1973 – Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight 

French vehicle registration document

The Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS occupies a special place in automotive history. The first 911 to bear the ‘Carrera’ name, in tribute to Porsche’s victories in the Carrera Panamericana, it also introduced the prestigious ‘RS’ designation, standing for Rennsport. Designed for Group 4 homologation, it represents the perfect synthesis between road car and racing car, a philosophy that has enduringly shaped the legend of the 911. Powered by a 2.7-litre flat-six engine, fitted with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and developing 210 horsepower, the Carrera RS 2.7 offered exceptional performance for its time. Its widened wings, ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler and low weight made it one of the most iconic Porsches ever produced.

The example presented here is an authentic Carrera 2.7 RS in its highly sought-after Lightweight (M471) configuration, a lighter version of which only 200 were produced. Delivered new in Switzerland on 7 February 1973, it still bears its original Grand Prix White livery with blue wheels and lettering, and a black KL interior. Fitted with the rare optional ‘M220’ limited-slip differential, this car boasts a particularly well-documented history. Its file includes, notably, copies of the registration documents tracing its history since 1981, when it was purchased by an enthusiast in eastern France. First registered in the Jura, then in Maine-et-Loire from 1982 to 1991, it was subsequently registered in Touraine until 2000, before Christian Tahon, co-founder of the leading magazine Flat 6, acquired it, keeping it until 2006!

It was Tahon who began a major restoration in 2003. As the car had a racing history, it was decided to restore it to its original specification. The restoration was entrusted to Garage Ollier in Carqueiranne. The car was completely dismantled and put through the ‘spindle’. Several photos feature in the file, as well as a four-page article in Flat 6 magazine, the original copy of which now accompanies the vehicle.

In May 2007, it was acquired by its current owner. A gentleman driver in more modern racing cars, he takes the utmost care of this jewel in his collection. In 2015, its engine (a 2.7-litre magnesium engine block from 1975) was completely rebuilt. Eleven years later, the mechanical fuel injection and 210 hp ensure that our example delivers top-class performance and handling that have cemented this car’s status as an icon of the marque. Although the car has retained its bolted roll cage since its full restoration, it has been used solely for leisure purposes, exclusively for leisure drives and sightseeing trips, which explains its excellent overall condition. The odometer currently reads just over 92,200 kilometres.

Today, this 911 Carrera RS 2.7 combines the qualities most sought after by collectors: an iconic ‘M471’ Lightweight specification, a fully documented history, extensive documentation, a recently rebuilt engine and a known provenance. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most legendary Porsches of all time, a seminal model whose aura continues to fascinate enthusiasts worldwide more than fifty years after its creation.