1985 Porsche 911 RSR 'Evocation'

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 Sports Car 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, and very few remain as road cars and are consequently incredibly expensive.

The Porsche RSR "Evocation / Replica" market has grown enormously and demand is far outstripping the supply of quality machines. In more recent years, these cars have advanced somewhat, with some examples now using genuine RSR components and utilising even more specialised engineering techniques. Consequently, now even some of the Evocation cars are realistically out of reach for most, with examples being offered in excess of £150,000.

The car presented here is based on a 1985 Porsche 911 3.2, having been substantially re-engineered to pay homage to the legendary RSR. Reassuringly, this professional conversion was done in 2011 by a Porsche engineer for his own use and utilises many parts by RS-Teknik, a subsidiary of respected Porsche dealer and restorer Paul Stephens. Finished in Porsche Red, this striking car is powered by a very healthy tuned 3.2 flat-six engine and is fitted with many specialist parts including uprated suspension, ignition system and brakes, a stainless exhaust system and Fuchs alloys shod with Michelin TB road/race tyres. With a bespoke fast road/race-car style interior, fitted with new Willans harnesses, this is a great looking car. For several years the car was part of a small collection, having been garaged and used only sparingly. With accompanying invoices for maintenance, totalling £3,340.88, this car drives and performs particularly well.

This very presentable RSR 'homage' offers a lot of visual presence and drivability for the money. With many of these earlier cars lacking in certain areas, often by retaining standard interiors for instance, this credible example represents a very viable route into owning a Porsche that will certainly turn heads and will really deliver in terms of pride of ownership.

(N.B the period number-plate RSX 172J seen in the photographs will come with the car, albeit it is currently on retention – the retention document is in the history file for the new owner to reassign).