Wind back the clock to the mid-70s, and Porsche were enjoying one of their most successful periods in motorsport. Whilst the fearsome flat 12 917s were stealing the headline glory, it was the 911 that allowed their customers to race competitively against the might of Ford and BMW at the time.
The 2.7 Carrera RS is probably the most prolific road car of this period, being a homologation platform for the 2.8 RSR and still highly regarded today. However, the 1974 3.0 Carrera RS that followed is far rarer, with less than 60 road cars built in total. Also a road car created to homologate the full RSR version, this time it was based on the new G series body featuring menacing flared arches, deep front spoiler and whale tail. 917 brakes, new aluminium cased 3.0 MFI engine and RSR suspension fitted as standard, ensured this featherweight 911 is a very special car to drive. Whilst the perfect candidate for a period rally car, originals are rare and expensive today, paving the way for the existence of recreations built to a similar specification.
This Porsche 911 3.0 RS replica is a striking tribute and started life as a genuine 1975 2.7 MFI 25TH Anniversary edition before being converted to 3.0-litre Carrera RS specification in the late 1970s, after which it was driven in German tarmac stage rallies, winning various class awards. It was subsequently upgraded to FIA-compatible specification in 1996, by the reputed Swiss Porsche tuner HS Racing.
Power now comes from a 3.0-litre twin-spark flat-six on high butterfly injection, producing around 300bhp, coupled to a Guard Transmissions five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential with a gate shift kit. The bodywork comprises of a fibreglass bonnet, doors, bumpers and whale tail, extended steel wheel arches and a ‘Lexan’ glass replacement kit. It is also fitted with four Hella spot lamps and 9” x15” front 11”x15” rear Fuchs wheels shod with Michelin TB5 tyres.
Inside, it has new, in date safety equipment, with OMP racing seats, Schroth racing harnesses, a Stack tachometer, a Longacre oil pressure warning light, a yellow-painted welded roll cage and a lifeline fire safety system. The car sits on Bilstein suspension all-round, while stopping power comes from 930 Turbo-specification front brakes.
Accompanying the vehicle is the original car’s Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, various German title documents, import documentation, previous FIA Historic Technical Passport (issued in 2006), and an extensive collection of maintenance invoices and MOT test certificates.
In 2003, it was sold to Nick Faure, who had driven both RS and RSRs in period for Porsche GB. He imported the car to the UK and went on to win the Tour de España in 2006, as well as a 911-only race at Circuit des Remparts in Angoulême. The car was then sold to Sean Lockyear, who won the 2008 and 2010 Tour Britannia, and entered the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
After an entry into the 2012 Tour of Britain, as well as various test days and outings, its new owner commissioned Mike Bainbridge Engineering to rebuild the engine and gearbox, and Sean Lockyear Specialist Cars to carry out some preseason race preparation. There are also invoices from DFR Motorsport for around £23,000 worth of rebuild and preparation work.
The car was later kept as part of an extensive private Porsche collection between 2015 and 2020, having circa £10,000 spent on maintenance during this time. Currently set up for track and tarmac rally use, it has just had a further 4,000 Euros spent updating safety equipment to ensure it is ready for its next custodian to enjoy again.
Our thoughts
Historic rallying offers a huge amount of fun and well prepared 911s can usually be seen at the sharp end. This car has a past proven track record and in the right hands, we see no reason why it couldn’t be a front runner again.
