

Due to their build quality and achievements, a significant portion of the original 54 Porsche 3.0 RSRs enjoyed extensive racing careers. Many were later enhanced to meet 934/935 specifications, while others experienced crash damage or required replacement body shells. Making this example even more remarkable, 911 560 9120 is fitted with what might be its original engine, a Type 911/75 engine stamped 6850166, which matches factory records.

Faithfully presented in its 1976 Vasek Polak IMSA GT livery, this RSR is accompanied by its HMSA logbook, correspondence, assorted racing and restoration photographs, and a thick file of maintenance receipts illustrating fastidious care and attention. Eligible for a plethora of celebrated historic races and concours, this RSR is sold with an accepted entry to the upcoming September 2023 Porsche Rennsport Reunion VII.

One of the most revered racing 911s of all time, this Porsche factory-built 3.0 RSR awaits a new custodian and a return to the racing circuit.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.


Gooding & Company
1517 20th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
United States
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Gooding & Company

Phone 
+1 (310) 899-1960