Profile - Porsche Carrera 3.0 RS

Browse pages
Current page

1

Current page

2

Current page

3

Current page

4

Current page

5

Current page

6

Current page

7

Current page

8

Current page

9

Current page

10

Current page

11

Current page

12

Current page

13

Current page

14

Current page

15

Current page

16

Current page

17

Current page

18

Current page

19

Current page

20

Current page

21

Current page

22

Current page

23

Current page

24

Current page

25

Current page

26

Current page

27

Current page

28

Current page

29

Current page

30

Current page

31

Current page

32

Current page

33

Current page

34

Current page

35

Current page

36

Current page

37

Current page

38

Current page

39

Current page

40

Current page

41

Current page

42

Current page

43

Current page

44

Current page

45

Current page

46

Current page

47

Current page

48

Current page

49

Current page

50

Current page

51

Current page

52

Current page

53

Current page

54

Current page

55

Current page

56

Current page

57

Current page

58

Current page

59

Current page

60

Current page

61

Current page

62

Current page

63

Current page

64

Current page

65

Current page

66

Current page

67

Current page

68

Current page

69

Current page

70

Current page

71

Current page

72

Current page

73

Current page

74

Current page

75

Current page

76

Current page

77

Current page

78

Current page

79

Current page

80

Current page

81

Current page

82

Current page

83

Current page

84

Current page

85

Current page

86

Current page

87

Current page

88

Current page

89

Current page

90

Current page

91

Current page

92

Current page

93

Current page

94

Current page

95

Current page

96

Current page

97

Current page

98

Current page

99

Current page

100

Current page

101

Current page

102

Current page

103

Current page

104

Current page

105

Current page

106

Current page

107

Current page

108

Current page

109

Current page

110

Current page

111

Current page

112

Current page

113

Current page

114

Current page

115

Current page

116

Current page

117

Current page

118

Current page

119

Current page

120

Current page

121

Current page

122

Current page

123

Current page

124

A ’74 car, a homologation special for the 3.0 RSR model, which included various modifications to the engine, running gear and bodywork.

Increase in compression ratio, 4-bearing cam boxes and shafts, dry sump lubrication, Bosch fuel injection, 80% limited slip diff were just some of the mechanical differences. The wheels and suspension set up were changed, but the 917 pattern brakes were retained. In essence it was a 3.0-litre version of the famous 2.7 RS lightweight.

This particular car, one of 109 built, was a factory-retained car which was acquired by works driver Herbert Muller and taken back to Switzerland.

From the moment one got into the car, it was obvious that here was a machine more refined than the raucous 2.8 RSR. The bonnet, wheelarch extensions and large rear wing were made out of fibreglass, and while the rollbar was padded in trimmed leather, it was otherwise totally stripped like the RSR.

Other traces of its sporting derivative survived: it had a full roll cage, a large central fire extinguisher, two race harnesses, special lightweight seats and the clock and cigar lighter had been removed, but there were two sun visors and the glove compartment had a lid.

On the road, it was definitely a refined version of its racing cousin, closer in spirit to the Carrera 2 than to the RSR. 20 bhp less than its more modern relative, it nevertheless felt as rapid and as responsive.

The driving position was awkward due to the right bias of the pedals, heeling and toeing was particularly difficult but the clutch was quite light. The gearbox was a little more baulky than that of the 2.8 RSR but it had to be borne in mind that it had just undergone a rebuild.

The car was less inclined to tramline than the fat tyred racer, but the 215/60VR15 Pirellis at the front and the 235/55VR1Ss at the rear had nothing like the footprint.

The most extraordinary thing about driving this car is just how little Porsche has advanced in some aspects of the 911, but on the other hand, just how far it has advanced in other areas.

The 3.0-litre RS was first and foremost a driver’s car. It was not designed as a road car, but as a car which could be quickly changed into a track burner. Its mechanical specification was first rate although the accent was on performance not refinement. Its chassis, though, was nothing like as forgiving as its modern namesake.

Although very unfair to compare a modern state of the art car with a model 15 years its junior, it was illuminating to assess just how Porsche engineers have used their motor racing experience to perfect their current product.

1974. Porsche Carrera 3.0 RS. Chassis numbers 9114609001 to 9109 (109 built). Engine type: 911/77. 95 x 70.4 mm. 2993 cc. 230 bhp at 6200 rpm. 202 lb ft at 5000 rpm. 920 kg.