It is easy to understand why the most desirable first-generation Porsche 911, the Carrera RS, is also the most satisfying. The RS was created to fill a void in the Porsche racing paddock when a change in regulations effectively took the venerable 917 out of commission. Porsche designated its already formidable 2.4-litre 911S as the starting point for a new Group 4 GT class entry. Following the proven racing formula of reducing weight while adding power, Porsche’s engineers got to work and went on to create the most sporting 911 yet available to the public.

Featuring Porsche’s 2.7-litre flat six, the Carrera RS received a larger bore, as well as the addition of fuel injection, raising total horsepower to 210. This made the RS a fast car, even by current production car standards. The dash from 0–60 took 5.5 seconds, and the package produced a top speed close to 150 mph. Along with an upgraded suspension, the Carrera RS’s wheel arches were broadened, which signalled the use of wider lightweight Fuchs wheels, six inches at the front and seven inches at the rear. Helping to reduce rear end lift at high speeds, the most defining feature of the RS was its burzel (ducktail) rear spoiler. Group 4 homologation required the production of at least 500 cars; that number was quickly exceeded due to the overwhelming demand for the hottest car in the 911 range.

The Carrera RS Touring offered today is truly a one-of-a-kind example. Out of a total production run of 1,580 units, just 117 cars were destined for RHD markets. From those, just three were delivered in black, whilst a single example was optioned with the factory sunroof. That single example is this car, chassis number 1288, which is being offered today.

Delivered new to Hong Kong on 1 June 1973, this 911 was subsequently owned by individuals residing in Japan, and then it was imported to San Francisco. Like so many old Porsches, 1288 was “updated” with a number of body modifications during the 1980s, giving it a modern, turbo-look, which was a very popular prerogative of the day. Fortuitously, it next landed in the hands of a long-term Porsche aficionado and well-respected member of the Porsche community who lived in Los Angeles with an exceptionally large inventory of new old stock (NOS) parts. Once positively authenticated as the genuine chassis 1288, he embarked upon a restoration of monumental proportions. His obsessive desire to return the Porsche to its rare original configuration was matched only by his unquestionable capability to do so with exactitude.

Embarking on what was to become an eight-year odyssey, this gentleman insisted that every component on the Carrera RS that could not be restored to “as new” condition was replaced with NOS, factory original to 1973, “in the box” parts, insuring that 1288 is factory correct in every sense of the phrase, both cosmetically and mechanically. A correct OEM 911/83 7R RS engine casing was located as the basis for its meticulous, blueprinted, and balanced engine rebuild, as per factory specification. The transmission was completely torn down and also rebuilt to factory specification. Notably, it still retains the correct oil pump that was peculiarly exclusive to the RS model and certain factory racing cars.

The final finish, which is in lustrous black and virtually flawless, was performed by Porsche experts Kundensport, of Camarillo, California. The black interior of this RS is complemented by cloth seat inserts in a familiar black-white-and-red houndstooth pattern. An ultra-rare, NOS right-hand drive dashboard was sourced and utilised, and even the NOS seatbelts are properly date-coded. The NOS chassis plate is stamped per the original for concours, but the original plate is available and included with the car.

This breath-taking example, which has accumulated only 600 kilometres after its exhaustive restoration, easily ranks amongst the finest 1973 911 Carrera RSs to be offered for sale in recent memory. Combining a unique combination of options, and in rare right-hand drive, 1288 is indeed a special RS, and it has been freshly serviced by experts, including a full four-corner balancing.

With Porsche celebrating the 50th birthday of the 911 this year, the Carrera RS is continuously praised as a landmark model, as it is the most exciting and desirable variant of the iconic first-generation 911. As the 911 has endured through to present day production, it is clear that there will always be a special place in Porsche history for this first competition-based homologation model. The opportunity to acquire this unique Carrera RS, ready for a white glove concours inspection, or a blast on the track, is simply not to be missed.

Chassis no. 911 360 1288

Factory Specification: M472 ‘Touring’

Options listed per Kardex:

• Black exterior (101013)

• Black interior

• England equipment RHD (16)

• Porsche (Carrera) lettering on doors

• Outside mirror on driver’s side (423)

• Stereo speakers and electric antenna (450/451)

• Electric sliding sunroof (650)

• Power windows (651)

• Retractable seat belts, both left and right (419)