1984 Porsche 911 'RS Tribute'

The 1973 Porsche 911 RS is considered by all knowledgeable Porsche enthusiasts to be the single best 911 of all time. This is high praise when you consider the large number of 911 models that have been built over the 50+ years since the model's introduction. The Carrera RS (Renn Sport) is still to this day the benchmark 911, the beautiful lines only being matched by the sheer delight of driving it, with its positive steering, exhilarating sound and linear performance. The RS had a purity of purpose that was not compromised by outside factors. For this reason, the Porsche RS Replica or "back-date" market has grown enormously, and demand is far outstripping the supply of quality machines.

This tribute car presented here pays homage to the legendary 1973 2.7 RS, echoing that famous silhouette very well, and was professionally built by a well-respected Porsche specialist covering just over 1,000 miles since completion with its one and only owner. It utilises a C16, right-hand drive 1984 3.2 Carrera Coupé as its starting point, this being a healthy well-serviced example with a decent history file containing numerous invoices and MOT Certificates documenting its conservative mileage.

This striking car, now reborn, looks just right in the classic combination of Grand Prix White with Guards Red decals, wearing period Fuchs alloy wheels with Bridgestone Porsche N-rated tyres. All panels are period correct, having been sourced from Porsche, including new front wings, bonnet, front slam panel, sills, kidney bowls, rear quarters, fuel tank and bumpers. All body seals are also new. The suspension has been rejuvenated with new dampers and new Powerflex bushes as well as new engine and gearbox mounts. Uprated drilled sports discs have been fitted along with new calipers, uprated steel-braided brake lines and new wheel bearings. The 3.2-litre engine has been comprehensively stripped and rebuilt with new bearings, piston rings, chains, chain guides, chain tensioners, valve guides and gaskets throughout. Additionally, the car was treated to an air induction kit, a brand-new starter motor and a custom stainless-steel exhaust and heat exchangers. The 915 gearbox has been fully rebuilt with new synchro rings, dog teeth, a WEVO conversion with a proper gearbox gate shifter system, along with a WEVO short shifter and PSJ precision coupler, and now feels like a G50 box! A new clutch and flywheel have been fitted and all gear linkage bushes have been replaced. New brake lines, fuel lines and oil return lines throughout, engine tinware, cam covers, cooling fan, oil cooler, oil tank and oil thermostat. The suspension components have been powder coated and all screws, piping, nuts and bolts have been replaced throughout with factory parts. The interior hasn't missed out with many brand-new parts and materials including the headlining, RS Perlon carpets throughout, Prototipo steering wheel, red 3-point seat belts along with 6-point race harnesses, Recaro race seats, RS door-cards, Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and white dial faces. Included with the car are the manuals, a new factory service book, a replica period toolkit, a brand-new factory jack, plus two new keys.

If, like most of us, an original 1973 2.7 RS is a tad outside the budget, this superb 'homage' must surely be the next best thing.