Along with the spritely Speedster and whale-tailed Turbos, Porsche’s 911 Carrera RS of 1973 is among the automaker’s most recognizable and desirable models.

When in 1972 the FIA effectively pushed Porsche’s fearsome, Le Mans-winning 917 prototypes off the stage by limiting engine displacement to three liters, the company had to fall back on its bread-and-butter production cars to compete in the World Championship of Makes. The 2.4-liter 911 S was not deemed strong enough for competition, so Porsche decided to upgrade it with a 2.7-liter engine, with larger wheels and body modifications to match. Those included flared rear quarter-panels and an intriguing rear spoiler that became known as a “ducktail.” This device had been proven in wind-tunnel and track testing to greatly reduce the rear-end lift generated by the 911’s slightly recessed rear window.

The new model, branded the Carrera RS, was duly homologated with the construction of 500 examples to meet the new class rules. These would serve as the basis for even more potent versions as the ferocious Group 5 2.8 and 3.0 RSRs that would come to dominate GT racing, especially in the U.S. The new RS 2.7 was introduced at the 1972 Paris Auto Salon to rave reviews, and the first 500 cars quickly sold out. In spite of the Sales Department’s reluctance to approve a second production run, another group of 500 cars was built, and then a third run, in spite of the factory sharply increasing the retail price each time. Most of the second and third production runs were delivered as “Touring” versions, retaining the interior trim and comfort features of the standard 911 S.

In total, 1,590 examples were built (including “Homologation,” or “H” cars) and sold, enough to qualify the model for Group 3, standard GT production cars. Today, the 1973 Carrera RS is one of the most coveted sports cars on the planet.

Offered here is a beautiful late first-series Touring version, finished in Signal Yellow (5252) with black interior and black “Carrera” script. It was one of just 87 produced in this hue. The car also left the factory with an optional electric sunroof (M650), electric windows (M651), and an electric antenna/speaker package (M440).

The first owner, Paul Wiehage of Lubeck, Germany, took delivery on 2 February 1973, retaining custody for just over four years. During that period, Mr. Wiehage scrupulously maintained his Carrera at Porsche Edgar Kittner Sportwagenzentrum in Lubeck, per the car’s service record booklet. It appears that this car was then acquired by that dealership and sold in turn to a Mr. Frand Demleitner of Stockelsdorf on 9 February 1977.

This beautiful RS changed hands again on 24 September 1986, purchased by a Mr. Uwe Buchs of Iserlohn, Germany, who kept the car until 2003. On 3 March 2011, Peter Gohringer of Karlsruhe became this Carrera’s fourth owner. Just over a year later, a Mr. Masood Azadpourer of Munich purchased this car. Now showing a total of 99,866 kilometers, this RS 2.7 was imported in partially restored condition about four years ago; the work was completed to a high standard by California Porsche Restorations in Fallbrook, California, after which the car was acquired by the consignor. Most recently the RS was subject to a comprehensive engine and transmission-out service by European Collectibles of Costa Mesa, California, in May this year. Work also includes a new set of correct tires as well as additional freshening of all ancillary components.

This very collectable RS Touring is offered with tools, books, service records, and a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche. It is a special example of one of the great Porsches of modern times.