1973 Porsche Carrera RSR Replica

The Seventies represented a truly 'rich vein' of Motorsport success for Porsche, regulation changes to 'level the playing field' only tested their resolve and ingenuity. The Porsche 917 was rendered obsolete by late 1972 with rule changes to the World Sportscar Championship now geared for prototypes. Without sufficient time to respond to complete a build program, Porsche switched their attention to the European GT Championship, developing still further the successfull 2.7 RS. If ever there was justice, it prevailed in early 1973 when a Porsche 2.8 RSR, virtually 'out of the box', won the 24hrs of Daytona - a field littered with Prototypes. Unsurprisingly, it totally dominated European GTs (considering its 911 underpinnings, a remarkable achievement). The 911 RSR derivatives would remain a 'nemesis' to manufacturers for a decade. Porsche entries won all of the 'blue ribbon' events - Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, etc. with regularity. The RSR proved just perfect for the 1973 Targa Florio, the Lennep/Muller pairing winning in a Martini Racing Carrera. Only 49 Carrera RSRs were built by Porsche, very few remain as road cars and are subsequently fantastically expensive. Considering how dominating and effective these cars were, the build execution was relatively simple. The factory build process can be replicated as long as the 'parts bin' comprises in essence a 1973 911 shell, correct 2.8 RSR engine and talented assembly. The story of this particular 'RSR' Replica begins in 1989, when a Caterham entered by well-known racer Alec Poole in the Nurburgring 24 Hrs, saw the race dominated by an 'artifact' Carrera RSR, still quick and reliable enough to see off all modern racers - the cast was set!

Renowned specialist Bob Watson, with the complete process catalogued by Thoroughbred and Classic Car magazine, was entrusted to replicate a 1973 Carrera RSR. Twelve pages of that issue, with photos, follow the whole process to produce an 'RSR' that went on to race in period in the hands of Alec Poole. It has been constantly developed thereafter with notable owners. This car is correctly based on a 1973 911 shell. The engine is based on the 911 S crank cases with the correct 2.8 RSR crankshaft, genuine twin-plug heads, an Omex ECU with Jenvey throttle bodies and produces 265 BHP at the wheels (read out provided). This was rebuilt by Francis Tuthill in March 2010, all receipts included. The gearbox has an LSD fitted and benefits with a closer ratio 5th Gear, again rebuilt in September 2010 (Tuthill). The suspension features Tuthill's dampers with adjustable Anti-roll bars. Brakes are 917 (930 turbo). The interior has all the correct instrumentation, lightweight carpets and race seats and a Francis Tuthill welded in roll cage. The bodywork is of course impressive with RSR widened arches, bumpers and RS engine cover, providing one of the most aggressively stanced cars of all time. It is no surprise that, with the input of so many Porsche experts, this Carrera RSR drives so well and is so convincing. Because of it's correct build specification, obtaining FIA Group 4 papers would be very feasible and would open up numerous Historic events.

Literally, a fortune has been recently spent, significantly and reassuringly to produce a Carrera RSR that drives as it should. The history file contains fine record of the procurement, time-line, race history and expenditure invested into this Porsche. This car can only represent an opportunity to get exceedingly close to an original ,with a most competitive and exciting potential future.