Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3,0

The vehicle in detail

To ensure that the FIA motorsport governing body would homologate its new 3-litre RSR race car for the 1974 season, Porsche developed the road-going 911 Carrera RS 3.0. Shortly after completing some 1,580 examples of the fabled RS 2.7, the Stuttgart factory produced just 55 units of its brawnier successor. Not only were they far scarcer, and over twice the price, but the model was a true homologation special brimmed with technology developed directly for the track.
The engine was a detuned RSR motor featuring a Silumin crankcase, single-plug ignition, and a road-legal exhaust system. Meanwhile, the four-piston callipers and drilled discs were lifted directly from the all-conquering, 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 917 sportscar. The prominent new front air dam helped keep brake temperatures under control while also feeding the oil cooler for the flat-six, which was rated at 230 horsepower. Helping achieve a remarkable weight of only 900 kilograms, the Carrera RS 3.0 was fitted with lightened glass, had all sound deadening removed, and used composite bonnet and engine cover panels.
Given the clear link to Porsche’s thoroughbred racers, the example offered here appropriately boasts competition pedigree. Finished in Grand Prix White, this Carrera RS 3.0 was sold new in Stuttgart on 10 January 1974 and supplied to Mr Byker of Düsseldorf. The following year, it was acquired by keen Italian clubman racer Antonino Guagliardo. In July 1975, having found a faster replacement for his Lancia Fulvia and 911 S, Mr Guagliardo fielded the car in the Targa Florio. Entered by Cefalù Corse with second driver Libero Marchiolo, it was resplendent in its Grand Prix White but featured red bumpers. Unfortunately, the Porsche failed to finish.