Widely regarded as one of Porsche’s most legendary cars, the 2.7 litre 911 Carrera RS was originally conceived as a homologation special to satisfy the FIA’s Group 4 production requirements, specifically a batch of 500 identical road cars. Ultimately, demand for the first 911 to carry the RS badge was so strong that over 1,500 were eventually built. Launched at the Paris Salon in October 1972, it went into production almost immediately due to Porsche wanting to satisfy the FIA’s demands as quickly as possible to race its 2.8-litre RSRs in 1973.

There were two specifications for the 2.7RS, Sport and Touring and this particular “backdate” pays homage to the Lightweight Sport version.

Originally a black 1983 right-hand drive 911 SC sport with sunroof and impact bumpers, this Porsche has a complete service history from new. Sold new in 1983 by Ian Anthony Cars Ltd in Lancashire, the car underwent a professional conversion in 2005 by the late and well-respected Robin Dalwood at Westcott to its current RS 2.7 Lightweight specification. This involved replacing the roof and sunroof with a one-piece roof panel to lower the centre of gravity, the replacement of the impact bumpers and front and rear panels with pre-1974 panels and lightweight bumpers and the fitment of a pre-1974 bonnet; the front wings were also replaced with new pre-1974 items and the rear wheel arches where reworked and interior replaced to match the 1973 RS.

The original 3-litre engine was rebuilt by Autofarm, green Bilstein dampers, lower ration steering arms and adjustable rear anti-roll bar plus 15” Fuchs wheels and ride height reset completed the package.

Coming to GP59 nearly 20 years later, this “backdate” Porsche has held up well and been well-maintained since having covered 30,000 more miles with only two owners since 2008, the current owner having bought the car back in 2022 after selling it in 2019. As one would expect, signs of wear and tear were apparent when the car came to us and following a thorough inspection it was agreed with the client that this Porsche was worth the time, effort and money to be lifted again to something even more special.

Front-end bodywork has been carried out, replacing the rusted front valence and full tank. The old Bosch fuel delivery system has been replaced with a Jenvey Heritage throttle-body system and the engine has been refreshed internally and externally. The gearshift mechanism to a short-shifter.