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

When in 1972 the FIA effectively pushed the fearsome, Le Mans-winning Porsche 917 prototypes off the stage by limiting engine displacement to 3.0 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 other modifications to match. Those included flared rear quarter-panels and an intriguing rear spoiler that became known as the “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-liter 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 (and remain highly sought after still). Despite 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 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 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is one of the most coveted sports cars on the planet.

The RS 2.7 offered here was originally delivered to Brazil, finished in Light Ivory with black leatherette Sport Seats, and with its black ‘negative’ Carrera script applied soon thereafter. It was fitted at the factory with metric instruments, including a 250 kph speedometer, and numerous options, including limited-slip differential, Becker-Mexico radio with power antenna, heated rear window with two-stage tinting, head rests for both seats, fog lamps, an engine bay light, safety belts, air conditioning, and both an electric sunroof and electric windows. Interestingly, the car also includes a copy of its import/taxation document from 1973 that notes the original specifications and options from when the car was first delivered to South America.

The Carrera RS would reside in Brazil for most of its life, including two decades with father-and-son restorers in São Paulo, who reportedly completely rebuilt it for their personal enjoyment. After it was brought to the U.S. in April 2006, and sold to Cal Turner of Nashville, Tennessee, next changing hands in 2009 to a California enthusiast who drove it regularly. It was subsequently sold to the previous owner in 2015 and then by the current owner shortly thereafter. Since acquisition, the owner embarked on freshening the Carrera RS to bring it up to a higher caliber of overall performance and presentation.

Today the 911 is offered with an English language owner’s manual and assorted documentation in a correct pouch, spare wheel and compressor, and tool roll and jack. Built during the initial run of 500 examples, this exceptional first-series ’73 Carrera RS 2.7 is an ideal acquisition for the Porsche aficionado—or any enthusiast, for that matter.