The Carrera 'RS' was the first phase in Porsche's production car racing program, started in 1972. The 'RS' was based on the 911S, and one of the first concerns was to save weight. This was accomplished mainly by removing the rear seats, by making the body of thinner steel and by using fiberglass bumpers. Another concern was to improve aerodynamics and handling, and this is where the ducktail and front air dam played important roles. The engine, also from the 911S, was enlarged to produce 210 hp.
Although the Carrera 'RS' was intended for racing, for which a production of only 500 was required for homologation, in fact over 1,000 were produced, with fifty being brought up to full competition specs with a 3-liter engine and called 'RSR.'
The Carrera 'RS' was available for sale only in Europe, and very few found their way to the US. Most RS's left the factory painted white; this car, however, was born a dramatic India Red. The car is also stated to have been fully restored to full 'lightweight' specs and to 'Pebble Beach' standards. It has several 'Best in Show' concours awards and has covered only 800 miles since restoration.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1973 Porsche Carrera RS |
| Years Produced: | 1973 |
| Number Produced: | 1,580 |
| Original List Price: | $11,100 |
| SCM Valuation: | $45-55,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $200 |
| Distributor Caps: | $22 |
| Chassis Number Location: | in front compartment, just aft of front bumper on aluminum tag |
| Engine Number Location: | on passenger's side of cooling fan, stamped on a vertical fan support memeber |
| Club Info: | Porsche Club of America, 5530 Edgemont, Alexandria, VA 22310 |
| Alternatives: | Ferrari 246 GT Dino, Jaguar XKE Coupe, Corvette Split Window Sting Ray Coupe |
This lovely 911 was declared not sold with a high bid of $43,000 at the Kensington Auto Classic Auction, May 28-29, 1999, in Bridgehampton, NY. In my view, the seller was wise to wait for a more appreciative crowd, as demand for this top-flight Porsche collectible remains strong.
The RS was the first production street/race 911 widely available to the public. The factory sales department, which had difficulty selling twenty 911R models in 1968, feared the worst when confronted with the task of moving the 500 copies needed to homologate the car for FIA racing. As a result, many Porsche executives took an RS as their company car and the sales staff worked hard converting 911S buyers into RS customers. These concerns were for naught, however, as one week after the Paris Salon closed in October of 1972, the entire run of 500 cars had been sold. Second and third runs of 500 copies each were delivered along with a handful of RSR race cars.
Production records show that chassis number 1342 was
indeed originally painted India Red, the 911 equivalent of Signal Red, a bright, light, fire-engine red. Just 457 RS’s were Grand Prix White (a bright white without a hint of ivory). Right from the start, the full palette of nonmetallic colors were available to RS buyers.
This car is an RS-L, conversion option M-472 which means it is trimmed as a standard 911S. But look closely at the photo and you will see missing front, side and rear deco strips. This gives the car a “lightweight” RSR look, but also relieves the owner of sourcing the dreadfully expensive side and rear decos, unique to the Carrera RS. Making a collector car look like something it isn’t usually doesn’t
enhance the value.
In thinking about value, we need to be certain this car has its correct engine, with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and a red fan shroud. Although these were strong, durable powerplants, stuff happens and original engines get lost. Assuming it has the correct engine and given a bit of patience by the seller, this early 911 hot rod should be worth $60,000 or so to the right buyer.