Porsche 911 Carrera 2.8 RSR

The early 1970s marked the culmination of Porsche’s dominance in the prototype era and the start of a GT racing program based on the ever successful 911. In 1973, a decade after the 911’s debut, Porsche unveiled the Carrera 2.7 RS, a homologation special that begat a legendary line of race cars. The next evolution of the 2.7 RS was the 2.8 RSR, which incorporated every conceivable improvement allowed by the rule book. Aimed squarely at the FIA’s Group 4 category for Special Grand Touring Cars, the result was a thoroughbred 911 developed strictly for competition use.

Visually, the 2.8 RSR is distinguished by its massive fender flares, central-oil-cooler air intake, and ultrawide Fuchs wheels. At its heart was a full racing-specification engine with a 10.3:1 compression ratio, larger valves, twin-plug ignition, and lightened internal components. To handle its improved capabilities, Porsche engineers developed revised suspension settings and designed an incredibly effective braking system based on exotic 917 components. The model immediately proved its worth in racing, capturing wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Targa Florio.

Chassis 911 360 0885 was supplied new on March 28, 1973 to the Oldenkott Tobacco company of Germany and sent to Kremer Racing, who campaigned it for Oldenkott in the 1973 European GT Championship. Thanks to Kremer’s legendary racing expertise and the talents of primary driver Clemens Schickentanz, 0885 emerged victorious at the end of the season, winning the European GT Championship outright. One particular demonstration of 0885’s speed took place in qualifying for the 1000 Kilometers of Spa, where it split the Martini Racing factory RSRs, setting an average lap speed of over 132 mph. In July 1973, Kremer received and fitted the latest 3.0-liter engine for the race at Estoril. At the end of the season, 0885 was immortalized in two famous Strenger Porsche factory posters celebrating the European GT Championship victory and 1973 Porsche Cup.

After 1973, 0885 was sold to Hubert Striebig of Germany, who updated it to the latest 3.0 RSR specification for the 1974 season. The Porsche was again meticulously prepared, now by Louis Meznarie, and driven by Striebig to an impressive 8th Overall at the 1974 Le Mans Four Hours. Striebig and the RSR then took class wins at both Nogaro and Magny-Cours but had to retire at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1974 following an accident.

According to period documentation on file, the RSR was rebuilt later that year by Meznarie, with another body shell, which then carried forward the identity of chassis number 911 360 0885. For 1975, 0885 was again entered at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this time driven by Striebig, Hughes Kirschoffer and Pierre Mauroy and the RSR placed 28th Overall. Three months later, Striebig competed in the Porsche again, this time in rally trim, on the grueling 4,224 km Tour de France.

After 1975 Alan Schick of France acquired 0885 and for 1976 and 1977, competed in various hill climbs, selling it afterwards to the French racing team Alméras Frères. In 1986, the RSR was sold by Alméras Frères to the President of the Porsche Club of France, Philippe Aunay, who commissioned a restoration to 1973 specification. Mr. Aunay kept the car for ten years until finally advertising it for sale in 1997, when it was acquired by the consignor.

0885 was then sent to respected German specialist Brunn Racing who stripped, rebuilt and prepared it to correct FIA-competition specification for international historic racing events. The Porsche was raced successfully in the hands of the consignor and John Morrison in European Group 4 historic events from 1998 to 2000. Since that time, the car has enjoyed a more pampered life out respect for its rarity and racing history.

Offered at auction with an extensive period history file and copy of its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, 0885 is also accompanied by an impressive spares package, which includes a rare type 911/75 3.0 RSR engine case numbered 6840177, a set of 1973 date-stamped cylinder heads and barrels, a type 915 gearbox case, front uprights, spare set of Fuchs 9″ x 15″ and 11″ x 15″ wheels, and spare front bumper and bonnet, plus a tool kit, air bottle, and jack.

Adding to its appeal, the RSR is UK road registered, allowing it to be driven on exciting back roads or entered for the most prestigious historic racing or show events anywhere in the world. This 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.8 RSR, with its exhaustive history file, iconic livery and impressive race record, is one of the most exciting RSRs to become available for some time and would surely be the centerpiece of any notable Porsche collection.