By the early 1970s, Porsche had firmly established itself as a force in endurance racing. The launch of the Carrera 2.7 RS in 1973 marked a turning point – introducing flared arches, a ducktail spoiler, and a high-revving, fuel-injected flat-six that set the standard for all future 911s. From this homologation special came its pure racing sibling: the 2.8 RSR, which debuted with victories at Daytona, Sebring, and the Targa Florio.
For 1974, Porsche pushed the concept further with the 3.0 RSR. Built for FIA Group 4, it featured a larger 330 bhp twin-plug engine, 917-derived four-piston brakes, lightweight magnesium wheels, and a reinforced transaxle with a limited-slip differential. Its reworked G-Series body included wide, vented fenders and a larger rear spoiler for improved cooling and downforce.
Only 54 examples were built between 1974 and 1975, yet the 3.0 RSR dominated circuits worldwide – winning at Monza, Nürburgring, Spa, and Kyalami, and claiming both the IMSA Camel GT and European Hillclimb Championships. Revered as the pinnacle of the RS-RSR lineage, the 3.0 RSR represents the ultimate in early-911 racing.
Chassis 911 460 9053 was ordered new by Swiss privateer Harry Blumer and delivered through Garage Zbinden in Laufen. Blumer and friend Herbert Müller – the legendary Porsche works driver – personally visited Weissach to spec the car, selecting Lime Green (Code N8) and the M491 racing package with optional center-lock wheels.
Blumer’s goal was clear: to win the Swiss National Championship. To achieve it, he entered 9053 in a mix of European circuit races and national GT events, including Zeltweg, Dijon, Casale, and Hockenheim. Prepared and maintained by Garage Zbinden and chief mechanic Hans Ulrich Sharer, the RSR was meticulously serviced between outings and delivered a string of dominant results – highlighted by overall victories at Dijon and class podiums at Zeltweg and Hockenheim. These performances secured Blumer the 1974 Swiss National title.
At the end of the season, Blumer sold 9053 to fellow Swiss racer Edi Kofel, who campaigned it extensively in 1975. Across six documented outings, Kofel recorded multiple podium finishes, including 2nd Overall at Sembach and Rheintal, and 3rd at Casale. In 1976, the car returned to Zeltweg in updated 3.2-liter specification and finished 2nd Overall – a rare but notable appearance during that season.
Later sold to Edy Brandenberger – a friend and contemporary of Blumer – the RSR was upgraded with Group 5 bodywork, revised suspension and brakes, and a large 935-style rear wing. Now painted red and racing under JVC sponsorship, 9053 returned to regular competition in 1977, collecting strong finishes across Swiss and European GT events, ultimately earning 9053 its second Swiss National title. The following season, the car was refreshed again and repainted in blue under new sponsorship from Sanyo. Brandenberger delivered several class and overall wins in 1978, narrowly missing a third national title due to a reduced race schedule.
After the 1978 season, the RSR was retired from professional racing. Garage Zbinden stored the car until 1986, when it was sold to collector Sidney Ho and restored. It later passed to Nordic Sports Car Collection AB in Sweden, and in 1991, to Swedish enthusiast Mats Lindén, who re-restored it with a new engine based on a 930 Turbo case.
Chassis 9053 came to the US with collector John Leggat in 1994, then passed to Porsche specialist Phil Bagley in 2002. Subsequent owners include James Oppenheimer, Marc Devis, Emilio Cruz Urquiza, Bruce Canepa, and Bill Ockerlund – each a noted collector known for maintaining top-tier cars. Meticulously prepared and maintained by leading Porsche specialists, including Canepa Motorsports, this eye-catching Lime Green RSR has been a fixture at premier historic events such as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Rennsport Reunions IV and V.
Now benefiting from a fresh engine rebuild with no race time logged, 9053 stands as a superbly presented and historically significant example of Porsche’s dominant Group 4 911 racing car. With two Swiss National Championships and more than 25 recorded race entries during its four-year competition career, this example presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest 3.0 RSRs – ideal for continued top-tier historic racing or concours presentation.
*Please note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale.
Continue reading