1973 Porsche 911 RS Carrera Images, Information and History (RS 2.7, M 472 Touring, Carrera RS Lightweight)

1972 911

1973 Porsche 911 RS Carrera news, pictures, and information
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	Carrera RS Lightweight Chassis Num: 9113601079 Engine Num: 6631054 Gearbox Num: 7831078
Sold for $495,000 at 2012 RM Auctions.

Considered one of the finest and sportiest cars of all time, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight was to epitomize all that an excellent driving car could be. The result would be the very definition of 'Power-To-Weight-Ratio' and a must have for all collectors and enthusiasts.

Considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, dual-purpose Porsche ever to be created, the Carrera RS was as close to the track as one could get without building a purpose-built race car. But if someone did want a purpose-built race car he or she would not have to look any further than the lightweight model of the Carrera RS.

Originally, the Carrera RS was so built to satisfy the homologation rules governing sportscars available for use in competition. However, what Porsche would manage to create with the RS would be so popular that the production run would continue well past the 500 hundred examples needed to be produced and would total some 1,580 examples.

The Carrera RS had been designed for street use but with the goal of satisfying of homologation so that the model could also be used for competition. Therefore, the RS would come in two model forms. The 'touring' would include such amenities as a sunroof, leather upholstery and nice radios. These examples were still solid performers but added some rather staggering performance statistics into the mix.

However, if someone was strictly looking for performance, then the lightweight form of the model was the car to have. Void of most all of the amenities and featuring such modifications as lightweight body panels and glass, lightweight RS competition seats, minimal body trim and lightweight carpeting throughout, the Carrera RS Lightweight weighed as much as 200kg lighter than its fellow touring model. Utilizing a 210bhp, 2.7-liter air-cooled SOHC six-cylinder engine, Bosch fuel-injection and a five-speed manual gearbox, the Carrera RS Lightweight would come to symbolize nimbleness and balance.

Having built just 200 examples of the Lightweight body-styling, the car would come to be acclaimed as 'the 911 to own' and one such example, chassis 9113601079, would be made available for sale at the RM Auctions event in Monterey in 2012.

Completed in April of 1973, chassis 1079 would be sold by the famous Porsche dealer Mahag. The first owner would take ownership of the car and would keep it for a period of just a couple of years. During that time, the car would mostly take part in city driving. Then, in 1975, the car would be sold to a Mr. Alfred Spah of West Germany. He would come to own out of interest in using the car for what it had been designed for—competition. He would use the car to take part in a number of national slalom and hill climbing events. In 1976, Mr. Spah would finish 3rd overall in the hill climb championship. Then, in 1977, he would become Champion of the Baden-Wurttemberg region in this very car.

The following year, 1978, the car would be sold. This time the car would be sold to a United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Roger Kruckerberg. He was stationed in West Germany at the time but would quickly have the car shipped to the United States and Oregon. Over the course of the next decade the car would continue to take part in some autocrosses but would be mostly stored away. While mostly spending its time in storage the car would not be neglected. Mechanically and cosmetically, the Carrera RS Lightweight would be greatly cared for and maintained.

Following a decade as the possession of Lieutenant Colonel Kruckerberg, the car would be sold to Mark Heininge of Aurora, Oregon in 1988. Heininge, a proud Porsche collector, would also use the car sparingly and would keep the car in very original condition. Just two years later, the car would change hands again. Yet another avid Porsche collector, Portland's Ted Halton, would come to own the car. He would own the car for the better part of a decade and would also do his part to keep the car as original as possible.

Chip Connor and Chris Cox would come to own the car for a brief period of time following Halton. The car would even become the property of a prominent Porsche collector from Hong Kong. However, it would never leave the United States. Instead, the car would remain in a climate controlled environment maintaining its high level of originality.

Sporting less than 54,000 kilometers and still maintaining a great overall cosmetic originality, 1079 maintains a high level of allure despite having been un-restored. Service on the car had been completed as recently as 2009. Service being undertaken by David Loop European, the car would receive such new items as new shift bushings, hood supports, engine compartment insulation, front and rear brake pads and clutch cable boot. In August of 2009 the car underwent a thorough inspection by Porsche expert Ben Kirchner. In the end, Kirchner would be taken back by how 'superb a driving example the car is and would be pleased at the car's overall mechanical health'.

Still bearing its original orange bar hood crest, 1079 sports straight body panels and still has an excellent finish. Including the original non-opening lightweight Glaverbel rear quarter windows, this highly original Carrera RS Lightweight even has its original door panels, seats, carpets and rubber mats. Overall, the instruments inside the car remain highly original and in excellent working condition. Number 143 out of 200, 1079's impressive originality even includes the correct plastic fuel tank, hardware and even the correct red fan shroud.

Considered one of the 'best performing lightweights available', 1079 comes with its high degree of originality, but also, a number of period photographs and documents that all add to the history of the car. What makes this particular Carrera RS Lightweight all the more rare compared to the other 199 in the model lineup is the car's good fortune for having avoided modification. Therefore, chassis 1079 is as it would have been when it rolled out of the factory back in 1973. Bolstered further by its low mileage and its obvious sympathetic care it has received throughout its life and 1079 certainly becomes one of the best examples available of the Carrera RS Lightweight Coupe. Given its condition and originality, 1079 was estimated to draw between $350,000 and $450,000 at auction.

Sources:
'Lot No. 123: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MO12&CarID=r215&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MO12&CarID=r215&fc=0. Retrieved 2 January 2013.

'Lot S157: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight', (http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134350). Mecum Auctions. http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0812-134350. Retrieved 2 January 2013.

By Jeremy McMullen

Coupe
Chassis Num: 232

One of the first five hundred 911 Carrera RS Homologation Series, it (Chassis #9113600342) was the first right-hand drive lightweight sold in Great Britain, built in November 1972 and sold in February 1973. The only option was a limited slip. The car was purchased and rallied extensively in the UK and Europe by the original owner with various sponsorships. The final rally won in April 1976 when the car was extensively damaged. The car was parked until completely rebuilt in 1997, which took two years using original parts.

Coupe
Chassis Num: 749

The Carrera RS is a unique, limited edition model that has become, perhaps, the most important of all 911 models. Meaning 'race' in Spanish, it was the first Porsche 911 model to carry the name 'Carrera'. In addition, 'RS', which stands for Rennsport in German, further indicates the automobile is meant for speed!

Every conceivable facet of the Carrera RS construction was scrutinized for ways to reduce weight. Beginning with the interior, most of the soundproofing was removed and the regular lush carpet was replaced with lightweight black felt. The door panels simply have a leather strap to operate the latches and only a small plastic handle to pull the doors closed. To further reduce weight there is no passenger-side sun visor, no glove box door, no rear seats, no radio and no clock. Lightweight body panels & glass were used, along with fiberglass & plastic where possible. A decal even replaces the usual metal Porsche badge on the hood! While cruising in the lightweight bucket seats you'd see why this 911 Carrera needs no clock: its performance is measured with a stopwatch!

The RS 2.7 was bored out 6 millimeters to 60 millimeters and combined with a higher compression ratio. Different carburetion (fuel injection) and performance timing delivered 210 BHP @ 6300 RPM. It is also the first Porsche to wear a rear 'Ducktail' spoiler. This helped maintain the car's superb handling up to its top speed of 153 MPH!

There were only 1,580 cars produced for European markets. Many are still racing today in vintage series around the world. This car was originally delivered in Germany, imported into the United States in 1984 and was totally restored.

Today the Carrera RS is highly sought after by Porsche collectors. It's precision handling, high-revving motor and classic lines are styling are what makes this the 'holy grail' of early 911's.

Coupe
Chassis Num: 360
Engine Num: 6631054

This 1973 Porsche 911 RS Carrera M471 Lightweight vehcle was offered for sale at the 2007 Blackhawk Collection Exhibit held at the Pebble Beach Concours. It carried a price tag of $450,000.

This is number 143 of the 200 RS lightweights produced. Built in April 1973, it was retained for some time by Porsche Dealer (Mahag) before being delivered to its first owner Mr. Spah of West Germany. Mr. Spah raced it locally for a couple of years then sold it to ÚSAF Lt. Colonel Kruckeberg. The car was shipped to the States were it has been ever since. Over the years the car continued to be carefully maintained, driven and shown. The car is all original wîth all numbers matching as per factory documents. The RS lightweight weighed less than 2,000 lbs. and features many special modifications such as light weight body panels and glass, roll bar and minimal trim, thus making it one of the sportiest car of the time.

Source - Blackhawk Collection

Coupe
Chassis Num: 749

In 1973, Porsche resurrected a celebrated name in honor of its 911 series - Carrera. Carrera evoked Porsche's earlier racing successes in the 50s. A total of 1,536 1973 Porsche Carrera RSs were produced in 1973.

The new Carrera was based on the 911S, but it sported a 2.7-liter engine. The RS version (Rennsport) was for racing, while the other two versions, RST specifically for touring and RSR built for uncompromising competitive performance. The 2.7RS represented Porsche's desire to construct a car intended for racing and had a purchase price of $10,300 in 1973.

Blazing along at 155 mph (o to 60 in 5.5 seconds), with 210 horsepower out of a flat six engine, the Carrera 2.7 made its mark as the fastest 911 in the Porsche stable - turbo or no turbo. Speed was achieved by building the car with as much plastic and aluminum as was structurally feasible. Like Porsche's successful 917 CanAm, the Carrera is equipped with ventilated disc brakes.

Coupe
Chassis Num: 911 360 0347
Engine Num: 6130368

This RS Touring is an all numbers matching car that has less than 75,000 kilometers. It has been well maintained over the years by the first three owners. In 1989 Mr. Harvey, the fourth owner, employed Auto Farm of the ÚK to overhaul the car.

Source - Blackhawk Collection

		Coupe Chassis Num: 9113600029 Engine Num: 6630038

This example is the earliest known 2.7 Carrera RS model built. It left the factory in the same light yellow livery as it wears today. The cars early life was spent in Germany; in the early 2000s the car was treated to a restoration in California and completed to concours standards. The car rides on 7- and 8-inch Fuchs wheels with Pirelli tires, optional Hella fog lights, Bosch headlamps and a stainless steel muffler skirt. This is an M 472 Touring model meaning it has a more civilized interior that includes a Becker Europa radio, sports seats, and the optional sunroof. It has the original spare fuel tank and Sekurit glass. There is the original 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine with Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection and a five-speed 915 manual gearbox.

In 2009, this Carrera RS 2.7 was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was estimated to sell for $320,000 - $370,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicles reserve and the lot was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009

Coupe
Chassis Num: 9113101956

This 1973 911 Coupe did not start out life as an exclusive 911RS, but it looks like one now, after a restoration that incorporated many upgrades, including the telltale RS cosmetic pieces. Unlike some cars that have been backdated to simulate the 911RS, this car actually comes from the same era. And, like many of the RS cars, this one is painted white. The RS was introduced in 1972 and is today regarded as one of the most desirable and most effective sports cars of the 1970s, with strength and versatility that served it well on both the track and the street.

	Coupe Chassis Num: 9113600463 Engine Num: 6630393
Sold for $232,500 at 2009 Bonhams.

The Carrera RS could race from zero-to-sixty in just 5.5 seconds and zero-to-one hundred in 13 seconds. It covered the standing-start kilometer in 25.4 and achieved a flat-out maximum of 149mph.

The current owner of this example purchased it from local Carmel, CA based marque specialist David Mohlmann in 2006. Mr. Mohlmann acquired the car from its second owner in Brazil in the early 2000s. The former owner had owned the car for 20 years and that this owner and his son were responsible for the comprehensive restoration. The work was a labor of love and brought it back to its original condition.

The car is fitted with many factory options including power antenna, heated rear window - two stage tinted, limited slip differential, head restraints to both seats, long range driving lights, over bumper fog lights, engine bay light, shoulder/lap safety belts, air conditioning, and electric sunroof and windows. The car is painted in light ivory livery with a black interior. It has covered less than 1000 miles since its restoration.

The rear spoiler is believed to have been fitted to the car shortly after its arrival in Sao Paolo around the 1980s.

In 2009, this 911 RS Touring was offered for sale by Bonhams Auction at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, CA. It was estimated to sell for $180,000 - $240,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $232,500 inclusive of Buyer's Premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009

Coupe

This original tangerine Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Touring was delivered new to Porsche Austria on February 23, 1973. In 1979, it was returned to Porsche for a full conversion to M471 lightweight specification using only correct factory parts, including very rare lightweight sport seats, carpet, door panels and bumpers. Noted RS historian and author Dr. Konradsheim verified the car's history when he sold it to the second owner. The third owner, an avid Porsche collector, submitted the car to Kevin Jeanette's Gunnar Racing for a full nut-and-bolt restoration that took six years and was completed in December 2009.

Coupe
Chassis Num: 911360342

Either side of the RS, Porsche had applied a large decal the length of the rocker panel, which 'cut out' the word 'Carrera.' That color-contrasting decal told one and all - instantly, and from a distance - that they were in the presence of greatness. Not only was the car tremendously successful, in every regard, but also that decal stared a trend that is ever thriving some 40 years later. The Carrera RS won consistently in FIA Group 4 and a year later the subsequent Carrera RS, the RSR, even won the Targa Florio outright. There were two models, the 'more comfortable' Touring and the 'race ready' Lightweight.

			Coupe Chassis Num: 9113601317 Engine Num: 6631284
Sold for $275,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company.

The 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 was envisioned as a homologation special. Rules stated 500 road-going examples were to be built to qualify the new car for Group 4 GT racing. The RS was a substantially modified variant of the 911 S with weight-saving measures, stiffening the suspension and adapting aerodynamic aids. Zero-to-sixty took under six seconds with top speed achieved at 150 miles per hour. In total, Porsche produced just 1,580 examples of the RS, of which 1,340 were the more usable, street-oriented M 472 Touring models.

This Carrera RS 2.7 was completed in May of 1973. It was originally specified for German delivery and was finished in Light Yellow (62) - with green Carrera script - over a black leatherette interior and optioned with a sport driver's seat, headrests, muffler skirt and Pirelli tires.

In the late 1980s or early 1990s, the car was brought to the United States. By 1991, the car was in the care of Phil Bagley of Klub Sport Racing. Other US owners include Dan Rosenthal, Frank Enea and Kim Watkins.

Powering this RS 2.7 is a flat six-cylinder 2681cc engine with Bosch Mechanical fuel injection and delivering 210 horsepower. There is a 5-speed Type 915 manual gearbox and four-wheel vented disc brakes.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $375,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $275,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012

Coupe
Chassis Num: 9113600254

The Carrera name comes from the 1950's Mexican Carrera Panamericana road races. RS means Rennsport, or race-sport. And its very being came from Porsche's need for a homologation special to allow world race entries. 1,580 were built although only 500 were required to qualify. The 2.7 RS had a 2,687cc motor with 210 horsepower (49 cars used a 2,808cc version), revised suspension, bigger brakes, a huge ducktail rear spoiler, bigger brakes, a huge ducktail rear spoiler, and wider rear fenders and wheels. This original car, chassis number 9113600254, was first delivered in France and has undergone a complete restoration.

Coupe

The car (white with blue stripe) was delivered to a Swiss buyer who club raced the car for several years. In 1985 the car was purchased by renowned Porsche restorer Jim Newton who performed group-up restoration. In 1986 the car was shown at the Parade of Porsche Concours and won the prestigious Manhattan Trophy. In 2003 the car underwent a fastidious re-restoration and was brought back to concours condition. The current owner recently acquired it and it took first in class at the recent L.A. Concours. Although this particular car did not participate in the 1973 Targa Florio it represents the Carrera RS that did.

Coupe

The origins of the 1972-73 RS (RennSport) lay in the racing department's desire to widen the scope for the 911 Group 4 Special GT racing. The RS was developed from the F-program and applied the lessons learned from earlier stripped-out rally and customer race cars.

The RS offered improved performance over the S, its 2.7-liter engine producing 210 horsepower at 6,300 RPM with maximum torques of 255 NM at 5100 RPM. This was accomplished by an increase in bore size to 90 mm, using Nikasil-coated aluminum cylinders. A heavier clutch spring was required to cope with the additional torque but the 915 gearbox and sufficient capacity for the 2.7 engine.

A total of 1,580 911 Carrera RSs were produced in 1973 and 18 sported the Tangerine color.

			Carrera RS Lightweight Chassis Num: 9113600813 Engine Num: 6630814 Gearbox Num: 7830798
Sold for $550,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company.

By the end of 1972, Porsche was left without many options. Regulations changes had made continuing in the World Sports Championship all but impossible. However, the closed door in the prototype ranks would lead to the company walking through the GT door and becoming a veritable tenet within the ranks. The car that would truly compose the edict would be the 911 Carrera RS 2.7.

The move to GT racing would be fraught with challenges. Not only would there be the challenges of preparing a car for the class, but, there would also be the challenges posed by the competition. Porsche had many titanic battles with Ferrari in the prototype ranks. However, when the company really began to investigate the GT ranks it would quickly find the main competition would come from a familiar foe. Ferrari was already rather well established in the GT ranks with its 365 GTB Daytona. The fact Ferrari was already well-established in GT racing wouldn't be as much a concern as the fact that its Daytona boasted an engine with nearly twice the displacement as the largest 911 engine at the time. Unfortunately for Porsche, the cost and time it would take to develop a new car for the class would not entirely be plausible. So, the company would have to turn to its 911 and get a little drastic.

Porsche engineers started to look for every possible way in which it could gain an advantage. They would take and use the 911 S as its basis. They would then take the 2.4-liter engine used in the model and would increase its size to 2.7-liters. Just this effort alone would provide an extra 20 bhp bringing the total up to 210 bhp. Still, this would not be enough to really challenge the Daytona.

Other measures would be implemented in order to enable the 911 to take the fight to the Ferrari. This would include installing larger rear wheels, larger brakes, a rear spoiler on the car and drastically reducing weight. Shedding all possible extra pounds meant the interior of the car would be stripped of anything deemed unnecessary. This shedding of pounds also meant fiberglass and thin gauge steel would be used for the car's various body panels. Weighing in at a little more than 2400 pounds, the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 would be able to reach a top speed of 150 mph and would be able to accelerate from zero to 60 in under 6 seconds!

Production of the new RS 2.7 would begin in early 1972 and enough examples would be produced to enable the car to take part in the 1973 GT Championship. Therefore, with the RS 2.7 the legend of the Porsche 911 would be firmly established within the GT ranks.

In total, just 1,580 examples of the Carrera RS 2.7 would ever be produced. One of them, 9113601317 would roll out of the factory in May of 1973. When it left the factory for German delivery the car would be finished in Light Yellow with green Carrera script.

In the late 1980s, or early 1990s, the car would be shipped to the United States and purchased in 1991 by Phil Bagley of Klub Sport Racing. Throughout its lifetime in the United States the Carrera RS 2.7 has passed between many notable Porsche enthusiasts, including Dan Rosenthal, Frank Enea and Kim Watkins. The current owner is also quite the Porsche enthusiast and a vintage racer.

To be presented for auction at the RM Auctions event in Amelia Island in March of 2013, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 comes with its original livery. Many components have undergone rebuilding and refurbishment. And, in November of 2011 Porsche of Monterey performed a PPI inspection and found the engine to be in proper tolerances. Still sporting correct 7 and 8 inch Fuchs wheels, Touring trim and NOS Bosch H-4 lamps the Carrera comes with matching engine and transmission numbers and is eligible for concours and driving events.

Being offered with a Certificate of Authenticity, a tool kit, and other original elements, this iconic 1970s Porsche sports car is certain to be a proud addition to any collection and a must have for even more Porsche aficionados. Estimates prior to auction have the Carrera RS 2.7 selling for between $450,000 and $550,000.

Sources:
'Lot No. 36: 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7', (http://www.goodingco.com/car/1973-porsche-911-27-carrera-rs). Gooding and Company. http://www.goodingco.com/car/1973-porsche-911-27-carrera-rs. Retrieved 6 March 2013.

'Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7', (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/648/Porsche-911-Carrera-RS-2.7.html). Ultimatecarpage.com: Powered by Knowledge, Driven by Passion. http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/648/Porsche-911-Carrera-RS-2.7.html. Retrieved 6 March 2013.

'1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring', (http://www.supercars.net/cars/1539.html). Supercars.net. http://www.supercars.net/cars/1539.html. Retrieved 6 March 2013.

By Jeremy McMullen

The legendary Porsche 911 is the longest production run sports car of all time. It was conceived as a successor for the highly successful Porsche 356 and from the start had high aspirations for success. Ferry Porsche's son, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designed the 911. When it went into production it was labeled the 901 but Peugeot had claims to the name, so to avoid infringing on their naming scheme, it was changed to 911. As a result, only a few Porsches used the 901 name.

901

The Porsche 901, the forerunner for the famous 911, was the first 'new' vehicle Porsche had ever produced.
Prior to the 901, there was the 356. This vehicle had lived a relatively long lifespan and was nearing its end, both in mechanical capabilities and in appeal. Many variations of the 356 had appeared during its production-run, most improvements where mechanical with very few visual improvements. Albeit, the 356 was a very beautiful car and improvements to its design were not necessary.

In the Mid-1950's, the Porsche company began producing prototypes for the successor of the 356. The result was a vehicle built on the same unitary structure used for the 356 but with a new front suspension, front disc brakes, and a six-cylinder engine.

The Porsche 901 was introduced to the public in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motorshow. The silhouette body was available only in fixed-head coupe form. In 1967 a Targa bodystyle became available featuring a removable center roof section. The 1991 cc flat-six engine was air-cooled. It's 2-litre capacity was the same as its predecessor. The six-cylinder engine was chosen over the four to allow more room for growth and improvement in the future. Two Solex carburetors aided in the 130 horsepower output and was capable of a 130 mph top speed.

912

The Porsche 912 was similar in design to the 911 and eased the transition from the 356 to the 911. In comparison with the 911, the 912 had fewer amenities, less power, and weighed about 250 pounds less. A 5-speed gearbox was matted to a detuned 356-based 4-cylinder engine that produced 64 horsepower. The engine was mounted in the rear and powered the rear transaxle. Disc brakes and independent suspension with torsion bars gave the car excellent and impressive handling. The Recaro seats kept the driver planted and the rack-and-pinion steering was very responsive. For an additional cost, the owner could have air-conditioning, rear window wiper, halogen fog lights, electric sunroof, and/or three-point seatbelts.
The 912 came in both the coupe and targa flavors with the coupe being the more popular. About 2562 of the 34,959 912's were targas.

The 912 was offered to the public in 1965 and stayed in production until 1969 when the mid-engined 914 was introduced. Due to its low cost, it easily outsold the more powerful 911's during the first few years. In
1967, the 912 was awarded Car and Driver's 'Readers Choice' for its class. During that same year a 912, driven by Sobieslaw Zasada of Poland, won the European Rally Championship.

At the end of the 914 production in late 1975, a version of the 912, dubbed the 912E, was introduced. Internally, the vehicle was labeled the Type 923. The 'E' stood for 'Einspritzung', in German meaning 'fuel injection'. It was powered by a 2-liter, 914-derived fuel-injected engine and had had Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection and an air pump. It used the 911 body, but has smaller wheels and tires and non-vented brake rotors. The fuel-efficient engine, rising fuel costs, and lower speed limits made the 912E a safe-buy. After 2099 examples were produced, the 924 entered the scene. The 912E was the last air-cooled four-cylinder vehicle produced by Porsche.

During its production run that include the 912 and 912E, nearly 35,000 examples were produced. It had achieved victory in the racing world, served as European police cars, and was featured in the movie 'Spy Games' staring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt.

911 Targa

In 1965 the Targa was introduced. This was an open version of the 911. The Name Targa came from a road race in Sicily named 'Targa Florio'. Targa also meant 'Shield' used to describe the rollbar. The rear window could fold down while the panel between windshield and rollbar could be lifted off creating an open version of the 911.

911 S

In 1966 the 911 S was introduced as a better equipped and more powerful version of the standard 911. It featured engine modifications that resulted in 30 extra horsepower. The chassis was modified and bigger brakes were installed. An extra 5 pounds was saved from each corner of the car by using Fuch alloy wheels.

To increase sales, the 911 T was added to the line-up in 1967. This version had a de-tuned six-cylinder engine and produced 110 horsepower. It appealed to many buyers due to its attractive price, selling at a reduced cost from the base 911. Also in 1967, the 911S received ventilated disc brakes on all four corners.

In 1968, the Porsche 911S was no longer being exported to the United States due to new emissions and government standards and regulations. Porsche introduced a 911 L as a replacement which was basically a 911 S without the engine modifications. In 1969, the 911 S was once again allowed into the United States.

In 1969 the 911 E, the base model, was available with 140 horsepower for the United States and 160 horsepower for the European market. The 911 T had 125 horsepower on tap from the six-cylinder engine while the 911 S was available in the United States with 170 horsepower. The European version featured even more horsepower, rated at 190. A five-speed manual gearbox was introduced.

In 1970 the engine bore was enlarged by 4mm and increased the engine capacity to 2165 cc. This made the six-cylinder engine more powerful. The 911T was rated at 125 horsepower, the 911 E was rated 155 horsepower while the 911S was now producing 180 horsepower.

During the 1970 model year, a performance version of the 911S was created by removing amenities and using light-weight material wherever possible. Aluminum was used on the bumper and engine-lid, the interior received light-weight seats, and the door handles were replaced with cords. The result was a 1840 pounds street legal race car.

In 1972 a spoiler was standard on the 911 S but was optional on the 911 E and 911 T. In 1973, due to popularity, the spoiler became standard on all 911 models. The stroke of the engine was increased giving the engine a 2.4 liter displacement.

Carrera RS

In 1973, Porsche wanted to compete in GT competition. In order to qualify, the manufacturer had to satisfy homologation rules for the Group 4 GT class that stated that 500 examples needed to be produced and sold to the public. Porsche knew that it would be difficult to sell 500 race cars so they built street legal race cars and kept the sticker price low. The RS was an immediate popular and at the end of the production run, 1636 examples were produced. Due to the successful sales, the RS was reclassified as a Group 3 series-production GT which required at least 1000 examples be produced.

The RS was stripped of nonessential amenities to save weight. A thin-gauge body steel and fiberglass was used for most of the vehicles but the supply ran short and at least 300 cars were outfitted with the normal-weight body parts. When compared with the stock 911S, the RS using the thin-gauge steel weighed 330 pounds less.

Wider aluminum wheels, Bilstein shocks, and modified sway bars gave the RS extra handling advantages. A rear spoiler was molded into the engine cover giving the RS the nickname 'ducktail'. This gave the vehicle extra down-force at speed and aided in stability. Other distinguishing features of the RS was its name painted, typically in green, black, red or blue, above the rocker panels. The engine was a modified version of the Porsche 911 2.4 engine. It featured a bigger bore that resulted in greater displacement and horsepower.

Carrera RSR 3.0

The RSR 3.0 had 20 extra horsepower than the 2.7 version. It had a large front spoiler, large rectangular air intake, 9 inch rear wheels, and 8 inch front wheels. Since the thing-gauge body steel supply had been depleted and larger items had been placed on the RSR vehicle, the vehicle weighed 180 kg more than the 2.7. All this meant that the RSR was not much quicker than the 2.7. However, it did have better road-handling due to the wider tires.

During its production lifespan only 109 examples were produced with 60 outfitted as road going machines.

911 Weissach

The 911 SC Weissach, produced only in 1980, was a limited edition design and only 400 units were constructed (Some sources states 406. In either case, a small amount were constructed and even fewer are known to exist today). All were sold to the United States. 200 were painted in Pongee Beige Metallic while the remaining 200 received a metallic charcoal gray color. The interior had red/burgundy carpet and beige leather seats. An RS wing was placed in the rear while the front received a new spoiler. All of the 911 SC Weissach's were coupes, had normally aspirated engines, and were fitted with the 903 body. They were sold at a price of $32,000, a high price at the time.

911

In 1973 the 911E, 911T, and 911S used a 2.4 liter six-cylinder engine. In 1974 the Carrera name was added to the line-up and represented the performance option. The 911S became the middle model with its performance and trim equivalent to the former 911E.

The Carrera was distinguished by its many exterior components colored in black. For example, the door handles, wipers, and window frames were black.

In 1974 the Porsche 911 Turbo was introduced and is credited as being the world's first production turbocharged sports car. Using a 3.0 liter engine and equipped with a turbocharger, it was capable of producing 290 horsepower.

In 1976, the Carrera was outfitted with the 3.0 liter engine and produced 200 horsepower.

In 1978, there were only two options available for the 911, the Turbo and the SC. The 911 SC used the 3.0 liter engine because it was more reliable and offered more opportunity for tuning in the future. the 3.0 liter engine was rated at 180 horsepower. The 2.7 liter engine was no longer used. When compared to the 1977 Carrera 3.0, the SC was more luxurious but had less horsepower. The luxury items added to the overall weight of the vehicle which decreased the performance. Still, the 911 SC was an extremely popular car. The 911 Turbo received a 3.3 liter engine and was able to produce 300 horsepower.

In 1979 the 911 SC's engine received modifications increasing the horsepower rating to 188 while improving fuel economy by 10 percent.

In 1980 the entire 911 model-line receive extra power except those slated for exportation to the United States. The 911 SC was now producing 204 horsepower.

At the 1981 Frankfurt Auto Show Porsche introduced a four-wheel drive cabriolet version of the 911. A year later, the cabriolet went on sale as optional equipment on the 911 SC. It was the first cabriolet for Porsche since the 356.

In 1984 the 911 SC 3.0 engine was replaced by the new Carrera with a 3.2 engine. The 911 Tubro and 911 Carrera were the only bodystyles available however could be ordered in coupe, cabriolet or Targa options. The Carrera was better than its 911 SC predecessor. It offered more luxury and power, and better brakes. The 3.2 Liter engine was used until the 1989 model year. It was replaced by a 3.6 liter version.

The 1988 the turbo became standard with a five-speed manual gearbox.

In 1989 Porsche introduced the Carrera 3.2 Speedster. The top could fold to the back and be placed beneath a fiberglass cover. The Speedster was void of most electrical options including power seats which made it lighter than the standard car. In total, there were 2065 Speedsters production, 1894 with the turbo-look. The Turbo look gave the vehicle an aggressive stance but it also added weight to the vehicle. It was, however, a very popular option.

911 Carrera CS

The limited-edition 911 Carrera CS, meaning Club Sport, was introduced in 1987. This version was meant for the race track. This light-weight version was void of amenities and equipped with only the essential items. The CS is distinguished from other 911's by its red wheels and bright graphics. Most were painted in 'Grand-Prix' white and all were coupes, except for one specially-built Targa. At the end of the Carrera CS production run, 340 examples were produced.

Carrera 2 and 4

In 1989 the 911 was given a 3.6 liter engine, new suspension, new transmission, self-adjusting spoiler, plastic aerodynamic bumpers, and new brakes. It was over 80% different when compared to the previous year. The big news for this year was the introduction of the Carrera 4, a four-wheel drive version of the 911.

The 1989 Porsche 911 received major improvements in the performance and handling department. At speeds greater than 50 mph, the rear spoiler would fold out and improving stability. The bigger brakes gave the 911 better stopping power while the suspension held the car in place as it would go through sharp turns.

In 1990 the Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 could be purchased in Cabriolet, Targa and Coupe body-styles. A Tiptronic transmission was introduced which is a gearbox that does not require a clutch. The Tiptronic allows the driver to shift manually or have the system automatically shift.

Carrera RS

In 1990 Porsche introduced the Carrera RS series. It featured a modified version of the Carrera engine now producing 260 horsepower. It had Recaro seats and light-weight material. The interior was void of non-essential items. An aluminum hood, light-weight doors and windows, and various other methods and materials were used to make the vehicle as light as possible. There was an RS touring option which included a few items to make the vehicle more road worthy. In total 2051 Carrera RS models were created with 76 being equipped with the touring option.

Carrera RS America

In 1993, Porsche created a light-weight, limited edition, performance version of the 911 Carrera. It was dubbed the RS America. The year 1993 was selected because it commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the 911 Carrera RS. 'RS' is German for 'Renn Sport' or 'Race Sport'.

The Carrera RS was conceived in 1973 but only available to the European market. The United States had strict safety, emission, and government regulations that made it impossible for the original RS to be sold in America. The 1993 Carrera RS was built to satisfy European regulation while a limited were built for the American regulations. The ones that made it to America were labeled 'RS America.'

The RS America was lightweight, contained little luxury features, and highly-modified performance options. The M030 sports suspension package, 17 inch wheels, larger diameter front stabilizer bar, and modified shock absorbers were just a few of the modifications to the 911. By using weight reduction, refinements in the steering, suspension, tires and wheels, the 911 RS America was a high performance racing car.

The RS in America was very successful. What was only intended to last for 1993, rolled into the 1994 model year. Vehicles that were sold during 1993 have 'PS' in their VIN numbers, while the 1994 versions have 'RS'. The 1994 models have rear seats while the 1993 versions have dual-storage bins.

The RS is distinguished from other 911's by a 'RS' decal located in front of each rear wheel well and an RS America rear deck lid emblem. A large spoiler, commonly referred to as a 'whaletale', was fixed to the rear of the vehicle. Various versions of the 911 had a spoiler that was motor-driven and deployed and stowed at various vehicle speeds.

993

In 1994 the next generation of the Porsche 911 was introduced and only available in coupe form. Internally it was dubbed the 993. Aesthetically and mechanically, the vehicle was different from its previous versions. The upright headlights were removed; it received a front wing, wider fenders, 16 inch wheels, and new bumpers. Under the hood, the 3.6 liter engine was modified to produce 260 horsepower. A six-speed manual gearbox was all new. The chassis size was increased giving 20% extra interior room. Major improvements were done to the interior giving it new seats, new steering wheel, and making the console, buttons and gauges more driver-friendly.

In 1995 a Targa was introduced. But the big news was in 1996 when a Turbo, Carrera 4S, RS, and RS Club Sport became available.

996

In 1998 the next generation of the Porsche 911, the 996 was introduced. A 296 horsepower, water-cooled engine was all new. The new engine was more powerful, fuel efficient, and offered better performance even though it was smaller in size. The length of the car was increased; a new suspension, headlights, and styling modifications have been adapted throughout the vehicle.

Shortly after the introduction of the next generation 911, a cabriolet version became available. Instead of the top being folded on-top of the bodywork, it now folded into it.

Conclusion

Since its introduction in 1963 to the present, the 911 has stood the test of time both on the race track and in owner's garages. It is one of the few designs that have had such a long history. It has been offered in over 50 different forms including rear wheel, 4wd, cabriolet, Targa, coupe, Speedsters, light weight, club sport, RS, anniversary editions, limited editions, and multiple other options, designs, and features. The 911 has set and raised the bar in terms of technology, performance, design, and handling.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006

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