Lot 215: 1972 Porsche 911E 2.4-Litre Carrera RS Replica Coupé

Porsche revived the Carrera name for its luxuriously equipped, top-of-the-range 911 in 1973. Designated ‘Carrera RS’ (RennSport), the newcomer was intended as a limited edition product for Group 4 GT racing, a class that required a minimum of 500 built. However, the resulting demand for this fabulous car proved so great that the production run was later extended by 1,300-or-so units. Based on a lightened 911S platform, the Carrera RS featured revised suspension and wider rear wheels (beneath flared ’arches) for improved handling, while the 2.7-litre, fuel-injected, air-cooled six-cylinder engine’s 210bhp boosted top speed to around 150mph. Not merely a styling gimmick, the Carrera’s trademark ‘duck’s tail’ spoiler made a vital contribution to high-speed stability, a virtue of increasing importance as power outputs continued to rise.
Rare and highly sought after, original RS’s cost a small fortune, a state of affairs that has inspired many a Porsche enthusiast to create replicas of what was one of the defining sports cars of its era. This left-hand drive RS replica started life as a 911E built for the German market and was delivered with the optional alloy wheels, comfort equipment, sports seats, steel spoiler, ‘Porsche’ decals and front/rear stabiliser bars. Accompanying Porsche factory correspondence confirms these details as well as the fact that the car was originally fitted with engine number ‘6522916’. Restored and rebuilt to ‘RS’ specification circa four years ago by previous owner Dave Dennett, the car features lightweight wings, bonnet, bumpers and interior, the latter equipped with new seats and race belts. A 2.4-litre unit, the rebuilt engine incorporates JE 8.0:1 pistons and ‘E’ camshafts, and is reported to be slightly more powerful than the stock item. Other specification highlights include a lightweight clutch, Koni shock absorbers and new brake discs, calipers and braided hoses. Approximately 3,000 miles have been covered since the rebuild’s completion and the car is described as in good condition throughout, although the vendor reports that the transmission, which has not been rebuilt, whines when in 5th gear. Accompanying documentation includes the aforementioned Porsche correspondence, restoration invoices and Swansea V5 document, and the car is currently taxed and MoT’d.