Launched at the 1972 Paris Motor Show ahead of being introduced for the 1973 model year, the famed Carrera RS 2.7 was based around the 911 S platform. It was conceived to allow Porsche to compete in the FIA’s newly created Group 4 race series for production cars.

Under the thinner sheet metal exterior and fibreglass engine cover sat a bigger-bore flat-six. It featured low-friction, Nikasil-lined cylinders fed by Bosch mechanical fuel injection as part of a 20 per cent increase to 210 horsepower. Stiffer suspension plus larger disc brakes and wheels improved the handling balance, while wider wings and the statement “ducktail” rear spoiler became legendary styling cues. The model remains among the most celebrated in Stuttgart history.

To comply with the motorsport governing body’s homologation requirements, Porsche set out with the intention of building just 500 cars. But the winning recipe meant the customer order book was complete before the end of 1972, leading to two more series being slated for production. All told, 1,580 examples were built. Of those, 1,308 cars were made with the “M472” option code, denoting the desirable and more civilised Touring specification.

The example offered here, chassis number 9113601141, was delivered new to France via official marque importer Sonauto of Paris in May 1973. One of those configured in Touring specification, it was finished with Light Ivory paint over a black leatherette and corduroy interior. The car was equipped with optional sports seats, electric windows, and an electric sunroof. Notably, that makes it one of only four factory sunroof cars delivered new in France.

First owned in the northwest of the country by Michele Lecoufle of Saint-Lô, the Carrera 2.7 RS was driven and enjoyed extensively. By the time Lecoufle sold the car in 1978, it had covered approaching 120,000 kilometres. The second keeper, Philippe Brochet, followed suit. He retained the Porsche through to March 1999, adding another 73,000 kilometres, before it was acquired by Mr Denis Mathieu. After 14 years under his care, chassis 9113601141 was purchased by a collector in Austria before being sold to the consigning owner in May 2018, by which time the car was noted to have covered almost 248,000 kilometres. From August 2018, the 911 has been registered for use on the road in the United Kingdom.

A bevy of invoices (available to view on file) record the Porsche’s maintenance history in France and Austria. Crucially, the car has never been fully restored. Accordingly, it presents in its factory colour combination of Ivory White over a black leatherette and corduroy interior. In addition, the Carrera 2.7 RS retains its matching-numbers flat-six engine and transmission. Included in its comprehensive history file is a copy of the original Sonauto sales invoice and a certificate issued by Porsche Austria in August 2013, which confirms its original specification. It is also accompanied by a tool kit, jack, and service book

As one of only four factory sunroof examples delivered to France, further to boasting known ownership from new, this historic and authentic Touring-specification example of the revered 911 Carrera 2.7 RS would make for both a prized possession among any Porsche-themed collection as well as being an ideal candidate to experience on numerous driving tours.