Porsche 911 RS 2.7 or Carrera RS 1973

The Porsche 911 RS 2.7 also known as Carrera RS 2.7 is one of the most prized Porsche 911 models among classic car collectors. The designation RS goes for RennSport.

In 1972, the change in FIA Championship rules eliminated the 5 Litre engines with a restriction to 3 Litre. The Porsche 917 could no more qualify. Porsche racing Division then concentrated its efforts toward the Porsche 911 model while targeting the GT category. This choice required a minimum 500 models built and sold including road legal versions.

The first Porsche 911 RS 2.7 was completed in July 1972. It was a drastic evolution of the current Porsche 911 S. The first public introduction occured at the 1972 Paris Motor Show. 500 models were ordered within the first few weeks following the Word Premier presentation. The production of a further 500 units was soon planned. Depending on the sources, slightly above one thousand units or up to 1600 units were completed. This included about 50 cars especially prepared for racing under 2.8 RSR designation.

Compared to a Porsche 911 S, the most visible difference are a "ducktail" spoiler integrated in the engine cover and larger wheel-arches allowing for larger wheels and tyres. The engine has gained capacity, torque and power with 2681 cc and 210 hp at 6300 rpm in road version. An important effort was dedicated at reducing weight to a target 900 kg depending on equipment included. The body adopted thin gauge steel plate and fiberglass composite elements.

The racing version, most often designated 2.8 RSR, had a more powerfull engine with 2806 cc and more than 300 hp at 8.000 rpm. It is also designated Lightweight version as weight reduction was more drastic  compared to the road version.
The success on the track was immediate winning 1973 Daytona 24 Hours with Brumos Racing car driven by Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood as well as 1973 Sebring 12 Hours with Oeter Gregg, Hurley Haywood and Dave Helmick. Several Championship were gained in Europe or America for 1973 and following years. Hill Climb events and Rallies were also undertaken with success. The Porsche Carrera RS also participated in the East African Safari with specially prepared cars. The racing success was pursued over the years including a win at 1978 Monte Carlo Rally with Jean Pierre Nicolas at the wheel.
The car illustrated in the pictures was exhibited by OPUS at 2015 Retromobile in Paris. It was delivered in France to José Grindou and spent its racing career in several rallies between 1976 and 1980 as illustrated on the roof as shown below :

This car was fully restored to period race configuration.

Porsche 911 RS 2.7 or Carrera RS 1973 : Wallpapers

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