Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS Touring (1973)

The ultimate 911. There is no more iconic silhouette than that of the early 911 and of all the variations and differences in these cars, the shape of the 2.7 RS with its Aerodynamic ducktail is the most instantly recognisable. It captured the imagination like the Jaguar E type had a decade before, and the initial run of 500 sold out almost immediately. Porsche had to reinstate production to build more - another 1,090, in fact - in order to meet demand.

RS stands for Rennsport in German, meaning "racing sport". The Carrera name was reintroduced from the 356 Carrera which had itself been named after Porsche's victories in the Carrera Panamericana races in Mexico in the 1950s. These sensational cars also achieved great success on the race track, RS both in touring and in lightweight spec were raced in almost every sports car race, the lightly modified RSR examples scored victories in the Targa Florio, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring all in their first year. Weighing in at only 975kg, 2.7 RS's have an impressive top speed of 150mph and performance figures of 0-65mph in just 5.8 seconds.

In Porsche circles, when one is looking for the ultimate Touring RS it is almost essential to search out a first series car. Quite simply this is one of the first 500 cars produced in the original limited run. Demand at the time was so popular that an additional thousand cars were built to serve the long list of buyers. These first series cars are known to be built to a lighter specification and as such, are more desirable.

This example, is 1 of only 98 RHD cars built to Touring Specification and 1 of only 2 RHD cars supplied in Dalmatian Blue with a Limited Slip Differential. It was first delivered in 1973 to the United Kingdom, finished with a Black Leatherette/Corduroy Interior to complement the stunning Dalmatian Blue exterior.

In 1983 with just two prior owners Paul Edwards purchased the car from Simon Dee Shapland, and in just one year the car was commissioned to be fully restored by his own company, the well-respected Porsche specialist Paul Edwards, with all original lightweight panels, with an engine and gearbox rebuild, new carpets and headlining and a full overhaul of the suspension. Paul kept the car in superb care for a remarkable 23 years. Today the car has had just two further owners.

This car benefits from an extensive history file only made possible by the fastidious owners who have previously cared for the car. Extremely well maintained from new this remarkable RS Touring is accompanied by its original books and a comprehensive history file with MOT's dating back to 1976, and is also provided with its incredibly rare RS Supplement. During this year the interior has recently benefitted from a sympathetic overhaul at the same time as the wheels being refinished and a major service being completed to ensure the car is in outstanding condition throughout.

This is to many the ultimate RS Touring; UK Supplied Right Hand Drive extremely early "first 500" RS Touring, supplied in this striking combination, superb condition and with stunning originality, is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner immediately. Viewings are available at our showroom, which is based just outside London.

Please note the car will be supplied with its correct and original steering wheel.