1974 Porsche Carrera RSR Tribute

By Petrolicious Marketplace

August 24, 2016

Photography by Carter Kelly-Kramer

Written by Andrew Golseth

1973 Porsche 911 RSR Tribute

Location: New York
Chassis: 9114100773
Engine: 3.2-liter flat-six
Transmission: 915 box five-speed
Mileage: 77,600 miles
Color: Tangerine / Black + Orange Plaid

If You Can’t Buy The Dream, Build The Dream

Few cars resonate with enthusiasts universally like the Porsche 911. Perhaps it’s the relentless mad Stuttgart scientists’ efforts to perfect a questionably stable formula that keeps the fans rooting? Whatever the reason, most gearheads, and the rest of mankind it seems, have a strong attraction to Germany’s most famous sportscar. But some enthusiasts elevate their Porsche passion to another level—something Richard Schickman didn’t initially set out to do, but mastered by recreating one of the most iconic Carrera models: the RSR.

In 1973, Porsche had its eye on Group 4 series racing but needed to build a competitive vehicle to contest: enter the 2.7 Carrera RS. Although they were built on standard 911 chassis, the RS was far from a run-of-the-mill 911. For starters, weight loss was taken to extreme measures with the use of lighter gauge steel body construction, thinner glass, and a stripped out bare-bones interior. The lightened body was flared to house wider Fuchs alloys with meatier tread for added grip. To further increase traction and shave pounds, lightweight aero bumpers, the now-hallmark “ducktail” decklid, and fiberglass trunk cover were fitted.

For the RS, the standard 2.4-liter flat-six was punched out to 2.7 and massaged to the tune of 210 horsepower. The five-speed gearbox received new 4th and 5th cogs to raise the top speed over 150 mph. A revised stiffened suspension and larger four-wheel disc brakes kept the added power balanced for more stability. An initial order of 500 RS were produced to meet FIA homologation requirements but the race-ready production cars were so hot, Porsche tripled RS production totaling 1,580 units.

The most hardcore no-nonsense version of these race-aimed 911 was the RSR. These Rennsport specials intensified the standard 2.7 RS flavor in every way. Even wider, lighter, faster, and more capable in every performance category, the RSR was the RS unrestricted—dialed in for maximum capability with no regard for creature comforts.

Just 49 RSR were built making them highly sought after fetching seven-figure fetching when you can find one. With such low production figures, the dream to own an RSR has left many enthusiasts with no choice but to build their own tribute models—exactly what Richard’s accomplished here. Richard’ first RSR tribute build was self-serving but after receiving a buying offer he couldn’t turn down, he realized If You Build A Porsche RSR Tribute Car, They Will Come.

THE CAR

Humbly birthed as a standard 1974 911, Richard purchased this clean slate canvas to build one of his master crafted RSR tributes. Completely dismantled, the car was media blasted to remove the original finish and undercarriage impurities. Consigned to a bodywork veteran with more than 20 years of experience, the original slim body panels were removed in favor of steel flares. The ‘74 year shorthood was backdated to the ‘73 longhood with a lightweight fiberglass trunk lid while a ducktail bonnet and front aero bumper finished the RSR aesthetics.

Once the metalwork was complete, a Glasurit brand Tangerine Orange paint mix was applied and finished to the highest standards. All gaskets, rubber seals, squeegees, and felts were replaced. Black vinyl ‘Carrera’ side stripes, ‘Carrera RS’ and ‘PORSCHE’ ducktail badges, 15×9”/15×11” Braid ‘Fuchs’ wrapped in Michelin 15TB tread, and rubber decklid and trunk safety latches complete the RSR looks.

Inside, the cabin has been completely reupholstered with several RS and RSR components. The dash was rewrapped, proper Perlon carpeting was laid, and custom headrest-less fixed shell buckets were wrapped in black vinyl with citrus plaid inserts—a tasteful touch. A deep dish four-spoke RSR helm, refreshed pedal assembly, and Wevo short shift kit provide the tactile touch points a driver needs while the minimalistic interior offers no distractions with a radio block-off plate and stripped door panels.

A 3.2-liter and 915 five-speed transmission were paired for more power and drivability. The engine sports a pair of aluminum-coated headers, ceramic-coated twin-exit center pipe muffle, and new alternator. The drivetrain received a new clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing for smooth grind-free shifting. For added reliability, a front-mounted oil cooler helps regulate moderate air-cooled engine temperatures and a new wiring harness ensures turnkey firing, fully functioning lighting equipment, and accurate instrumentation readouts.

On January 15 2016, the engine was professionally tuned and compression test figures averaged between 150 to 155 psi across all six cylinders. The engine also underwent a full leakdown test, which showed less than 3% leak on a six cylinders. The engine confidently climbs through the power band without hesitation, the 915 transmission shifts through all five gears without issue, and the spotless underside is congruent with the leak-free powertrain claim.

CONDITION

Exterior Highlights

Finished in beautiful, period correct Tangerine paint
New fully functioning lighting equipment throughout
All new rubber seals and gaskets

Exterior Blemishes

None

Interior Highlights

Perfectly fitted Perlon carpeting
Custom RSR bucket seats
Fully operational gauges

Interior Blemishes

None

Mechanical Highlights

3.2-liter flat-six with no leaks and good bill of health
915 five-speed transmission with new clutch assembly
New brakes and suspension

Mechanical Blemishes

None

ORIGINALITY

Being an RSR tribute, the car couldn’t be farther from its factory original standard 911 specifications. Yet, comparing this to an original RS or RSR model, all of the right boxes have been checked. Though highly modified, this Carrera near perfectly resembles a factory prepped RSR—with even more power and reliability onboard. The car was rebuilt as a tribute to the Rennsport racing legend RSR and done so with official Porsche or high quality remake parts and equipment.

DOCUMENTATION

Here are some photos of the car during its thorough restoration.

OWNERSHIP TIMELINE

1973 – 2015 | Unknown

2015 – 2016 | Richard Schickman

GET INSPIRED

Here’s a cool clip featuring the car with some more information about The RSR Project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrMglUZqS3E

OUR THOUGHTS

If you’re a P-car purist on the hunt for an all-original classic 911, move along: this car isn’t for you. If you’re the type of enthusiast who appreciates the craftsmanship a professional tribute RSR takes to execute properly and longs to log wheel time behind one of the greatest Porsches ever built, this tangerine machine could quench your Porsche dream. Professionally restored from the ground up in RSR configuration with turnkey reliability and ample power, is there a better driver focused Porsche on the market for the money?