PROVENANCE
Original Owner, Italy (acquired new in 1973)
Symbolic Motorcars of La Jolla, California (acquired by 2011)
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2011)

LITERATURE
Dr. Georg Konradsheim and Dr. Thomas Gruber, Carrera RS, chassis no. listed on p. 374

THIS CAR
The Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973 was conceived as a pure homologation special, as Porsche needed to build 500 road-going examples to qualify its new RSR for Group 4 GT racing. The RS was a substantially modified variant of the already potent 2.4-liter 911 S. By increasing displacement, introducing various weightsaving measures, stiffening the suspension, and fitting aerodynamic support, Porsche created an unrivaled sports car. In total, only 1,580 examples of the RS 2.7 were built.

The Carrera RS 2.7 was upgraded in almost every way compared to the 911 2.4 S on which it was based, featuring an enlarged 2.7-liter engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection developing 210 bhp, a revised and stiffened suspension, larger brakes, rear fender flares to accommodate wider wheels, and an unmistakable “ducktail” spoiler to aid high-speed handling. Made available in M471 “Lightweight” and M472 “Touring” trim, the Touring model was more luxuriously equipped and practical for road use, while the lightweight model was better suited for track use.

Casting aside any doubts that buyers for the car could be found, orders flooded in when the RS was revealed at the September 1972 Paris Auto Show. To satisfy demand, Porsche committed to manufacturing a second series of cars and later a third. By the end of 1973, 1,580 examples had been built, as 911 RSR models won at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Targa Florio.

According to the authoritative work Carrera RS by Dr. Thomas Gruber and Dr. Georg Konradsheim, this lovely example is one of just 245 RS 2.7 examples delivered new to Italy and one of just 42 examples finished in the gorgeous color of Bahia Red. The Carrera RS book also records the car’s original equipment, including sport seats left and right that were upholstered in black leatherette with corduroy inserts, and a limited-slip differential. As chassis 574, this RS is relatively early in the second series of production. The second-series examples, very similar to the first series, retain the thin-gauge sheet metal and other lightweight features that were eschewed on the later third-series cars.

After its time in Italy, this RS made its way to Japan, where it remained until it was imported by Symbolic Motorcars of La Jolla, by 2011, and sold to the consignor that same year. In current ownership, the Porsche received a bare-metal repaint in the correct single-stage Bahia Red paint. This work was condcucted by Custom Cars Unlimited, a Chicago-based firm that has prepared cars for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. During this process the car was stripped and the craftsmen relayed to the consignor that the RS’ body was in excellent condition. The car has since remained well cared-for in the consignor’s esteemed Porsche collection, which includes other important Rennsport models housed in a climate-controlled facility. In his care, the Porsche has been maintained by Continental Ferrari, Napleton Westmont Porsche, Porsche of Monterey and Olsen Motorsports, which recently carried out a full engine-out service. The RS is accompanied by books, tools, and service records and is fitted with its matching-numbers engine per its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

It has now been 45 years since Porsche produced the RS 2.7, one of the most important and sought-after sports cars of all time. Well cared-for and desirably optioned Carrera RS models infrequently trade hands on the open market, making this car’s availability a particularly exciting opportunity. Of all the early 911 variants produced from 1964 to 1973, the Carrera RS 2.7 figures as perhaps the most historically important and iconic model, as it is the platform from which many more powerful and significant competition 911 variants emerged.

Striking in its factory-specified Bahia Red livery, highlighted by the stylish Sport Seats and its limited-slip differential, this desirable second-series RS 2.7 Touring would make a fantastic addition to any collection, as an exceptionally versatile and rewarding sports car. It promises both visceral performance and acclaim at marque gatherings, in addition to being one of the most revered and imitated Porsches ever built.