Beschreibung
This is lot number 218 in the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale on July 12th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
? Inspired by the Le Mans 1973 version of 'R7'
? Built in compliance with the FIA homologation #3053 (see text)
? Homologated for road use
? Barely used since completion
The Porsche 911 3-litre RSR, nicknamed R7 for its chassis number's suffix, is arguably one of the Stuttgart firm's best known racing models. Built in early 1973, it started its career in the Nürburgring 1, 000 km with the Gijs van Lennep and Herbert Müller duo at the wheel. The team then made history with an extraordinary fourth place in the Le Mans 24 Hours and a class victory in the Sports Prototype class. While its sister car (R6, with the same rear) abandoned, the R7 gave quite a performance for a production car, as ahead of it were only 3-litre prototypes designed solely for racing: two Matra-Simca MS670Bs and a Ferrari 312 PB.
The remarkable story of the R7 and its aerodynamic development inspired our seller, who was looking to drive an out-of-the-ordinary RSR. To build a faithful replica of the R7 in its 1973 Le Mans 24 Hours configuration, the base chosen was a Porsche 911 3. 0 SC type G. This chassis, which came onto the market in 1974, could indeed be said to have inherited all the changes of the special group 3 homologated version of the 911 RS. Its production year, 1981, also allowed the owner to ensure homologation for road use once the project was complete. In strictly legal terms, the engine capacity and chassis are essentially identical to the R7. In addition, the 3. 0 SC block has FIA-eligible casting numbers, and the 915/ 63 gearbox is also eligible.
In terms of restoration, the body was stripped down and fitted with a six-point roll cage homologated for road use. The body was made to measure, with a reproduction of the famous three-part Mary Stuart spoiler. To keep off the extra kilos and to conform with 1973 models, the wings and openings have been produced in composite materials. The only exception to this weight loss program is the doors, still made of sheet metal for safety reasons, as the car is also intended for road use. As for aesthetics, the renowned Martini livery seen in Le Man perfects the look.
In terms of ground link, the car rests on Bilstein shock absorbers with track settings. The running gear is fully adjustable and the made-to-measure wheel rims have been machined in forged aluminium to be ultra-lightweight. Regarding the aesthetic specifications, the system with central nuts and the type 917 rim design correspond to that of the 1973 model. Braking is ensured by homologated Porsche calipers, compliant with appendix K. Fitted with race-standard brake pads and a tandem master cylinder system, it offers braking power appropriate to its performance.
The 3. 0 engine has been fully checked. It does not have, as required by FIA specifications, a mechanical injection pump or slide throttle intakes. To pass anti-pollution tests, the owner has had the vehicle fitted with a Weber 46 IDA type system (not FIA-homologated). The stainless steel RSR-type megaphone exhausts for the circuit allow an RS-type muffler to be fitted for road use. Lastly, the passenger compartment has FIA-homologated bucket seats, a six-point harness that is also homologated, an automatic extinguisher system, an FIA circuit breaker and a pedal box that can be adjusted from the passenger compartment.
The construction of this 911 to be as close as possible to the RSR of the 1973 Le Mans 24 Hours took over two years. It required extensive historical research and the development of specific parts. The choice was made to maintain its road homologation, making it one of the most astonishing Porsches that can be driven on open roads!
Nonetheless, its near compliance with the FIA 3053 homologation means that direct usage for many historic competitive events is feasible, for example the 2 Tours d'Horloge at the Circuit Paul Ricard. As for more prestigious events, such as Peter Auto, a few modifications would be required, such as the fitting of mechanical injection.
This 3-litre 911 will be sold with a Belgian registration document, a report from a civil roadworthiness test for passenger cars and a file listing precisely the modifications undertaken and how they correspond to FIA specifications. It is available on request and will be included in the report on the car's condition.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
