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The coveted, priceless, exciting '73 Carrera RS...
Invest in an original? Or better drive a perfect clone?
2.7 Carrera RS; a priceless original or better off with a perfect backdate?
A perfect, genuine ’73 Carrera RS will cost some 250.000 Euro. And what do you actually buy for that money? An original number, hopefully. Because the RS ‘originals’ worldwide exceed RS production numbers...
Other than with polyester Speedster lookalikes on a beetle platform, it is possible to build a perfect Carrera RS clone. There are even clones that beat their original example in performance. With all the right looks, feel, smell and - even improved - performance. With a better engine, better suspension, better brakes and galvanized as a bonus.
This is what I had in mind when I decided to go for a perfect clone, rather than dumping my money into a ‘real VIN’. For me it is the driving experience and the fun that counts. Fun without the wet hands of an RS treasure keeper. I prefer a car that serves me...
Paul Stephens Autoart, the creators of the PS Classic Light Weight
In my search for the perfect RS clone I saw many attempts and all the ways to pimp several types of 911 into an RS. But it takes so much more than a ducktail, flat door cards and a roll cage. During my visit to Goodwood Revival 2010, my friend introduced me to Paul Stephens, who had a display on the grounds. I saw some examples of their backdated 911’s and I was instantly lost. Cosmetically and technically these cars are awesome. From that moment on I knew that at some moment Paul Stephens would be the man to build my dream RS.
Not just a panel job and a quick blow over. Based on a 3.0 SC the PS classic lightweight offers the best of both worlds.
Click on the right frame to see and hear the car in POV action.
After my Goodwood visit in September 2010 I decided to go for a PS lightweight and I started searching the internet to score a good 1980 3.0 SC coupe, to serve as a donor. Paul Stephens is well able to supply a donor, but I preferred to deliver a Dutch registered car myself, because that will prevent formal import complications after completion of the project. My son had the pleasure to drive it to Paul Stephens premises, where it arrived on 20 February. On 12 March I have paid a visit to Paul Stephens myself to discuss the details.
The donor car for my PS classic lightweight; a 1980 3.0 SC with 211.000 kilometers in a reasonable condition. Including a fake turbo spoiler as a prove of bad taste.
We are going to turn this body into the most beautiful and most exciting 911 of all times, a 2.7 RS Carrera light weight. The car that makes all further cars needless...
My SC coupe will be backdated to an M471 Lightweight version with Recaro seats, in Grand Prix white and green. Original refurbished 15"Fuchs will be fitted and we also decided to install PMO carburators for maximum power and thrill.
Mean machine, nimble power, light weight.
The footage of the restoration/backdating process of my SC donor.
The front slam panel of the SC is too low for a pre-73 hood, needing a long 'adapter' hook. Welding in a correct front slam panel eliminates the give away...
Unveiling the past: drivers door has had serious damage and half an inch of filler in it. So, one replacement door coming up...
The twin battery compartments welded into the front sides.
Paul Stephens and me on 4 August 2011, when we paid a visit to the body workshop,
which is located at Clark and Carter Restorations, a joint venture with PS Autoart .
These are the magnificent PMO carburators that will replace the injection system. In the middle is the PS badge, available in Sterling silver, but also in
high grade chrome, since that will last better over time. Other parts are starting to come in as well, also a rare NOS 85 liter Hessental composite tank.
Correct 15" Fuchs wheels, refurbished, anodized and painted. And a very rare New Old Stock 85 liter Hessental composite tank. The dashboard profile is meticulously reproduced.
Rear bumper fixings rails as it would have been fitted originally. The sharp edges of the SC wheel arches have been knocked to the correct RS profiles.
The ducktail, on a correct alu frame, a set of original Recaros and a correct unused spare wheel. At right the NOS heater control unit.
'72 steering column part, RS clam shell and a set of period switches. Wiper switch is a good used part, turn signal switch is new. And the correct glove box lock.
The bottom is sand blasted, to prepare it for the undercoating
This picture shows the reinforcement on the tunnel of an RS. This reproduction part was manufactured by Rens Ruts, renown Dutch Porsche restorer.
Perfection also under the bonnet. Unrestored 6x15 Fuchs wheel and original tool set.
The PS approach of a 'green' engine. With improved flow, PMO carburators and 993 camshafts we expect this machine to pump out an awesome 280 HP.
Now we are really getting somewhere...
To be continued.
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