Lot 38: Porsche 911 CARRERA RS REPLICA

Arguably the most enduring sports car of all time, the 911 first appeared in 1963, succeeding the 356. Over the years it has seen continuous development with the flat-six air-cooled engine repeatedly enlarged from the original 2-litre unit, whilst only subtle changes in the styling have ensured that it has remained instantly recognisable and largely undated. From the enthusiast's point of view, the most desirable of the classic 911s is the Carrera RS, built between 1972 and 1974 as a homologation model for the Group Four GT Class. (RS stood for Rennsport, meaning 'motor sport' in German.) The regulations specified that a minimum of 500 should be built but demand was to prove so strong that production ultimately ran to 1636 cars. Today, with genuine Carrera RS models being so highly valued, good replicas are keenly sought. Based on a 1971 911, this Carrera RS Replica is said to be indistinguishable from the genuine article when parked alongside one. The suspension is reported to have been upgraded and lowered at the time the car was rebuilt  approximately twenty years ago  the rebuild having included new steel wings and doors. The cockpit boasts Cobra Daytona competition seats and we are assured that the car's mechanical condition is good in all respects, the engine having been rebuilt just two years ago with only around 8,000 miles covered subsequently. In fact, according to the vendor, the car has covered only around 25,000 miles in the last twenty-one years. Various bills etc. are supplied and the car is of striking appearance, finished in red. Of the total production of Carrera RS models, it is believed that around 600 were originally equipped for road use. Documentation also includes a V5C and MOT certificate valid until January 2009.