Lot 129: 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 Litre Carrera RS

The RS is one of the most famous Porsche models ever built and has come over the years to be regarded as one of the top sports cars to emerge from the 1970's. It was designed with ambivalence very much in mind: Porsche's engineers wanted a car that could be successfully used on the race track, yet which at a moment's notice and with no modifications could equally be used for shopping or long distance travel. Few people could ever argue that they did not succeed in this aim. The RS is an eminently usable car, just as at home trickling through traffic as it is ploughing down the fast lane of the Autobahn, yet in competitions such as Le Mans, Daytona and the Targa Florio it was almost invincible, often winning outright against pure racing prototypes. The RS (or Rennsport, to give it its German name) was based on the 911S, but used lightened bodywork and a revised 2.7 litre fuel-injected six, the largest engine yet used in a roadgoing Porsche at that time. With a total weight in the region of 950kg and an honest 210bhp-plus on tap, the RS was able to achieve a genuine 158mph with 60mph from standstill coming up in just over 5 seconds. It was one of the-fastest production cars in the world and still maintains the simple clear lines that so beguile those new to the Porsche scene and connoisseurs of the marque alike. It is no surprise that the essence of the 911 has not changed too much over the years. Ferdinand Porsche was famously quoted as responding to a journalist on the launch of the new 911 as to why the doors are exactly the same as the previous model. 'It's a good door,' he said. And, detail aside, the shape has remained the same. The difference with the Rennsport version lay under the skin and respect is what it quietly whispered in your ear.This 1973 Porsche 911 RS was delivered new to the South of France where it has resided all its life in the hands of just two owners, the last one having the car since 1976! It is still registered with its first registration number; 3033 UE 38 and the French Carte Grise is included. There is a letter from this last and 2nd owner stating that the car is accident free and has now a total mileage of 144,000km, the mileage was some 20,000 kms when he bought it in 1976. The most intriguing aspect of this car is its originality and to this end it should be noted that these include the original duck tail and rear wheel arches. Its original fenders and small RS steering wheel, its original Recaro seats and CIBIE lamps and mirrors. It is also worth noting that it is an original matching numbers car, especially rare with a marque that is so often seen on the tracks and loose stages of the world. Despite the hot climate where it spent a large amount of its life, the dashboard is also in exceptional condition. The car was never raced and must be a once in a lifetime chance for a serious collector to buy a totally original RS, which has had a sheltered life since it left the Stuttgart works some 33 years ago.