Why is the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Lightweight such a special car?

Perhaps Porsche’s most iconic sports car of all time, the original 911 RS set up the full gamut of what Porsche produces today, as it provided a more sporting driving experience, it homologated a race car, and it was available in both Lightweight and more luxurious Touring models. The 2.7 RS has long been held as the standard all subsequent 911s are held to. While there is more to this car than just its stellar high-rev 2.7-liter engine, that is certainly the cornerstone of the RS experience. With tweaks to the chassis, lighter weight glass and bodywork, and minimalist interior trimming, the 2.7 RS Lightweight has what it takes to not only feel lively on track or street alike, but it is comfortable enough (in spite of its loud interior) to take on a long tour of Continental Europe.

Perhaps equally iconic is one Harry Metcalfe, who recently got an opportunity to drive a one-of-seventeen 911 RS Lightweight in right hand drive for our viewing pleasure. You’re definitely going to want to click the play button on this delightful video and crank up the volume for 25 minutes of sonorous engine and fascinating driving commentary. Harry has driven just about everything under the sun, and he regards the RS with such deference that you immediately get the sense that it is one of the all time greats, even if you’ve never so much as heard of the car.

We’ve never had the opportunity to drive the 2.7 RS, but hope to one day make that dream become reality. These machines are getting more and more scarce at events as their values continue to explode beyond the realm of even the most well-heeled car enthusiasts. I fear that this video is as close to greatness as most Porsche enthusiasts will get to this icon. If you have one, please make sure it gets out and seen by the world. We’d really appreciate it.