The Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS ‘Lightweight’

The 911 2.7 Carrera RS was built for one purpose, to allow Porsche to compete in motor racing. Motorsport homologation requirements dictated that 500 units needed to be produced, however in October 1972 at the Paris Auto Salon, the cars official introduction, Porsche sold out and a further 500 were given the green-light. Ultimately, Porsche would manufacture 1,580 examples before the end of 1973, with the vast majority being standard ‘Touring’ models.

There were predominantly 2 variants of 2.7 Carrera RS, a ‘Touring’ or ‘Lightweight’ specification, although Porsche did also produce two further models, a RSH homologation special, and the RSR race car.

1,308 Carrera RS units were specified from new with the M472 ‘Touring’ package, however only 200 examples were specified from new with the M471 ‘Lightweight’ option which featured thinner gauge steel for the wings, doors and roof panel in conjunction with thinner and lighter clear glass from the Belgian firm Glaverbel. The lightweight cars also benefited from no sound insulation, no rear folding seats, no sun visor, no dashboard clock, radio or glovebox door, they really were focussed machines. The list of differences continues with the ‘Lightweights’ also being fitted with racing seats, no power windows, fibreglass bumpers, no decorative chrome strip along the length of the sill, no rear opening windows, and the substitution of a sicker in place of the Porsche crest on the bonnet.

This 2.7 Carrera RS ‘Lightweight’

Chassis no. 911 360 0365 is the 50^th of only 200 factory built 911 2.7 Carrera RS’ specified with option M471 ‘Lightweight’. The car presented here completed production in January 1973 and was originally finished in Light Yellow ‘6262’, the same colour we see today. The car was also specified from new with a limited-slip differential, engine compartment life, and interestingly an electric sliding roof. According to Carrera RS by Thomas Gruber and Georg Konradsheim this is the first of only three ‘Lightweights’ optioned with an electric sliding roof – ideal considering it is nearly 30kg lighter than air conditioning!

In June 1993 this 911 was registered in the UK, with license ‘FTM 445L’ and owned by Mr Paul Grist, a collector and restorer. DK Engineering then sold the car to Naito Auto Engineering in Japan. Naito Auto Engineering was founded in 1953 and maintained ownership of this ‘Lightweight’ until early 2019, having also restored the car during their tenure. Pictures form the restoration are included in the cars history file, and show the car being stripped back to a bare shell before being repainted. Also within the history file are various Japanese maintenance records, showing the mileage in 1995 as 22,099 km, through to 29,000 km in 2000.

Upon arrival in England in late 2019, Girardo & Co. immediately sent the car to classic Porsche 911 specialists, Autofarm, for an inspection and major service. The inspection report is on file, with the major service including replacement of the engine oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs, contact breaker points, fuel filter, brake fluid and gearbox oil. The engine was also tuned with the head studs and valve clearances being checked. 

Offered in great condition and fresh from a major service, and being one of only 200 ‘Lightweight’ specification 2.7 RS’, this 911 is fast, beautiful and offers a rare opportunity to add one of the most iconic 1970’s sports cars to your collection. 

Price Upon Application