There are automotive legends and then there is this supremely 1970s 911. Just 15 were made, all bespoke engineered to go racing in a one-make series. The car you’re admiring here is one of them. And now there's a rarer than rare opportunity to buy one of these Porsche factory racers for your own garage. Track days will never be the same again.
There's deep-rooted Porsche mythology in every part of the 911 RSR IROC’s name. Basis is 1973’s RSR, the first to carry what became a celebrated moniker. RSR is abbreviated from "RennSport Rennwagen”, translating literally as “Racing Sport Racing Car” as if to underline its purpose. The RSR in turn was developed from the road going magnificence that was the Carrera RS 2.7. Penske Racing in the US came up with the idea of a bespoke race for these Porsches, but wanted something a bit special. IROC, the International Race of Champions, was born and the engineers at Porsche HQ in Weissach got to work. The abbreviation rich 911 RSR IROC was the result.
A whale of a time
Aficionados will always point to the RS’s ducktail rear spoiler as one of the identifiers. For the RSR, Porsche went a step further, turning the wing into a whaletail for added downforce. RSR specification already shaved even more weight off an already light sports car, with fibre glass panels, plastic side windows and interior trim stripped out. Added in: key parts from the multiple Le Mans winning Porsche 917. Four pot-brake calipers and centre lock wheels - plus out back a flat six, honed to 3-litres and producing 316 bhp.
This IROC example has its engine restored to such an extent that the vendors describe it as a work of art. In period, though, this was one very fast museum piece. Idea was that IROC would bring together champions from a variety of racing disciplines. It lasted for just the one season and 0124, the car you see here built originally as a spare, won both races it was entered into, the second with the American Formula One driver Mark Donohue at the wheel. A further competition career in the US and Canada brought further success, among others at the hands of Peter Revson, another US F1 star.
Deep pockets
So you’ll need this for that next track day, yes? Each IROC RSR is unique. This example's fastidious nut and bolt rebuild marks it out as something special even in the distinguished company of the other 14 that were made. Price? The Octane Collection, who are selling the 911, say that is available strictly on application. Cheap it won’t be. Not quite one of the most expensive Porsches of all time, but not far off. Indeed, auction results suggest you’ll need around £1.5m to secure it. Enough to buy ten brand new 911s instead, but would you use them all? We’ll be trackside at Brands Hatch, watching you risk a million and a half on a fast entry into Paddock Hill bend.
