How the 1973 911 Carrera RS Defined Modern Porsche

Origins

The RS's story begins with frustration. In early 1972, Ernst Fuhrmann, Porsche's managing director, attended a race at Hockenheim, Germany, where he witnessed BMWs and Fords outpacing 911s on a regular basis. His response was immediate and direct as he challenged racing engineer Norbert Singer and colleague Wolfgang Berger to solve the 911's performance deficit.

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The solution required homologation. Porsche had to build at least 500 road-going examples to qualify for the FIA Group 4 competition. However, the car's debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 1972 resulted in an unexpected event. The first 500 units were sold out before anyone had even seen the actual car. Porsche was caught off guard by the demand and ultimately produced over 1,500 examples, triple their original plan. What was the big deal about this high demand? That’s where everything aligned extremely well, starting with the concept and effort.

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The development team was very efficient in their work. The RS was created by just 15 engineers in May 1972, with a focus on four critical areas: weight reduction, aerodynamics, engine performance, and chassis dynamics. The now-iconic "ducktail" spoiler, which was by far the most visible innovation, came into being from wind tunnel testing by young engineer Tilman Brodbeck, who drew inspiration from a very unlikely source: the rear-end design of his old Fiat 850 coupé.

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Initially met with a lot of skepticism (Brodbeck recalls colleagues laughing at this 911 on the test track), the ducktail proved transformative. It solved the 911's notorious high-speed instability while reducing drag and improving engine cooling. The combination of a deep front air dam with that distinctive ducktail spoiler provided unprecedented stability at high speeds to the point that Porsche had to negotiate with German regulators over safety concerns before production could begin (by the way, RS stands for "Rennsport" - German for "racing sport”).

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This car was much more than its famous ducktail, though. It was an embodiment of Porsche’s relentless pursuit of performance through smart engineering.

Engineering Breakthroughs

Every modification in the 1973 911 Carrera RS served a purpose, every gram saved mattered, and every aerodynamic tweak was tested extensively. In the end, Porsche was after a complete reimagining of what a road-legal race car could be.

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There were two distinct RS variants offered: the Sport version (M471) and the Touring model (M472) each catering to different driver priorities.

First, the Porsche engineers were obsessed with weight reduction. The Sport version achieved a remarkably low 2,115lbs (960kg) curb weight – 253lbs (115kg) lighter than the Touring model. Porsche’s team employed thinner gauge steel for the body panels, doors, and roof skin. Windows were made lighter, and sound insulation was stripped away. Even the Porsche badge on the hood was initially glued on rather than mounted to save a few grams.

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In a nutshell, the Sport version embodied pure racing philosophy. The interior was stripped to its essentials: no rear seats, no carpets, no clock, no coat hooks, and no armrests. Even the glovebox lid was deemed unnecessary weight. Lightweight bucket seats replaced the standard sports seats, creating a focused, minimalist cockpit that prioritized function over comfort.

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The Touring version took a more balanced approach. It retained most of the comfort features from the standard 911 S, making it more suitable for extended road use. Despite its additional 253 lbs (115kg), it still delivered exceptional performance with a 6.3-second sprint to 62mph (100km/h) and a 150mph (240 km/h) top speed.

Porsche's venerable flat-six underwent significant changes too. Expanding the bore from 84mm to 90mm increased displacement to 2.7 liters, while state-of-the-art Nikasil-coated cylinder walls allowed for thinner cylinder walls without compromising strength. The result was 210 PS at 6,300 rpm and 255 Nm at 5,100 rpm, which was enough to make the RS (Sports variant) the first production car to break the six-second barrier in 0-62mph acceleration testing (it did it in 5.8s) at the time.

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This engine was a direct evolution of Hans Mezger's original design. Mezger, a legendary Porsche engineer, initially designed the 2.0-liter flat-six engine for the 1963 Porsche 911. His innovative approach and attention to detail laid the foundation for future developments, including the 2.7-liter engine used in the 1973 911 Carrera RS. 

The 1973 Carrera RS was also the first Porsche production model to feature a staggered wheel setup, with wider rear wheels than front. To accommodate this configuration, the company widened the rear bodywork by 42mm at the wheel arches. This created the distinctive flared "hips", which was not for the looks! The wider rear tires (215/60 VR-15 compared to 185/70 VR-15 at the front) were specifically engineered to improve traction and handling, taking advantage of the rear-engine layout's natural weight distribution. 

Both versions shared the same paint options. The signature Carrera side stripes could be ordered in contrasting colors, thus creating striking combinations that are now viewed as iconic. For instance, a white RS might feature red, blue, or green Carrera graphics along its flanks.

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The advertising campaign at the time captured this duality perfectly: "Its repertoire: by road to the race and home again. Monday to the office. Tuesday to Geneva. Back in the evening. Wednesday shopping. City. Traffic jams. Creeping traffic, but no soot on the plugs, no complaint from the clutch." 

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The design and features of this car were impressive, but the limited development budget and timeline made it outstanding. This project went from concept to production in just several months. A small group of engineers was working relentlessly under pressure. But the effort was worth it as the solutions used in the RS car became standard practice for all future 911s.

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Below are the specifications of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS:

The Birth of Modern Porsche

The RS fundamentally changed the way Porsche designed and constructed its vehicles, not just how these cars raced (think about the RSR variant configured for racing). The M471 Sport and M472 Touring packages marked the start of Porsche’s modern production philosophy. Why offer options if you can create distinct personalities within a single model line?

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The Sports package stripped the car to its essentials, while the Touring version retained luxury features for everyday usability. All of a sudden, customers had a choice between track-focused performance and grand touring comfort.

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The modular approach to vehicle specification was the basis for every significant Porsche model that followed. Today's GT3 with its Touring option, the GT2 RS with its Weissach package - all trace their lineage back to the new production strategy of the RS. Porsche advertises these differences as distinct character traits while maintaining the core model identity. The patterns started back in 1973.

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The RS also proved something crucial to Porsche's business model: customers would pay for less. When new, the lighter Sport version was cheaper, costing DM34,700 or ~$13,000 in 1973 or $85,000 today, versus DM36,500 ($14,000 / $89,000) for the Touring. Nowadays, these stripped-down variants often command significantly higher amounts. Porsche didn't forget this lesson. The RS demonstrated that a dual-purpose vehicle was desirable. The car you drove to work on Monday could win races on Sunday. This philosophy remains Porsche's brand identity to this day.

Cultural Icon

The RS did turn a lot of heads since the first car was sold to the public.

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Jerry Seinfeld, one of the most known ambassadors of Porsche cars, recognized the value and impact of the model early on. Today his collection includes a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS as his connection to his RS borders on the spiritual. "This is one of those cars that will never be for sale as long as I'm still breathing," he declared in a car TV show several years ago. And, yes, a red Carrera RS made a memorable appearance in the Seinfeld show, in Season 7, Episode 11 ("The Rye").

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The RS also made other significant screen appearances that contributed to its legendary status. Here are several notable examples.

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Тhe RS served as the centerpiece of the award-winning documentary "Urban Outlaw" (2012), where collector Magnus Walker showcased his passion for early 911s. His infamous '277' RS tribute car set off a resurgence in appreciation for RS.

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The RS regularly appears in automotive documentaries and series, from Chasing Perfect (2019) to Netflix's "Abstract: The Art of Design" episode featuring Porsche design.

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The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS has been featured in both the Gran Turismo and Forza racing video game franchises. In Forza, it appears in titles such as Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon. In Gran Turismo 7, players can drive this classic model, experiencing its unique handling and performance.

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Today, the RS stands out in automotive culture, and it transcends celebrity garages, TV shows, or video games. Its aesthetic impact has led to many imitations and homages, especially the ducktail spoiler and bold Carrera side graphics. The RS's design language was so influential that it is still being used in modern performance cars, particularly in aerodynamic optimization.

The Carrera RS Market Today

The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS market tells a compelling story of value growth. From an original price ($13K in 1973 or over 85K in today’s dollars), Sport versions now command upwards of $2.4 million for pristine examples. Even the "entry level" for an RS hovers around $300,000 – and that's for cars requiring a good amount of restoration.

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The appreciation is well justified. The RS represents a perfect storm of collectability: genuine racing pedigree, groundbreaking innovation, limited production numbers, and exclusive historical significance. 

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Authenticity is a key factor for buyers who are looking to buy Porsche cars. Documentation accompanying the RS cars is highly important. Matching numbers, original colors, and comprehensive history files can make a difference of hundreds of thousands in value. The original build specification is of utmost importance, as many Touring models have been converted to Sport specification over the years to chase higher values.

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Key points for potential buyers:

• verify the authenticity of the "ducktail" spoiler and wider rear fenders
• confirm engine numbers match the factory records
• check for original lightweight panels (where applicable)
• investigate restoration work and modifications
• verify original color combination and Carrera graphics

Today, the RS is more than just an investment for collectors and enthusiasts. It stands as a benchmark for how truly great cars are made. In an era of increasing automation and complexity, the RS remains a testament to brilliant engineering, clear purpose, and pure performance.

Fun Facts

Here are 5 fascinating trivia points about the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS that car enthusiasts and collectors will find amusing:

1. The iconic "ducktail" spoiler's design was partially inspired by a humble Fiat 850 coupé, when engineer Tilman Brodbeck noticed how a slight rear edge made the newer Fiat notably faster than its predecessor.
2. The German term for ducktail is 'Entenbürzel', literally meaning 'duck's rump.' Despite being officially called 'Bürzel' (rump) in technical documentation, Porsche engineers used this colloquial term during development. The nickname is still used by German Porsche enthusiasts to refer to any similar rear spoiler design as an 'Entenbürzel' today. The term is as iconic in German car circles as 'ducktail' is in English-speaking markets.
3. The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was the first time at Porsche that a series production car featured different tyre sizes on the front and rear axles.
4. The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was not officially sold in the U.S. market due to safety and emissions regulations. In this way, it was the first time Porsche was denied access to its largest market for such a significant model.
5. Test driver Günter Steckkönig discovered the ducktail actually increased top speed by 4.5 km/h through reduced drag, contrary to expectations that it would slow the car down. 

The CURATED Approach

The 1973 Carrera RS exemplifies everything we value at CURATED. Each RS that passes through our Miami showroom tells a story that began in Stuttgart, Germany, five decades ago.

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Our approach combines deep historical knowledge with modern technical expertise. We understand why that ducktail spoiler caused such controversy. We know why the M471 Sport package used glued-on hood badges. We can explain how those wider rear wheels transformed the 911's handling characteristics.

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For collectors considering an RS or any significant vintage supercar, CURATED offers more than a simple transaction. We provide context, documentation, history, expertise, and decades of experience. Our clients are part of a community of enthusiasts who understand that these machines represent the highwater marks of mechanical innovation and design.

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Whether you're a seasoned collector or a passionate enthusiast looking to acquire your first investment-grade classic, we invite you to experience the CURATED difference. After all, in a world of mass production and digital interfaces, these analog masterpieces remind us why we fell in love with vintage supercars in the first place.

The Legacy Lives On

The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS represents that rare moment when everything aligned perfectly: brilliant engineering, racing necessity, and market timing. Conceived from the need to make 911s competitive again, this car became the blueprint for every performance Porsche that followed.

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This car established Porsche's dual-purpose philosophy: race-winning capability paired with everyday usability. Its innovative M471/M472 package strategy created the template for modern Porsche production, while its RSR variant (only 49 built for racing purposes) dominated tracks worldwide.

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Fifty years later, this car’s influence remains vivid in every GT3, every RS, and every lightweight variant that leaves Porsche's factory. The DNA of the 1973 RS flows through them all, from aerodynamic design and modular specifications to racing technology and production techniques.

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Perhaps that's why the RS remains the benchmark for Porsches. Well, sometimes things just come out so right that they can never truly be bettered. The 1973 911 Carrera RS is exactly that: perfection, achieved through necessity, preserved through time.

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