When it comes to the ultimate classic 911, the 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS is a favorite for many Porsche lovers, and for good reason. It was a Porsche developed with competitive spirit and performance at the forefront of every decision that went into its design.
The 911 Carrera 2.7 RS was the fastest production 911 at the time and a solid performer at races. All in all, it may be one of the best road cars of all time and easily falls within any list of best Porsches ever made.
So what made the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS so great? Let’s take a closer look at some of its specifications.
Porsche’s performance
Porsche had been used to pushing its cars in terms of performance and physics. In 1972, the 911S was the highest-performance Porsche model, but the car began to break the laws of physics. The car had reached its aerodynamic limits, and, as it approached speeds near 150 mph, race drivers experienced lift at the rear, resulting in oversteer through fast corners.
Building off of these cues, the 2.7 RS became more powerful and aerodynamic than the 911S while remaining better balanced.
The 2.7 RS was amazingly responsive. Its quick-revving engine, powerful brakes, precision engine, and seemingly telepathic steering made the car both a pleasure and thrill to drive. The race-tuned suspension and wider tires meant a slightly rougher ride at low speeds, but things smoothed out at high speeds.
The car performed so well largely because it was extremely light and coupled well to its torque-centric and powerful engine.
The RS was fast, even by today’s standards. The 2.7 RS 0–60 mph time was just 5.8 seconds, and it hit 100 mph in just 12.8 seconds. The top speed was around 150 mph.
Designing a classic
The Carrera RS 2.7 was distinctly identifiable thanks to Porsche’s bold CARRERA script that ran along the exterior between the wheel openings. A Bürzel fiberglass rear deck lid, which lent to the car’s distinctive look, also offered a real performance advantage. It greatly reduced the aerodynamic lift provided by the spoiler, which not only reduced the 911’s oversteer problem but added 2 mph to the car’s top speed. An additional benefit was that it also raised the pressure at the grille, improving airflow to the engine compartment and lowering oil temperatures.
Porsche really trimmed down the 2.7 RS. To reduce its weight, the car was built with lightweight panels, fiberglass bumpers, and a stripped interior, which decreased the weight to as little as 2,149 lbs for some models, although buyers could choose from several variants and options available.
An engine to match
Under the fiberglass deck lid was Porsche’s improved Carrera six-cylinder engine. Since it was larger than 2.5 liters in size, displacement could be increased to the next class size, which was three liters.
The RS engine, designated as the Type 911/83, was in many ways much like the 911S that preceded it. The compression ratio was identical, 8.5:1, and the 2.7 used the same Bosch mechanical injection, valve sizes, and timing as the 2.4-liter 911S.
The engine output was 210 brake horsepower at 6300 rpm (which was an increase of 20 over the S), although the engine was capable of being pushed well beyond that. With the rev limiter set at 7300 rpm, maximum torque was rated at 188 lb/ft at 5100 rpm. This was achieved using regular octane fuel! Drive was carried through a 915 5-speed transaxle, as used in the 911S, but with fourth and fifth ratios raised slightly.
Insuring a legend
Insurance for supercars like the Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS needs to be done right and prepared with the same level of care that you hold for your incredible automobile. At Classic Auto Insurance, you won’t find one-size-fits-all policies. We tailor our insurance coverage to you and your car.
So, for Porsche insurance, make us your first call. Yes, we insure cars, but we love cars too! We would be glad to hear more about your vehicle and the story behind it. After all, it’s our job to talk about cars and to keep them and their owners covered.
We’re happy to take questions or to offer an insurance quote for Porsches and other incredible cars. Contact us to learn more.
