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.

Whilst the UK would receive 110 examples of Porsche’s 2.7 RS from the 1580 strong production, few can lay claim to the merits of this example. Following on from the successes of the flat-twelve flagship 917 at the 24hr of Le Mans in 1972, the iconic Gulf fuel colours were added to the 2.7 RS as special order options. Completed in March of 1973, this 2.7 RS is the sole RHD M472 Touring to be completed in Gulf Orange.

Supplied new in 1973, this example was originally used by Porsche as a dealer demonstrator, invoiced to Porsche Cars GB on 24th May. Six months later, the car would come off fleet and find residence with its first private keeper, Colin Mcpherson of North Devon.

In addition to its ‘Special Order’ Gulf Orange hue, this M472 Touring was optioned with sports seats in leather with corduroy inserts, a heated rear window, electric mirrors, a driver’s mirror and Carrera lettering in black. A UK supplied C16 example, this car has remained in the UK from new, with unbroken and comprehensively documented ownership since delivery in 1973.

• 24.05.1973 – Supplied new to Porsche Cars GB
• 02.11.1973 – Purchased by Mr McPherson

Its first private owner, Mr McPherson would retain the car through until 1976, at which point it would move to its next custodian in Haverfordwest, Wales. Its sequential ownership is noted and can be seen summarised below.

• 20.09.1976 – Mr Thomas
• 12.10.1977 – Mr Manson
• 28.06.1978 – Mr Richardson
• 19.09.1978 – Mrs Brotherton-Ratcliffe
• 10.07.1981 – Mr Evans
• 17.09.1981 – Mr Strickland
• 01.04.1984 – Mr Lloyd
• 11.10.1984 – Ms Johns

Purchased in October of 1984 by Mr Jeannette Johns, a keen and enthusiastic racer who would maintain and enjoy the 2.7 RS as her personal car. Johns leant the car to renowned magazine Supercar Classics where it was notably featured on the cover. The 10-page article published in January 1988 features an in-depth review by automotive journalist Steve Cropley.

• 01.05.1995 – Previous custodian

In 1995 the car would enter a period of ownership spanning 26 years. Much loved and diligently maintained, the 2.7 RS would see frequent outings to Porsche events and concours across the UK. The accompanying history file illustrates the attendance with numerous entries, images and publications.

• 31.03.2021 – Current custodian

Purchased by its current custodian in 2021, the 2.7 has continued to be shown and enjoyed at events around the UK. Forming a part of a significant collection of RS models, this example has been used sparingly whilst receiving full care. A unique opportunity, the sole RHD Gulf Orange 2.7 RS Touring is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately, and is accompanied by its three history folders, books including its original maintenance record (Pflegepass) and supplementary information booklet.

• The sole RHD M472 Touring in special order Gulf Orange
• C16 UK supplied example originally a Porsche GB demonstrator
• Accompanied by its original maintenance record (Pflegepass) and supplementary information booklet
• Extensively documented from new
• Known ownership from new