The most iconic 911 ever turns 40.
It has been 40 years since the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS burst onto the scene with its lightweight construction, ducktail spoiler, unique front chin, and 2.7-liter flat-six engine. The car was originally made for FIA homologation for FIA racing and became a production legend.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS is an icon and one of the most valuable 911 models ever. Only 500 models were originally intended to be built, but Porsche ended up building a total of 1,580 units. The 911 2.7 RS was a special car. It featured different body work with a contrasting “Carrera” graphic between the front and rear axles, and color matching Fuchs wheels. A special “ducktail” rear spoiler helped to generate downforce and aid in engine cooling, and special front bodywork set it apart from other 911 models.
Customers could buy the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS in a M472 Touring trim, which weighed 1,075 kg (2,365 lbs.) or M471 Lightweight trim that tipped the scales at 920 kg (2,024 lbs.). Each model was powered by a 2.7-liter Typ 911/83 flat-six engine that produced 210 horsepower at 6,300 RPM and 188 lb-ft. at 5,100 RPM. This enabled the Touring version of the 911 2.7 RS to reach 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and the Lightweight trim to do the same in 5.8 seconds. Top speed for the 911 2.7 RS is 149 mph and the Lightweight was 152 mph. Only 200 of the M471 Lightweight Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS models and 1,308 Touring were ever produced by Porsche.
At the Techno Classica 2012 in Essen, Porsche will be bringing a Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS that was restored by the Porsche Classic workshop to celebrate its 40 year anniversary. Alongside the 911 2.7 RS will be a 1973 911 Carrera RSR with 330 hp, and a 1974 911 Carrera RSR Turbo that produced 500 hp from a 2.1-liter engine and featured a two-meter wide rear axle. An early Porsche 911 that is currently being restored for a customer will also be on display at the show.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS will be on display from the 21st to 25th of March 2012 at the Techno Classica classic trade fair in Essen. At the fair, Porsche will be promoting their Porsche Classic workshop and vintage parts.
Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Gallery
[Source: Porsche, The Complete Book of Porsche 911]
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