One of only 200 units produced, this 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight is a cornerstone of Porsche’s motorsport legacy. Offered at RM Sotheby’s Paris auction on February 4, 2025, it carries an estimated value of $950,000 to $1,250,000. Built to homologate the 911 for international GT racing, the Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight was a masterclass in weight reduction and performance tuning. Engineers increased the engine displacement from 2.4 to 2.7 liters, boosting power to 210 horsepower.
Significant weight savings—220 pounds lighter than the standard 911—were achieved through fiberglass body panels, stripped interiors, and lightweight wheels. Upgraded suspension, brakes from the Porsche 917, and aerodynamic enhancements, including the iconic ducktail spoiler, made the RS a formidable track machine. It also features a barebone interior with lightweight Recaro seats, and minimal sound insulation. Demand for the Carrera RS far exceeded the 500-unit homologation requirement, with 1,508 produced—with only 200 being the coveted Lightweight variant.
This specific example, chassis 9113600573, was delivered new to Verona, Italy, on February 14, 1973. Ordered with the rare M471 Lightweight package and a limited-slip differential, it was destined for competition. Its first owner, Vittorio Benvenuti, debuted the car at the Vittorio Veneto-Cansiglio hill climb, winning the Group 4 class. Over the years, it participated in prestigious events such as the Targa Florio, Rally Due Valli, and Rally Mille Miglia.
The car achieved its most notable success in 1979, winning the Rally dei Vini, contributing to Federico Cane’s Italian National Rally Championship title. After its competitive career, the car changed hands multiple times, residing in Italy until 1990 and later joining notable collections in France and the U.S. It has been meticulously maintained by Porsche specialists, and remains in excellent condition. Presented in its original Grand Prix White with Blue script and wheels and a black interior, it is an authentic representation of its factory delivery specifications.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
