The Porsche 911 Carrera RS is considered by many to be the greatest 911 of all time.
Using the standard 911 S as a foundation, Porsche created the RS or Rennsport model to homologate the car for the FIA Group 4 racing class. In total, 1580 were made, comfortably exceeding the 500 needed for FIA homologation.
Compared with a standard 911 S, the Carrera RS had a larger 2.7 liter engine developing 210 hp, a revised and stiffened suspension, the now-famous “ducktail” rear spoiler, plus larger brakes and wheels. In RS Touring form it weighed 2370 lb, in Sport Lightweight form it was about 220 lb lighter, the savings coming from thinner-gauge steel in parts of the body and the use of thinner glass.
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight For Sale
Details: Seller Blackhawk Collection is asking $500,000 for the 911 RS Lightweight. Car is located in the San Francisco Bay area.
Seller Comments: “This is number 143 of the 200 RS lightweights produced. Built in April 1973, it was retained for some time by Porsche Dealer (Mahag) before being delivered to its first owner Mr. Spah of West Germany. Mr. Spah raced it locally for a couple of years then sold it to USAF Lt. Colonel Kruckeberg. The car was shipped to the States where it has been ever since.”
“Over the years the car continued to be carefully maintained, driven and shown. The car is all original with all numbers matching as per factory documents. The RS lightweight weighed less than 2,000 lbs. and features many special modifications such as light weight body panels, glass, minimal trim, thus making it one of the sportiest car of the time.”
Sports Car Digest Comments: The 2008 Sports Car Market price guide suggests a $250,000 – $350,000 price range for a Porsche 911 RS Lightweight, while the May – August 2008 Cars That Matter price guide advocates a $300,000 – $430,000 range. Although this particular RS Lightweight is all original with a known history, we’re sure the $500,000 asking price has room for movement.
The Porsche 911 RS is one of Sports Car Digest’s all-time favorites, but the lofty price tag, even if correct, buys you entry into many, many special cars built in far fewer numbers. Further, the difference between a well-sorted 911 S and this RS is not that vast, except for approximately $425,000. For our money, SCD would buy a great 911 S for $75,000, and then spend the rest growing our collection.
Porsche 911 RS Photos: