Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3,0

For 1974, Porsche overhauled the RSR based on their new G-body platform. Built around a production 911 body shell per regulations, the new 3.0 RSR featured wider vented wheel arches and a deep front air dam, while 15″ magnesium center-lock wheels and brakes were sourced from the 917. Fiberglass was utilized for the bumpers, trunk lid, engine cover, and “tea tray” rear spoiler, while lightweight Perspex replaced the glass side windows. Nonessential interior items were omitted for additional weight reduction.

The RSR’s 3.0-liter type 911/75 flat-six was more powerful and durable than previous engines, with technical highlights including an aluminum crankcase, twin-plug ignition, high-lift camshafts, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and higher 10.3:1 compression. With a dry curb weight of 900 kg (1,984 lbs.) and an estimated 330 hp, the RSR was capable of 0–60 mph in the high-four-second range, and a 179 mph top speed. Supplied to privateer teams from late 1973, 3.0 RSRs swiftly established themselves as formidable contenders in GT endurance racing, with wins at Le Mans, Targa Florio, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, among others.

Finished in Grand Prix White, chassis 911 560 9120 is one of just 54 examples of the 3.0 RSRs built by the factory. Completed in late 1974, this chassis is the third-to-last 3.0 RSR manufactured, and benefits from lessons learned from earlier examples including relocated rear trailing-arm mounting points and 1″ larger rear-wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels for enhanced traction out of the corners. Delivered new to renowned Porsche dealer and racing team owner Vasek Polak of Hermosa Beach, California, in early 1975, this RSR has a documented history of participating in only a single official race – the Laguna Seca 100 Miles on October 3, 1976. With the accomplished Milt Minter at the wheel, the RSR qualified an impressive 5th and later led the race before mechanical troubles forced early retirement after 20 laps.

According to notes and correspondence on file, this 3.0 RSR was subsequently used for testing by Polak in period, with notable excursions by Paul Newman at Riverside in 1976 and Porsche development engineer Manfred Jantke at Laguna Seca circa 1977. Throughout the next two decades, the RSR remained within the personal collection of Vasek Polak, seeing limited use.

Following Polak’s passing in 1998, the RSR was acquired by distinguished Porsche collector Jeff Lewis of Newport Beach, California. Lewis entrusted the well-preserved RSR to Ryan Racing Restoration in Ohio for a comprehensive restoration and preparation for vintage racing. Between 2000 and 2004, the RSR participated in several significant historic races in the US and, in 2004, it was sold to Belgian collector and historic racer Marc Devis. In 2005, the RSR was acquired by notable Porsche collector John Kotts, making an appearance at Rennsport Reunion III in 2007. Sold into current ownership at the 2015 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auctions, this RSR has received consistent mechanical attention at classic Porsche racing specialist Retro Sport in California. The RSR has participated in prestigious vintage racing events, including the 2016 Monterey Motorsports Reunion, 2016 Le Mans Classic, 2017 Laguna Seca Spring Classic Run, 2017 HSR Classic 24 at Daytona, Rennsport Reunion VI in 2018, and The Velocity Invitational in 2021.

Due to their build quality and achievements, a significant portion of the original 54 Porsche 3.0 RSRs enjoyed extensive racing careers. Many were later enhanced to meet 934/935 specifications, while others experienced crash damage or required replacement body shells. Making this example even more remarkable, 911 560 9120 is fitted with what might be its original engine, a Type 911/75 engine stamped 6850166, which matches factory records.

Faithfully presented in its 1976 Vasek Polak IMSA GT livery, this RSR is accompanied by its HMSA logbook, correspondence, assorted racing and restoration photographs, and a thick file of maintenance receipts illustrating fastidious care and attention. Eligible for a plethora of celebrated historic races and concours, this RSR is sold with an accepted entry to the upcoming September 2023 Porsche Rennsport Reunion VII.

One of the most revered racing 911s of all time, this Porsche factory-built 3.0 RSR awaits a new custodian and a return to the racing circuit.

*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.

Provenance:

Vasek Polak, Hermosa Beach, California (acquired new in 1975)

Jeff Lewis, Newport Beach, California (acquired from the above in 1998)

Marc Devis, Schoten, Belgium (acquired from the above in 2004)

John Kotts, Houston, Texas (acquired from the above in 2005)

Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2015)

Race Highlights:

IMSA GT Laguna Seca 100 Miles, California, 1976, Minter, No. 01 (DNF)

Exhibition Highlights

Wine Country Classic Vintage Car Races, California, 2000

SVRA Mid-Ohio, 2000

The HAWK with Brian Redman at Road America, Wisconsin, 2000

SVRA Watkins Glen, New York, 2000

HSR Daytona, 2000

HSR Sebring, 2001

SVRA Mid-Ohio, 2001

The HAWK with Brian Redman at Road America, Wisconsin, 2001

HSR Daytona, 2001

HSR Sebring, 2002

Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta, 2002

HSR Watkins Glen, New York, 2002

HSR Watkins Glen, New York, 2004

Rennsport Reunion III, Daytona International Speedway, 2007

Le Mans Classic, 2016

Monterey Motorsports Reunion, 2016

SCRAMP Spring Classic Run, Laguna Seca, California, 2017

Monterey Motorsports Reunion, 2017

HSR Classic 24 at Daytona, 2017

Rennsport Reunion VI, Laguna Seca, 2018

Velocity Invitational, Laguna Seca, 2021