In the early 1970s, Porsche’s racing efforts faced increased technical restrictions from the FIA and Can-Am, effectively halting the dominance of their 917 race cars. Porsche’s competition division pivoted to sports car racing, creating a new line of racing cars based on the production 911. To meet FIA racing requirements, Porsche was obliged to build a minimum of 500 road cars conforming to Group 4 Special GT rules.

The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 – for rennsport or “racing sport” – boasted significant enhancements over the 1972–1973 911 S from which it was derived. The RS’s exterior was accented with a deep front spoiler and distinctive “ducktail” to improve high-speed handling. To accommodate wider wheels, ample fender flares were fitted. Underneath, stiffer torsion bars, upgraded cross members, more robust anti-roll bars, and larger brakes were specified.

Building upon the 190 hp, 2.4-liter flat-six from the 911 S, the RS’s Type 911/83 engine featured larger cylinders and 90 mm pistons, elevating displacement to 2.7 liters. Boasting 8.5:1 compression and Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the powerplant developed 210 hp at 6,300 rpm and 202 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,100 rpm.

Launched at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, Porsche’s sales team worried about marketing the required 500 homologation units, but demand would dictate that over 1,500 examples were built across three distinct series. Unequivocally a relief, the RS received overwhelmingly positive attention, selling out its initial production run within a week. The company subsequently committed to a second series due to high demand, which permitted homologation for FIA Group 3 GT racing.

To verify compliance with FIA homologation documents, Porsche was obliged to weigh RS models throughout production to ensure that each example met the weight of the homologation papers. As detailed in Carrera RS, the definitive tome written by Dr. Thomas Gruber and Dr. Georg Konradsheim, special “RSH” models – for homologation – were built with every component scrutinized for unnecessary weight. The specification included lightweight body parts made of 0.8 mm sheet metal, thin window glass, narrow tires, fixed rear-side windows, and simplified trim, while the undercoating, glove-compartment lid, and even coat hooks were deleted.

Returning from the Stuttgart City Scales, the homologation cars were converted into M471 “Lightweight,” M472 “Touring,” or M491 RSR trim before being sold. As noted in Carrera RS, 17 units out of 1,580 Carrera RS models manufactured were left unconverted in homologation trim, with several retained by Porsche for ongoing development.

Offered here, chassis 9113600508 is one of these 17 Homologation models, and one of just seven examples from the desirable first series of production. Completed in January 1973 and delivered on November 15, this RSH was finished in Grand Prix White with red lettering. A “Händler Nr 100” – or built for factory use – car, this RSH is mentioned as possibly used by Porsche to homologate 7" and 8" Fuchs wheels.

According to documentation on file, the first private owner of chassis 508 was Gilles Berengier of Marseille, France. It is not known how long the car remained in Europe but, by 1989, it was in the possession of Steve Harwin of Ohio, whose correspondence with Porsche about its status as a homologation model is on file. In the early 2000s, this RSH found its way to noted Porsche collector Dr. Richard Moran of Irvine, California.

Dr. Moran has notably owned numerous examples of the Carrera RS, including another Homologation model (chassis 016) that debuted the RS for Porsche at the 1972 Paris salon. Dr. Moran entrusted leading RS authority Nate Cantwell of Collinsville, Connecticut, to restore this RSH with the directive of retaining original panels and parts wherever possible. Faithfully refinished in its original combination of Grand Prix White with red accents, careful attention was paid to ensure the interior and other elements retained the unique features typical of homologation cars. During the same time, Scott Hendry and Dan Reese of Scott’s Independent in Anaheim, California, performed a mechanical restoration using plating, painting, and coating techniques consistent with original build processes. The correct “small hole” 7" and 8" Fuchs alloy wheels were refinished by expert Harvey Weidman. In spring 2017, this RSH was featured in an extensive article published in 000 magazine about the homologation models with reminiscences by its restoration team. Subsequently, Dr. Moran sold the Carrera RS to the current owner, a Swiss enthusiast with an extensive stable of the finest road and racing Porsches.

Accompanied by books, tools, jack, spare tire, and documentation, this RSH is also offered with a matching-numbers copy of Carrera RS by Dr. Thomas Gruber and Dr. Georg Konradsheim. Recently fettled by an RS expert in anticipation of this sale, this 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 is one of only 17 examples delivered in its purest homologation form, and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an RS with these particular qualities. Owned and restored by arguably the best names in Carrera RS circles, this extraordinary RSH is a true find for the most discerning connoisseurs.