Although Porsche had reached the pinnacle of international motor sports by sweeping the FIA World Sportscar Championship for three years beginning in 1970, FIA rule changes after 1972 rendered the marque’s fearsome 917 sports prototypes obsolete. It was then that a new “works” competition program aimed at the Group 4 GT class commenced at Porsche, with the 2.4-liter 911 S developed into the Carrera RS 2.7.
Named “Carrera” in a nod to Porsche’s past racing models and carrying the “RS” model suffix denoting rennsport, the German word for “racing sport,” the new 911 featured aggressive weight reductions, including thinner-gauge steel for the body, lightweight glass, and basic interior appointments. The 2.4-liter 911 S engine was enlarged into a 210 hp, 2.7-liter powerhouse with fuel injection, yet its conservative 8.5:1 compression ratio allowed use of lower-grade gasoline. Wider rear wheels and tires, as well as upgrades in both suspension and braking, further sharpened the reflexes of the new RS. Extensive wind-tunnel testing yielded the Carrera’s distinctive bürzel ducktail-style rear spoiler and revised front air dam, drastically increasing downforce at speed and creating the car’s enduring visual signature.
In compliance with FIA homologation requirements, Porsche needed to offer 500 race-specification Carreras to the public. Fierce demand soon resulted in sales well beyond that number, with more than 50 orders reportedly taken on the first day of the Carrera’s launch at the influential Paris Motor Show in October 1972.
By the end of the 1973 model year, 1,580 examples had been built, of which only 200 came in the M471 Lightweight trim that was better suited to track use, while the vast majority were in the M472 Touring trim that offered more traditional interior appointments and was more tailored to road use.
Factory-finished in Grand Prix White over black, this rare example is a desirable first-series M471 Lightweight, which was originally equipped with a limited-slip differential (M220), retractable radio antenna and loudspeakers (M440), and Dunlop tires.
Delivered new in Germany in December 1972, this Porsche was serviced during the 1980s by a marque specialist garage, Roitmayer GmbH of Munich, where the car was updated with Carrera RSR-specification bodywork and RSR-type brakes, and the engine was enlarged to 2.9 liters. During the same decade, the M471 Lightweight was also reportedly acquired by Thomas Reichel of Germany. Subsequently, the Carrera was exported to the US and, by early 1991, Bob Jordan of Illinois had taken ownership, per an accompanying copy of a letter dated February 11, 1991, from Jürgen Barth – the former Le Mans-winning driver and staff member of the Customer Racing department of Porsche AG. The numbers in that letter, as well as on the car’s accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, correspond to both this chassis (no. 9113600196) and this engine (no. 6630219).
According to a copy of the Bill of Sale on file, the consignor acquired the M471 Lightweight in May 2003 from noted Porsche collector and dealer David Mohlman. Shortly thereafter, his workshop, RennSport Racing of New Orleans restored the car to its factory-correct livery and specification.
During 2004 and 2005, the Porsche was disassembled down to the bare body shell, the front and rear fenders were returned to their factory-original Carrera RS “narrow” configuration, and the mechanical systems were rebuilt and restored. The potent flat-six engine was rebuilt to its factory-correct 2.7-liter displacement, the gearbox was rebuilt, and proper brakes were installed. Grand Prix White Glasurit paint was used to refinish the exterior of the car, accented by factory-specified Green “Carrera” lettering and matching wheels, which were expertly restored and correctly refinished by noted expert Harvey Weidman.
Currently riding on period-correct Pirelli CN36 radial tires, the Carrera RS retains correct bucket seats, lightweight door panels, and Glaverbel lightweight glass. Extensive photographs document the restoration work performed by RennSport Racing and reflect the fanatical attention to detail applied to the Carrera’s systems and components.
This exceedingly charismatic 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 M471 Lightweight offers the compelling opportunity to preserve, show, or enjoy this legendary performer.
Original Owner, Germany (acquired new in 1973)
Thomas Reichel, Germany (acquired in the 1980s)
Bob Jordan, Illinois (acquired circa 1991)
David Mohlman, Florida (acquired by 2003)
Lloyd Hawkins (acquired from the above in May 2003)
1973 
