1974 Porsche Carrera RSR 3.0 Coupe

The FIA's Group 4 category would be virtually dominated for more than a decade by one brand—Porsche. Their weapon of choice would be derivatives of their Carrera RS models. Beginning with the 2.8RSR and carrying on with the 3.0RSR, Porsche would be virtually indomitable.

Winning at such legendary events and places as the Targa Florio and Daytona, the 2.8RSR set the bar high for the company from Stuttgart. However, it was never Ferdinand Porsche's way to 'just' get better, to improve slightly. His belief was in taking strides forward.

And the 3.0RSR would be just that. Not only would the engine horsepower be increased to 330bhp with the 3.0-liter engine size, but the car would also feature four-piston disc brakes, center-locking magnesium wheels, a stronger transaxle, larger rear spoiler and a limited-slip differential. Weighing in at just 950kg, the 3.0RSR was a worthy successor, and would prove the point straightaway.

One of those 3.0RSR's that would prove the point would be chassis # 911 560 9115. Porsche historian Jurgen Barth would declare this particular chassis began construction in October of 1974 and would be completed in 'Grand Prix White'. The car would be first ordered by Jo Hoppen of Volkswagen North America. The order would be placed on behalf of Hector Alonso Rebaque, a then 18-year-old resident of Mexico City.

Though only 18, Rebaque would actually already have a couple of years of sportscar competition under his belt racing in the 1972 12 Hours of Sebring. Along with Guillermo Rojas, Rebaque was a strong up-and-comer in the sportscar ranks.

Armed with the new 3.0RSR, Rebaque would demonstrate just how good he really was. The car's first outing with Debaque and Rojas would come in October of 1974 with the 1000 Km of Mexico City. The result: one race, one win. Following the successful debut, 9115 would compete in the 1975 24 Hours of Daytona. Wearing Café Mexicano livery, the car and drivers, Rebaque, Rojas and Van Buren, would weather the grueling event to finish 9th.

Over the next nearly 10 years, 9115 would perform well taking a number of class victories and impressive overall finishes. Over the course of that time Rebaque would embark upon a career in Formula One driving for Hesketh and Parmalat Racing Team. As a result, 9115 would sit idle, stored away in a warehouse in Mexico City.

Then, in early 1981, Rebaque would shake the dust off the Porsche and would sell it to Puerto Rican driver Diego Febles. Despite being nearly a decade old, the Porsche would still perform well finishing 9th in class at Daytona and then winning its class at Sebring. This would be a firm testament to the RSR line.

The Porsche would continue to race right up through the 1984 season, a decade's worth of competing. By the end of the season the car would be retired from the racing scene and would begin its career as a sought after collector's car. This would begin with Elias Chocron of Panama and then Jim Borsos of Anaheim, California.

During the late 1980s, Jim Torres would be given the task of restoring the car to original factory specification. Following this, the car would be part of a couple of private collections and would remain relatively idle throughout that time.

Besides a single appearance at the Monterey Historics in the early 1990s, 9115 would lead a quiet life, that is, until the time its current owner came into the picture. Since acquiring the Porsche, the current owner has had the car returned to racing specification. The owner would have a lofty goal: participation in the Daytona Classic 24. The inspection would be carried out and the FIA Historic Technical Passport would be issued in March of 2014.

A proven race winner and a proud ambassador of the 3.0RSR marque, chassis 911 560 9115 would not be just any Porsche 911. Daytona, Sebring and Mexico City, this car has competed in some of the toughest, and most grueling events in the world, and, has come out on top in each. It is, without a doubt, a proud member of the family and truly special child of Stuttgart.

Offered as part of Gooding & Company's 2015 Amelia Island auction, the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0RSR, chassis 911 560 9115, would draw pre-auction estimates ranging from between $1,200,000 and $1,500,000.

By Jeremy McMullen