At Paul Stephens, we are certainly experienced in this market, having restored originals, built several recreations and sold many more used examples, so they are a speciality you could say. We certainly know what’s involved, and we know a good one when it rocks up. And this example is a good one and one that in today’s Porsche climate, would be very difficult to replicate, particularly in terms of donor 911, parts and sheer cost.
While so many replicas are backdated from later cars, particularly SCs and Carrera 3.2s, this car has been built from a RHD 1972 2.4 E, which immediately elevates it to contemporary status. Not only that, but it also has a correct 7R cased 2.7 RS specified engine on mechanical fuel injection together with a 915 box and LSD.
Instead of following the heard by going down the lightweight route, it is refreshing to see this car has been built to M472 Touring specification, looking supremely understated in straight gloss black and sans decals too! A delete option in period.
The origins of this recreations original build are lost in time. However, what’s clear is that the conversion was carried out an original RHD unrecorded 911E Coupe by someone who had extensive knowledge of these early cars. Its comprehensive history file points to an interesting life and caring long-term owners – including Porsche driver legend, Nick Faure – and the last from 2005 to date. Mechanically over the years, it has been taken care of by the likes of Bob Watson and Autofarm.
Nothing lasts forever, and in 2012 it received a substantial restoration courtesy of Nick Moss at Early 911, including the correct RS wings front and rear. Having recently fully restored a genuine ’73 RS here at PS, we know just how expensive those genuine – hand formed – parts are now. The engine and gearbox were also fully rebuilt, along with the rest of the running gear. There is a full photographic record of all work carried out.
Interior wise, the specification is period correct, with original sports Recaro seats (again, try getting a pair of those for sensible money today), trimmed in black, with hounds tooth inserts, correct 180MPH speedo and rev counter. A nice finishing touch is the flat 917 inspired Prototipo steering wheel.
Sitting on its genuine 15in anodised Fuchs and Avon radials, this RS replica presents extremely well. It’s not perfect, however, has a level of patina that points to regular use, a life well led and certainly looks more genuine than a freshly built pin sharp facsimile.
Essentially hale and hearty, cosmetically we would be inclined to leave it exactly as it is, to be enjoyed without the need to be too precious. However, it has been standing the last few years and some mechanical recommissioning is now required. We also acknowledge that with its contemporary period status, a potential buyer might well want to go all the way and tap into the potential of a historic racer complete with FIA papers to line up on the Porsche grid at the next edition of Le Mans Classic.
Whatever path a prospective buyer takes, this RS replica adds up to rather more than the sum of its parts and would be very expensive to replicate from scratch today.
We are not big fans of POA, however pricing of this particular car will be dependent on an individual’s personal requirements. If you are interested, please give either Paul or Carla a call to discuss.
