A true M471 Lightweight-specification Carrera RS, this Swiss-delivery example was imported through AMAG in Schinznach-Bad. Chassis number 0354 was originally finished in Light Yellow with a lightweight interior in black, as it is currently liveried. Only 200 Lightweight examples were constructed, marketed to club-level racers looking for something a good bit more competition oriented than what the M472 Touring model offered. These examples tipped the scales at roughly 100 kilograms less than its less radical sibling.

There was no sound insulation to shelter the driver from road and drivetrain noise, and thinner glass was sourced from the Belgian company Glaverbel to shed weight even further. Even the standard door handles were swapped for pull-cord door-releases. Aside from its M471 Lightweight specification, the first run of Carrera RS’ was built using thinner gauge steel for their bodywork, differentiated from the cars that would follow, 0.8 mm thick compared to 0.88 mm for the later cars, making them amongst the most desirable derivatives of the Carrera RS family.

Chassis number 0354 was delivered new to Peter Zbinden of Basel, a successful privateer racing driver in Switzerland who would become the Swiss National Champion in 1974, behind the wheel of another Carrera RS. Its second owner, Erhard Maritz, acquired this car in 1974 from Mr. Zbinden, with 7,000 kilometers on the odometer. Maritz used the car to compete in a variety of events throughout his ownership with the Porsche Club in Zurich, including sprint races and hill climbs, where he proved to be quite successful. The car was also believed to be raced at Hockenheim, Monza, and Dyon. During this time, the fragile magnesium engine casing developed a crack and as a result, was replaced with another 911/83 unit supplied by Porsche in 1976 and installed by René Voigt in Winznau.

Maritz’s racing exploits continued until 1982 when the car was returned to AMAG, the dealership that had delivered the car new. It remained with them in storage until 1988 and acquired by Paul Alexander and then subsequently acquired by Hew Dundas of Scotland in June of 1989. Dundas used the car on occasion for historic racing, during which time it was maintained by Steve Carr at Autofarm.

The Carrera RS travelled to America in 1993, where it was purchased by Douglas Brown of Tuxedo Park, New York. In documentation on file, Mr. Brown recalled that when he received the car, “it was clear that it had been well treated throughout the ownership history. There was no corrosion; the car had all the proper lightweight panels, Glaverbel glass, correct window trim, front alloy suspension cross member, [and] correct reinforced rear trailing arms.”

What followed would be a no-expense-spared restoration by well-known and respected RS restorer Nate Cantwell to bring the car back to as-new condition. This took more than 2,500 hours over the course of two years and is thoroughly documented in the car’s history file. At this time, the engine was entrusted to Jack Reffening of the 901 shop, who chose to replace the engine case with a new-old-stock unstamped case, again due to their inherent fragility. This casing was installed and stamped with 0354’s original engine number, 6630350. Furthermore, the first-in-period, Porsche-supplied replacement casing will be available for inspection in Monterey and included in the sale. Following the completion of the restoration, the car was shown at a variety of concours events and received the 1999 National PCA Restoration Award at the Mt. Tremblant Porsche Parade.

More recently, correct green Carrera RS graphics were fitted to the car, adding to its standout appearance. Not only is the aforementioned file accompanied with correspondence and restoration receipts, but a number of photographs from before, during, and after the restoration are included, along with period photographs from the car’s racing career in Switzerland. Following the car’s restoration, it has seen minimal use and has been stored in a climate-controlled garage. Even some 20 years after the completion of its restoration, chassis number 0354 still presents exceptionally well and makes no excuses.

The ethos and history of chassis number 0354 remained very true to Porsche’s original philosophy and intent for the Carrera RS model. Sold new to a successful privateer racer and raced with distinction by its second owner, it has remained remarkably original throughout its life and proved to be the ideal basis for a restoration. Needless to say, a well-kept Carrera RS should be a mainstay for any significant Porsche collection, and a first-series Lightweight with period-racing history remains amongst the most sought-after examples to own and enjoy.