The words “homologation special” will surely stir the emotions of any car enthusiast. The term signifies an obligation for automotive manufacturers to build a minimum number of road-legal cars to meet the entry criteria for certain racing classes. As an end result, every-day car buyers have the opportunity to claim a piece of motorsport history with their own racer for the road—albeit often slightly pared-back to meet road safety requirements.
The Porsche badge adorns several memorable “specials”. The road-going 959 was born out of the manufacturer’s wish to compete in Group B rally racing, while the 911 GT1 “Straßenversion” was a road-going foil to the endurance racing legend 911 GT1 Evo. But before all these came the first and most coveted of Porsche homologation specials—the 911 Carrera RS 2.7—which was initially made to satisfy the 500 required for Porsche’s entry into Group 3 racing. It was also the first specific homologation model that Porsche actively marketed.
Brand-new for the 1973 model year, the RS 2.7, in Sport (Lightweight) or Touring spec, was based heavily on the earlier 1972 911 S. Key differences came through significant weight-saving, and the fitment of a larger bore 2.7-litre version of the late-specification 2.4-litre 911 S engine. The revised engine was rated at 210 horsepower, packing almost 20 per cent more torque than its predecessor. Thinner-gauge steel panels, a glass fibre engine cover and bumpers, and minimal creature comforts kept the RS Sport to just 960 kilograms.
The recognisable flared rear wheel arches and “ducktail” spoiler give the model signature features that separate it from its road-going forebears. Porsche set out with the intention of building just 500 examples of the model, but the customer order book was complete before the end of 1972. A second series of 500 were laid down, these being sold by the spring of 1973, so a third series was offered. Ultimately, a total of 1,580 cars were built of all variations, including 1,308 of the “M472” Touring version.
The example offered here, chassis “0990”, is a UK-delivered and right-hand-drive car that left the factory in “M472” Touring specification. Recorded as new in April 1973, the Porsche was finished in Black with a Leatherette and Corduroy interior. The car was configured with options including a heated rear tinted window, electric sliding roof, electric windows, and sports seats for both left and right front pews. This Porsche was the 990th to be built of Carrera RS 2.7 Touring production, and after its delivery to British shores it was first registered for the road on 8 May 1973. As a new car, the 911 wore the private registration “WN4” until March 1983, when it reverted to the date-correct licence plate of “UMC40L” that it displays today.
In October 1981, the Porsche was bought by Mr William James Thomas of Billericay, Essex, who kept the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring until April 1984, when it was acquired by Mr. Ray Massey of Chippenham, Wiltshire. A world-renowned and commercially acclaimed photographer, Mr Massey cherished UMC40L and used the Porsche RS as he travelled to important photoshoots. His ownership lasted until June 1992, when the car entered the long-term care of the consigning owner.
The vendor quickly went about restoring the car, instructing Porscha Bodyshop of Dartford, Kent and Trevor Capewell (Prestige Porsche Specialists)—also of Dartford—to conduct a no-expense-spared restoration that included a full, bare metal overhaul of the body, exterior paintwork, original wheels, and all mechanical componentry including engine, gearbox and running gear. A note on file from the latter workshop reads: “This vehicle was manufactured in 1973 and has covered 122,000 miles. The vehicle was brought to us half-dismantled. We then removed the remaining mechanical parts. While the Porscha Bodyshop were restoring and spraying the body shell, we dismantled and refurbished the running gear (i.e. steering suspension, and braking system) … saving many original parts. Much time was taken sourcing genuine parts. All parts saved were replated or refinished to the exact original specifications for the type and year of manufacture for this vehicle.” An extensive history file including a full photo album detailing and showing the car undergoing a fastidious attention to detail restoration is included in the sale.
After the restoration was complete, 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring was winning acclaim at concours events and shows across the country. It is accompanied by the rosettes and trophies it claimed, notably being awarded “1st in Class”, “Best RS Entered”, and “2nd in Meisters” all at the 1993 Porsche National Concours. The car also participated in the Classics at the Castle event at Hedingham Castle in 2012, which celebrated 40 years of the Carrera RS. From its active participation in marque events, the car is well known to Porsche Club GB and its members.
Offered for sale in its factory-correct shade of Black, the Porsche is now fitted with a signature “ducktail” rear spoiler replacing the flat lid option, while retaining its matching-numbers engine and gearbox. This 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring is unique in its complete originality and would be an ideal companion for future attendance at Porsche concours and show events around the UK and beyond.
