From 1970 to 1972, Porsche dominated the world’s racetracks with the 917. However, rule changes forced the racer into early obsolescence, prompting Porsche to shift focus to sports car racing. This led to the creation of the Carrera RS 2.7 (“RS” for rennsport or “racing sport”), designed as a homologation special to allow Porsche to compete in what would become the FIA GT racing series.
Two versions of the Carrera RS 2.7 were built: the Lightweight (M471) model, stripped of many interior components for competition use, and the Touring (M472) version, which was more luxuriously equipped and comfortable for road use. The car could accelerate from 0–60 mph in about 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of 150 mph – figures that remain impressive today.
Homologation rules required 500 examples to be built before the car could qualify for competition, however, when the RS was unveiled at the September 1972 Paris Motor Show, it received an overwhelming response. By the end of 1973, a total of 1,580 examples of the RS 2.7 had been built.
Listed within the pages of Carrera RS, the definitive tome on the model written by Dr. Thomas Gruber and Dr. Georg Konradsheim, this 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was completed by the Porsche factory in May 1973, in M472 Touring specification, and delivered new in Germany. Finished in Grand Prix White (2201) contrasted with Blue Carrera side graphics, and a black leatherette and corduroy interior, additional options included headrests, rear apron, and Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio.
According to notes provided by Bruce Canepa, this RS was imported into the US in the early 1980s, and is next known to have been in the ownership of longtime Porsche enthusiast Phil Bagley of Florida. Mr. Bagley is the proprietor of Klub Sport Racing and, in a recent conversation, fondly recalled this RS among several that he has owned. He eventually sold it to his friend and fellow racer, Joseph Gerard of Pittsburgh, in 1998. In 2013, the Porsche was purchased by Rick Jeffery through Canepa Design of Scotts Valley, California. Between 2014 and 2015, Mr. Jeffery embarked on a restoration of the RS, entrusting a number of respected marque experts in California to address myriad cosmetic items, while Canepa Design and PBR Restorations performed mechanical work.
The RS was repainted in its original Grand Prix White, with a new windshield and rear window installed. The matching-numbers 2.7-liter flat-six engine was substantially rebuilt, while the Type 915 gearbox was refurbished and a new clutch and flywheel were fitted. The interior was refreshed by Autos International Inc. of Escondido, California, and its VDO instrumentation was restored by Palo Alto Speedometer.
Post-restoration, and attesting to the quality of the work performed, the RS was displayed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2017 and secured a First in Class award at the Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue in 2018.
This RS briefly passed through one more owner before being acquired by its current custodian in October 2019, and has maintained within his collection of other Porsches and significant sports cars. Deviations from its as-delivered specification include wider 7” and 8” Fuchs wheels, and sport seats trimmed in original-specification leatherette and corduroy. Items accompanying the sale include books, tools, a jack, spare, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and service and restoration records and photographs.
Designed for both road and track, the iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is celebrated by many as the greatest all-around Porsche of all time. Looking forward, an RS in such fine fettle as this example is rather difficult to come by.
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