1973 Porsche 911 RS LIGHTWEIGHT

This 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7one of just 200 M471 Lightweight versions producedis an icon of Porsche performance, and as such, it is regarded by many enthusiasts as the ultimate 911. The Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 was conceived as a pure homologation special necessitating a minimum production output of 500 examples to qualify it for participation in Group 4 GT racing. Ultimately, Porsche would produce a cumulative total of 1,580 Carrera RS 2.7 cars offered in two flavors, the M472 Touring model and the M471 Lightweight sport model. The Carrera RS 2.7 recipe was simple in concept: add more horsepower, dramatically reduce the vehicle weight, improve the high-speed aerodynamic stability and tune the suspension for tenacious grip. The M471 Lightweight embodies the pure distilled essence of the Carrera RS ethos tipping the scales at a svelte 2,150 pounds, as compared to its brethren M472 at 2,370 pounds and its sister 911S at 2,550 pounds. This quantum weight loss entailed using thinner-gauge steel in the fenders, doors and hood, substituting lightweight fiberglass in lieu of steel on the engine lid and the front and rear bumpers, and converting to a lighter and thinner Glaverbel window glass. Additional amenities were removed to achieve ultimate lightness, such as the deletion of sound-deadening material and the complete removal of the back seat, clock, glovebox door, passenger-side sun visor, door pockets and armrests. A larger-displacement 2.7L engine was developed and fitted with mechanical fuel injection. The body changes include flared rear-fender arches to accept wider rear wheels, a front chin spoiler and the RS signature ducktail rear spoiler. This Tangerine Orange RS has an esteemed rally-racing history dating back to 1976-80, and it comes complete with a factory-issued Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, maintenance record, technical-specifications book and a tool roll.