Along with the spritely 356 Speedster and whale-tailed 911 Turbos, the 911 Carrera RS of 1973 is among Porsche’s most recognizable and desirable models.

In 1972 the FIA effectively pushed the fearsome Le Mans–winning Porsche 917 prototypes off the track by limiting engine displacement to 3.0 liters. The company had to fall back on its bread-and-butter production 911 to compete in the World Championship of Makes. The 2.4-liter 911 S was not deemed strong enough for competition; as such, Porsche upgraded it with a 2.7-liter engine, larger wheels, and other modifications to match. Some of 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 911 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. 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, as featured here, 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 is one of the most coveted sports cars on the planet.

The RS 2.7 offered here was originally delivered new to Italy in 1973, attractively ordered in pale yellow over a black leatherette interior with Pepita cloth seat inserts and fitted with power windows. Six years later the Porsche would exchange hands and be exported to its new owner in Japan. During the car’s time Japan, it would change hands once more, and in 2004 the car was fully restored while in Japan, for which a file with restoration photos is included with the car. In November 2012 the RS was purchased by a French collector who only retained it briefly. In 2013 the current owner acquired the RS and brought it to the U.S., where he has enjoyed regularly driving it throughout Southern California, including on two 1,000-mile rallies which it completed without fault.

Fastidiously maintained and presented with its owner’s manual, air compressor, spare wheel, tool kit, and jack, this ’73 RS 2.7 presents the opportunity to fully experience a bygone era of Porsche sports cars.