1973 Porsche 911 RSR Replica

The 1970s 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 and complete a build programme, Porsche switched their attention to the European GT Championship, developing still further the successful 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 in 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 Riband' 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 contains a 1973 911 shell, the correct 2.8 RSR engine and a talented assembly team.

We are informed by the vendor that this stunning RSR replica is built from a genuine 1973 German chassis, and as such may be eligible for historic racing events. Essentially this is an M491 conversion which includes a fully documented full engine rebuild by ATG Auto-Team-Glinde, GMBH at a cost of 12,000 Euros (£8,800). The engine conversion consisted of a tuned 3.0 (2994cc) unit, with RSR pistons, rods and pods, and sports camshafts developing 176kw (240PS). It has been totally overhauled and detailed and a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust has been fitted. The car was then sent to RUF GmbH at Pfaffenhausen and was set up by Herr Dr.Ivel Kok, their Head of Chassis Dynamics. The 5-speed transmission has been rebuilt, suspension lowered and uprated and the whole package is complimented beautifully with the fitting of wide Fuchs alloys with performance tyres at each corner.

We are told that externally both the bonnet and rear duck tail deck lid are lightened and secured with deck fasteners, wheel arches both front and back have been flared, correct period decals have been added, spotlights have been fitted to both front wings and finally a lightweight air dam sits up front with an integrated oil cooler. The white bodywork is very straight, the gloss of its paintwork is deep, and its shut lines are reassuringly symmetrical and narrow and almost flawless throughout.Internally, a 10,000 rpm tacho sits in front of the driver along with a 300 km/h speedometer, a beautiful Momo Corse suede leather steering wheel is fitted, complimented by a superb pair of lightweight adjustable RS bucket seats, lightweight door cards and pull handles and of course, the deletion of the rear seating and radio. Importantly the vendor informs us that the sale includes a full rollover cage front and rear plus race harnesses as seen in the pictures, and these can be easily fitted should the new owner wish.

Sold with a brand new MOT and full Nova documentation and a full historical 27 page Dekra report (done after the RSR conversion), current German Fahrzeugbrief and Fahrzeeugschein with historic German registration, commit yourself to an intensive lesson in rear engined physics, and the reward lies in the sense that you've mastered something really special.