The Carrera RS of 1973 was conceived as a pure homologation special, as Porsche needed to build 500 road-going examples to qualify the new car for FIA Group 4 GT racing. The RS was a substantially modified version of the already potent 2.4-liter 911 S. By increasing displacement to 2.7 liters, introducing various weight-saving measures, stiffening the suspension, and fitting aerodynamic aids, Porsche created an unrivaled sports car. In total, just 1,580 examples of the RS 2.7 were built, of which a mere 200 were completed in race-oriented M471 Sport or Lightweight specification.

Designed primarily as a racing car that still retained its everyday utility, these rare M471 models were initially constructed using a lightweight body shell with thin Glaverbel glass, fiberglass bumpers, and an aluminum-framed fiberglass engine lid molded into the famous “ducktail” spoiler. In order to save weight wherever possible, many of the 911’s standard features were discarded entirely or simply replaced with lighter and simpler items.

Whereas the M472 Touring models were often fully trimmed and highly optioned, the M471 Lightweights featured a business-like cockpit, spartanly furnished with cloth-covered Recaro bucket seats, simplified door panels, and thin felt carpeting. In the most extreme instances, cars were even delivered without a glove box door, clock, or sun visors.

A definitive dual-purpose sports car, striking an ideal balance between the thoroughbred 2.8 RSR and the well-appointed M472 Touring models, Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweights were generally sold to gentlemen drivers who used them to great effect in circuit racing, rallies, and hill climbs.

This first-series M471 Lightweight, chassis 9113600476, was built in January 1973 and originally finished in Seeblau (code 4848), also known as Oxford or Dalmatian Blue. According to Dr. Georg Konradsheim and Dr. Thomas Gruber’s definitive book, Carrera RS, only 55 examples of the RS 2.7 were delivered new in this handsome shade of blue, one of the most attractive Porsche colors offered for 1973. Factory records confirm that this car was lightly optioned, with just Pirelli tires, black leatherette upholstery, and head restraints noted.

One of only 67 examples delivered new to France, the Carrera RS remained in single-family ownership until 1989, when it was sold to well-known collector and racer Jean Guikas of Marseille. After passing through several owners in Europe and the US, the Lightweight was acquired by noted Porsche collector Dr. Richard Moran of Irvine, California. A well-known name in Porsche circles, Dr. Moran was among the first to recognize the significance of these rare homologation specials and, at one point, owned a Carrera RS in nearly every color built. A discerning collector, he sought out only the highest-quality examples – cars like this first-series Lightweight – which still retained its matching-numbers engine and transaxle, as well as its rare M471-specific components.

Given this car’s rare original color scheme and genuine character, Dr. Moran commissioned Nate Cantwell, one of the world’s foremost Carrera RS authorities, to restore this car to its original, as-delivered condition. During this process, the Porsche was stripped to bare metal, revealing the body’s original lightweight sheet metal and factory welds. All aspects of the restoration were completed to the highest standards, with tremendous attention to detail throughout – from fitting proper French headlamps, to sourcing correct date-coded Repa seat belts, and period-correct Pirelli CN36 tires.

The Lightweight was invited to make its post-restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in August 2013 for the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 celebration.

Under the current ownership, the RS 2.7 Lightweight has benefited from regular maintenance, detailing, and exercise. It remains in show-quality condition and is sure to impress even the most critical collector with its outstanding presentation and performance. Accompanying the sale is a set of proper French-language handbooks, a tool roll, jack, keys, spare assembly, and car cover.

Arguably the most iconic and sought-after Porsche of all time, the Carrera RS 2.7 is the definitive high-performance sports car of its generation – a model that laid the foundation for Porsche’s dominance of GT racing, and which has served as the inspiration for every top-of-the-line 911 built since 1973. Despite its enduring legacy, rarely does a Carrera RS of exceptional quality appear for sale, let alone a first-series M471 Lightweight such as this, which possesses matching-numbers components, a rare factory-color scheme, and concoursquality restoration commissioned by a respected collector and overseen by one of the foremost experts in the field.

For those who demand only the very best, this is an opportunity not to be overlooked.