1974' Porsche Carrera 2. 7RS

Background
Any car enthusiast with an ounce of petroleum in their veins will be aware of the 1973 Porsche Carrera 2. 7RS, nearly every journalist waxed lyrical about it when launched, and it was no coincidence that several formula one drivers had one for commuting to the circuit for their day job. Initially, just 500 were to be produced, but this crept to 1580 cars by the time production ended.
In October 1973 for the 74 model year, the Carrera RS was replaced with a new Carrera featuring near-identical mechanicals but wrapped in a new G Series body. These early Carrera models weighed 1075KGs, only 15kgs more than the outgoing RS Touring, so unsurprisingly performance figures quoted from Porsche at the launch were identical.
However, a £2, 235. 00 price hike of over the outgoing ‘73 RS Touring to £8, 580. 00 at launch was probably one of the reasons only 1011 Carrera 2. 7 MFI Coupes were produced for the 74 model year, ironically making them rarer than the holy grail – the ‘73 RS.
History has not been kind to the ‘74 Carrera, often being overshadowed by the more delicate looking ‘73 variants. As time goes by the impact bumper cars that have been loathed for so long are finally having their day as a new generation of buyer who prefers them is emerging.
History
We are pleased to offer this LHD Carrera 2. 7 MFI for sale, that was manufactured in December 1973 making it one of the earliest examples available. It was first supplied by Porsche cars Belgium and registered in Brussels May 1974 to a Mr Dlugi and then to Mr Desomme who kept the car until 1983. It then moved to the south of France where it remained until 1998 with its third owner Mr Chabert before being purchase in Cannes and imported into the UK by its 4th owner Mr Sellick in December 1998. We purchased the car in December 2013, and it has been in our custody since then.
Although the ownership history is clear from new, as with many cars of this age, the service history has nothing present during its life in Belgium. This is possibly made a little clearer with correspondence from Mr Chabert to Mr Sellick in the history file. Confirming the car was originally orange and before his ownership had been painted white while the engine had been replaced at some stage with another unit from a 73 car. Hard to believe now, but probably cheaper than having the original rebuilt at the time.
When we purchased the car in 2013, a certificate of authenticity from Porsche was acquired which confirmed it initially to be orange, with leather interior, ducktail rear spoiler and electric sunroof. It had been maintained in the UK by several specialists and had received a thorough restoration by Barry Carter (Early 911 coachbuilding) in 2008, but mechanically was a little tired all the way through, the engine in particular, had seen better days.
We already owned another 2. 7MFI engine that had been built up from new with genuine un-numbered 7R cases. We fitted this along with a rebuilt gearbox, brakes and suspension. A glass out respray was also carried out. We then used the car as a daily driver during the summer months until 2016 when we approached by a regular client who had been looking for an LHD car that could be used for long European trips. A sale was agreed, and our client also decided he wanted the standard leather interior removed and replaced with lightweight carpets, door cards and a pair of lollipop RSR style seats trimmed with black and white pasha inserts.
Final Words
On the road, those that understand these early 911s and have driven this car marvel at how well it performs and drives, it certainly makes for a very engaging and faithful companion on European tours.
If you have been searching for an original car, with matching numbers and complete service history, you will need to keep looking elsewhere. However, if you own a 73RS and because of its value no longer want to use it or cannot afford the £500, 000 required to buy a 73 Touring model in restored condition, this 2. 7 Carrera may tick several boxes. It offers all of the thrills of a ’73 but for a third of the outlay. Those impact-bumpers are suddenly starting to look pretty cool too!