Lot details
Registration No: MAA911F
Chassis No: 11810242
Mot Expiry: Feb 2013

Having competed successfully with the 356, Porsche was destined to do the same with the 911 and laurels in both racing and rallying came quickly and easily from around 1965 onwards. However matters took a more serious turn in 1972 when the company decided to revive its Carrera (Spanish for race) nomenclature for a new top of the range 911, the key role for which was to homologate the model for GP4 racing. In fact, the Carrera 2.7 RS created such a stir when launched at the Paris Salon that the homologation run of 500 cars was spoken for in no time at all. So too was the second batch of 500, and in the end some 1,590 2.7 RSs were produced - enough for homologation in the previously unintended Group 3 category. Around 100 of these cars were imported to the UK, the surviving examples of which are highly sought-after and increasingly valuable. Based on the 2.4-litre 911 S, the RS had a bigger engine of 2687cc capacity, stiffer suspension, wider rear wheels accommodated under broader arches, a deeper front airdam and distinctive ducktail rear spoiler and lightweight body and glass. The performance was, and still is, impressive - 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 150mph. Porsche later accomplished a not dissimilar feat with the 964, the purposeful 3.6-litre Carrera RS version of which was unveiled at the Birmingham Motor Show of 1991.

Based on a 1968 right-hand drive 911T shell, the race specification 2.7 RS evocation being offered has remained in the same ownership for the last 20 years, during which time it is understood to have always been garaged and kept in good condition. For the first 10 years it was campaigned in the Porsche Classic Championships, where it apparently proved to be suitably competitive and achieved some success for the vendor. In the last 30 months it has had some £20,000-plus lavished on the overhauling of the engine (which we are told currently develops 219bhp), fitting a brand new FIA compliant roll cage, having the injector pump worked on by Tower etc; plus all the work required to make the car eligible for full FIA HTP papers, which were duly granted last November. The vendor informs us that the five-speed gearbox and limited slip differential are in good order and that the bodywork - including the engine bay and bonnet area - are in good condition. Apparently the bonnet currently fitted is a fibreglass one, but an additional, long-nosed steel one will be supplied with the car at the time of sale. The Porsche rides on 7/8 inch Fuchs alloys, all of which are said to be in good condition.

The suitably appropriate registration 'MAA 911F' was on the vehicle when it was purchased by the vendor and will be included in the sale. The bodywork is these days finished in Porsche Riviera Blau 39E and the interior stripped for racing. Reportedly 'on the button' and complete with the right paperwork, the Porsche is now ready to provide its next keeper with years of fun, and we understand it will have a new MOT by the time of the sale.