Porsche 911 Historic Rally Car

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 Porsche’s rear-engined road rocket has always attracted keen drivers and the iconic 911 has racked up a vast number of race and rally wins since it was launched way back in 1963.

Quite apart from its sheer speed, the poise of its McPherson strut front and semi-trailing arm rear suspension, coupled to its highly strung weight distribution, gave the car a handling sensitivity that, in the right hands, could be deployed to devastating effect. It was designed with one function in mind – to go fast.

Up until the advent of the fearsome Turbo in 1975, the fastest of the lot was the legendary RS Carrera of the early 1970s. Instantly recognisable by its 'duck-tail' rear spoiler, it has now become so desirable that a genuine example will set you back a hefty six-figure sum (and rising). In both terms of looks and performance, it’s small wonder that many 911 race and rally campaigners hold the RS as the ideal to work towards when creating a competition machine.

The red duck-tailed Porsche 911 competition car on offer today started life as a 1972 911T, but has been heavily and expertly modified to RS specification. The bodyshell was a rust-free Californian import, to which RS-type front and rear bumpers and duck-tail engine cover have been added in fibreglass. Critical under-body areas were also strengthened, and all side and rear windows remade in Perspex. The underside is protected by Tuthill-designed front and rear alloy guards, while the fuel system uses a foam-filled safety fuel cell in an aluminium box with twin pumps.

Inside, a fully welded-in custom roll-cage has been added. Driver and co-driver have Motordrive seats and full harnesses, while a fire extinguisher system is also plumbed-in.

The engine is an all-alloy three-litre unit, built by Porsche specialist Nick Fulljames. It incorporates Nickasil cylinders with forged pistons, gas flowed heads with ‘twin-plug’ modification (which needs a twelve plug distributor to complete), S cams, MSD ignition, Weber carburettors and a stainless steel exhaust system. Power output is 243bhp.

The close ratio Porsche 915 gearbox has been modified with a turbo side plate and strengthened first gear. Power goes to the rear wheels through a sintered race clutch and a Gripper limited slip differential.

The suspension was set up by Tuthills and features Bilstein legs and a strut brace at the front, while at the rear, the trailing arms are alloy with an optional anti roll bar. Rear dampers are Bilstein and polybushes are used throughout.

The brakes carry a dual master cylinder with an adjustable balance bar and use RS alloy callipers and braided hoses throughout. Wheels are BBS alloys with 7J fronts and 8J rears although a set of 10 Porsche ‘cookie cutter’ wheels are also included.

Campaigned by Wynne Jones, the car has competed in six tarmac events (taking four class wins) and comes with its MSA logbook and historic vehicle papers. It is road tax exempt and will have a fresh MOT certificate before the sale.

Reportedly a fantastic car to drive and a formidable competitor, this Porsche is ready to compete right out of the box. Although it was built as a rally car, it would also be suitable for racing, hillclimbs and other track work. Being offered here at a fraction of the cost it would take to build, it will bring in plenty of silverware in the right pair of hands.