A highly sought-after 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR was announced for sale at an auction coinciding with the recent 2023 Goodwood Revival weekend event. The auction house, Bonhams, confirmed that the sale of this iconic racing vehicle has been completed, although the terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
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Overview of the Porsche 911
Referred to as R7, the car is one of only three factory-supported specimens known to exist today. The pinnacle of its motorsports tenure was securing a fourth-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1973. This was the best standing an RSR had ever achieved at this prestigious French endurance race.
Although the vehicle retains the recognizable 911 architecture, the Carrera RSR underwent significant modifications. These include expanded fenders, a sizable rear aerodynamic wing colloquially termed the Mary Stuart (named after the Scottish queen’s distinct collar), and an enhanced 3.0-liter flat-6 engine. These extensive modifications led to the RSR being categorized as a prototype in the 1973 Le Mans race, according to auction details. Consequently, the vehicle faced off against specialized sports racing cars rather than production-based models, making its high placement in the race even more notable.
Racing History and Subsequent Ownership
Piloted by drivers Herbie Müller and Gijs van Lennep and adorned in the iconic Martini racing colors, the R7 secured its position behind only three prototype cars from Matra-Simca and Ferrari in the 1973 race. Following this event, the vehicle continued its competitive season under factory management at tracks including the Österreichring and Watkins Glen.
Ownership of R7 eventually transferred to Hector Rebaque, a Mexican racing team owner. Under his stewardship, the car returned to Le Mans in 1974 but did not finish due to ignition issues. In 1977, it was sold to Italian collector Massimo Balliva, who stored it privately for nearly three decades, leading to speculation that the car had been dismantled.
Recent Developments and Auction Expectations
Around 2009 or 2010, Balliva initiated a restoration of the R7 in France before selling it to an American collector. The vehicle subsequently became the focal point of a legal dispute in U.S. courts over its true identity, requiring Porsche engineer and team manager Norbert Singer’s expertise to verify its authenticity.
Bonhams had projected that the car would fetch between £3.7 million and £5.7 million at auction—approximately $4.6 million to $7.1 million at current exchange rates. Even at the upper end of this range, it would not have been the most costly Porsche ever sold. A 1970 917K prototype used in the film “Le Mans,” starring Steve McQueen, was auctioned for $14 million in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Sale
What is the main subject of the article?
The main subject of the article is the recent sale of a highly sought-after 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR through Bonhams auction house.
What event coincided with the sale of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR?
The sale of the vehicle coincided with the 2023 Goodwood Revival weekend event.
How many 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSRs like the one sold are believed to exist?
The article states that the car, known as R7, is believed to be one of only three factory-supported examples still existing today.
What modifications were made to the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR?
The Carrera RSR was significantly modified with expanded fenders, a large rear aerodynamic wing named the Mary Stuart, and an enhanced 3.0-liter flat-6 engine.
Who were the drivers of this Porsche 911 Carrera RSR during its notable race?
The car was piloted by Herbie Müller and Gijs van Lennep during its fourth-place finish at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What was the car’s most significant racing achievement?
The most significant racing achievement of this car was a fourth-place finish at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was the best standing an RSR had ever achieved at this prestigious race.
Who were the previous owners of the car?
The car was initially owned by the factory team and was later sold to Mexican race team owner Hector Rebaque. In 1977, it was sold to Italian collector Massimo Balliva, who then sold it to an American collector.
What was the expected auction price for the car?
Bonhams projected that the car would fetch between £3.7 million and £5.7 million—approximately $4.6 million to $7.1 million at current exchange rates.
Was the car ever involved in any legal disputes?
Yes, the car became the subject of a legal battle in U.S. courts over its true identity. Porsche engineer and team manager Norbert Singer was brought in to verify its authenticity.
How does the car’s expected auction price compare to other high-value Porsches?
Even at the upper end of its estimated price range, the car would not be the most expensive Porsche ever sold. A 1970 917K prototype used in the film “Le Mans” was auctioned for $14 million in 2017.
More about 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Sale
- Bonhams Official Website
- Goodwood Revival 2023
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Site
- Overview of Porsche 911 Carrera RSR
- The Most Expensive Porsches Ever Sold
- Legal Battles Over Classic Cars
- 1970 Porsche 917K Auction Result
- History of Porsche Racing
- Martini Racing Livery
- Norbert Singer Profile
10 comments
That 3.0-liter flat-6 must’ve been something special. They don’t make em like that anymore.
Wow, can’t believe R7 finally got sold. That’s a piece of history right there!
Interesting that it went thru a legal battle. Glad they sorted its identity out. These classic cars have lives of their own.
love how the article goes into the car’s history, especially the drivers. Müller and van Lennep were legends!
4th place at Le Mans in ’73 is no joke, this car was a real contender. Wish I had the cash to bid.
Three factory-backed examples still out there, huh? Gotta wonder where the other two are.
Conversion rates to GBP could’ve been a factor in the sale. Wonder if it met the higher estimate?
surprised that it’s not the most expensive Porsche ever sold. 917K still holds the crown, eh?
Took a restoration around 2009-2010 and still fetched millions. Just goes to show, old is gold.
Who needs a house when u can have this beauty, am I right? Those Bonhams auctions are always a treat.