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Porsche had seen loads of success with its 356 from its debut in 1948.

It was the epitome of everything the German marque would stand for, a successful racer on the track and a comfortable driver on the road. Over time, however, changes needed to be made, and they came in the form of the 911.

The Porsche 911 is one of those cars that needs no introduction. Much like its predecessor, the first generation 911 (901) was the perfect blend between road and track. Production didn’t start until 1965, but it wasn’t long before the humble and handsome German sports car began showing its real colors. It was flawless on the road, providing an effortless and comfortable experience for those traveling on long distance trips or short jaunts to the shops. In due time, however, they started popping up at racetracks all around the world. And not in small numbers.

Early 911s may have had a taste of motorsport prior to the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, but the event is credited as being the first to witness a specially prepared 911 try for glory. The car did not win overall, (finishing fifth behind the winning Mini Cooper S and a pedigreed Porsche 904, among others) but the 1965 Porsche 911 S that competed showed what promise the platform could have.

Who said sports cars are bad in the snow? Credit: Porsche

Once again, it didn’t take long for the 911 to show up to more and more racing events around thew world. In 1966, one made a private appearance at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it finished 16th overall and first in the GT 2.0L class. Similarly, in 1967, the smaller-bore classes of the ever growing Trans-Am series began seeing 911s pop up everywhere, including one of the very first Brumos Porsche entries driven by Peter Gregg. And we know how successful that team would become.

Overall, the earliest of 911s were perfect successors to the outdated 356 and quickly gained a reputation in the racing world, even though the Porsche 904, 906, and 910 were also still in use. You could argue that the rapid growth of a racing resume for the 911 laid the groundwork for the brand to continue their motorsports efforts in the future. Considering how the infamous Porsche 917 was almost never created, the 911 was the car that changed the condition of Porsche, both on and off public roads.
And so came the Carrera RS…

Masterpiece. ©️RM Sotheby’s

After many years of success, the 901-generation 911 was slowly loosing its grip on the pavement. By no means were they slow, but once 1970 rolled around, the competition in every class erupted into races with entry lists exceeding 50 cars and appearances from ten or more different manufacturers. It was a good time to be a racing fan, and even better if you were rooting for Porsche.

The Porsche 911 Carrera RS was not created just to make the 911 faster, but its birth did stem from the rapid changes occurring in the sport at the time. The FIA had made significant changes to regulations, condemning the all-out dominance witnessed by the mighty 917 prototypes Porsche had unveiled in 1969. Rather than allow these jet-fast automobiles to continually decrease competition, the FIA abolished the 5.0L prototype class they ran in, making the glorious 917s obsolete.

Even in 1973, the 911 was still being campaigned in different events around the world, allowing Porsche the easy decision to enter in FIAs Group 4 category. In doing so, they would need to alter the current 911S, an already fantastic racer and sports car alike, adjusting engine capacity, “adding lightness”, swelling each quarter of the car to suit larger tires, and adding what would become an infamous piece of design and downforce: the ducktail spoiler.

Brumos Racing’s Porsche 911 RSR on its way to the top step of the podium…

With many teams such as Penske, Martini, Brumos, and others buying into the RSR idea, it was only a matter of time before the results began to show. On both sides of the Atlantic, the new 911 RSR was not only winning in class, but even finishing ahead of the faster yet more fragile 3.0L prototypes in certain races. Indeed, it was the Porsche 911 RSR pictured above that actually won the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona overall, beating out 53 other cars. A monumental effort, the #59 Brumos Racing RSR did the unthinkable.

Throughout the rest of the 1973 season, the RSRs were continuing to beat out the competition and, as a result, getting bought up by other teams. It wasn’t long before larger wings, cooling ducts, and different front nosecones began changing the style the early RSRs had possessed, but Porsche’s flat-six race cars continued to extend their dominance racetracks around the world.

Certainly, the race cars were good, but for those who couldn’t grasp the resources for motorsport, the road car was even better. The 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 was the foremost 911 at the time and, after its unveiling at the 1972 Paris Auto Show, became one of the most desired. Within a few months after production, the RS road cars were selling like hotcakes. Enough in fact that Porsche dealerships ran out of stock, forcing Porsche to create even more than previously planned. In doing so, they were also able to jack prices, resulting in increased profits. It was a glorious beginning, for the Carrera RS was destined to be a success.

Profile is not too different from the early RSR racecars. ©️RM Sotheby’s

Ultimately, Porsche was able to materialize 1,525 RS 2.7s, most ending up as touring models. The one you see here, though, is one of 17 RSH models used to homologate the famed RSR race cars, designating it as one of the rarest examples produced. And even better, it’s currently for sale.

I’ve already mentioned the feelings that the 911 can deliver on the road, but the RS 2.7 can do all the basic 911 duties, albeit with a bit more flare. The RS weighed a little under 400 pounds less than the 911S, weighing in around 1985 lbs. In addition, the flat-six sitting above the rear axle had an increase in displacement, raising the 2.4L capacity used on the current 911 to a 2.7L setup, increasing both power and torque.

One of many reasons the Carrera RS became so successful. ©️RM Sotheby’s

The Carrera RS was also fitted with Porsche’s durable Type-915 five-speed transaxle, allowing for quick and smooth gear changes out on mountain roads or coasting down the highway. Although this was a new feature at the time, the Type-915 was so impressive that would reside in Porsche models until 1986.

With all the mechanics out of the way, it is important to stress another big reason people fell in love with the RS. Many may argue that the 2.7 is not the most beautiful Porsche ever made, but it is still a very impressive looking beast. The looks are subtle and not too menacing, but the Carrera striping above the doorsill and ducktail spoiler behind the rear window are what make this car special.

Beauty shots. ©️RM Sotheby’s

In the end, as a Porsche enthusiast, I will be biased in saying that this is one of the greatest cars ever made. For me, it’s not striking enough for the paparazzi to think you are a multi-millionaire but it delivers a driving experience that only a 911 can. And then there’s the sweet, sweet sound of combustion happening behind you, sending chills down your spine. As a Porsche enthusiast, the Carrera RS 2.7 is nirvana, a car that really has achieved perfection.

In my eyes, the only real drawback that this car exposes is the price. A nice ’73 Porsche 911S will set you back around $100,000, a touring RS maybe closer to $700,000. But the RSH you see here, the perfect sports car, has a seven-figure price tag attached to it. And that’s just insane.

Then again, I say that knowing that it really is worth all of the money it draws. And hopefully this RS 911 finds a new home and a person who’s not afraid to drive it. I may still be a student and may not even be an accomplished writer, but trust me when I say this is the one to look for.

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