1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring

Along with the spritely Speedster and whale-tailed Turbos, Porsche’s 911 Carrera RS of 1973 is among the carmaker’s most recognisable and desirable models. In 1972 the FIA effectively pushed Porsche’s fearsome, Le Mans-winning 917 prototypes off the stage by limiting engine displacement to three litres, so the company had to fall back on its bread-and-butter production cars to compete on the world stage. The 2.4 litre 911 S was not deemed strong enough for competition, so Porsche decided to upgrade it with a 2.7-litre engine, with larger wheels and body modifications to match. Those included flared rear arches and an intriguing rear spoiler that became known as a 'ducktail.' 

The new model, branded the Carrera RS, was duly homologated with the construction of 500 examples to meet the new class rules. These would serve as the basis for even more potent versions as the ferocious Group 5 2.8 and 3.0 RSRs that would come to dominate GT racing. The new RS 2.7 was introduced at the 1972 Paris Auto Salon to rave reviews.

RM Sotheby's will be offering this 'Touring' version at their upcoming Monterey auction between the 18-19th August. The estimated value is between $650,000 – $850,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos: Karissa Hosek ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

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