Lot 224: 1973 Porsche 911 3.0-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 fuel-injected 2.7-litre 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. Handsomely finished in Gulf Blue, this exciting, right-hand drive RS Replica has been prepared to the highest standards and comes with a most substantial file of bills supporting work carried out during the period 1994 to 2006, totalling in excess of £110,000. Prospective purchasers are urged to inspect the history file, which is eloquent testimony to the care and attention to detail lavished on this car. Its mouth-watering specification includes a tuned, 3.0-litre, ex-race engine (number ‘63D6043’), fully rebuilt gearbox (by Bob Watson Engineering), limited-slip differential and all possible upgrades. The chassis incorporates Penske fully adjustable shock absorbers, larger anti roll bars, larger torsion bars and an after-market welded strut brace, while the bodywork features RS Bumpers and lightweight Kevlar bonnet, complemented by correct period Durant chromed mirrors. An M471 half roll cage has been fitted to the interior, which boasts correct VDU instruments and dashboard, lightweight carpets (including correct rubber mats), fire extinguishing system, new correct headlining, new toughened glass and a MoMo steering wheel.
This car has to be one of the best-handling RS Replicas on the market, combining perfect racetrack balance with usability on the road, and in one of the most desirable colour schemes. We are advised that it was still pulling strongly when tested at 140mph (on a German autobahn, naturally). Presented in excellent condition throughout, the car is offered with current road fund licence/MoT and Swansea V5 registration document.