In the Porsche world, one of the most-desirable models of all time is the 1973 911 Carrera RS. The RS was a homologation car, which is a car built to comply with racing rules so that when raced, the car is classed as a production car and not a prototype.
Since Porsche wanted to race its new RSR, the Carrera RS was created as a production car. The 1973 911 Carrera RS was also the first 911 to wear the Carrera badge, when unlike today the Carrera badge meant the car was something extra special.
The 2.7 liter flat-6 in the RS put out 210 horsepower, and the car was capable of a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph, strong numbers in 1973. The formula worked on track as the RSR racing version took an outright win at Daytona as well as winning the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio. This is the legend on which the Carrera RS was built.
Porsche would build 1,308 Touring models and an additional 200 Lightweight models. A Carrera RS Lightweight can cost as much as double that of a Touring, making an already expensive car even more difficult to purchase.
The Pick of the Day is a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, a documented example that offers the best of both the Touring and the Lightweight.
According to the Huntington Station, New York, dealer advertising this Carrera on ClassicCars.com, it is a genuine Carrera RS Touring that has been converted to the specifications of the Lightweight. The dealer has extensive history on this Porsche, the ad says.
“This Carrera RS 2.7 was completed in June 1973 designated as an M472 Touring,” the dealer notes. “It was originally optioned with sport seats in black leatherette with corduroy inlays, limited-slip differential, left and right head restraints and left and right retractable shoulder and lap belts.
“In recent collector ownership, this RS was commissioned for a cosmetic conversion to RS Lightweight specification including the seats (which are upholstered in original spec), Lightweight front and rear bumpers with exterior rubber latches and a rollbar. Previous owners include collector Andrew Baker as well as Lime Rock Park Historic Festival chairman and well-known BRDC member, Murray Smith. During both previous ownerships, this RS has been serviced with Automotive Restorations in Connecticut.”
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS is to many the absolute icon Porsche 911 model of all time, and this Carrera RS is a great place of Porsche history, especially since it is painted in the emblematic Grand Prix White with blue Carrera stripes.
The asking price of $495,000 for this example is in line with current market values.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
