The car collector world is a strange one. Attempting to predict which vehicles will surge in value, and, more importantly – when – is about as arduous as winning the lottery. Just look at classic Porsche 911 models.
For decades, all manner of first generation 911s (built between 1963 and 1989), 964s (built between 1989 and 1994), and 993s (built between 1994 and 1998) changed hands at a fraction of a rate they do today. Seemingly overnight, $30K daily drivers became $120K collectors’ items. We can’t say the valuation is unwarranted – Porsche’s 911 has stayed truer to its heritage over the last 86 years than any other nameplate.
With this wild upswing affecting even unremarkable or poorly maintained examples, rare and unique cars have taken an especially impressive leap. Which brings us to the latest offering from RK Motors: a 1973 Porsche 911S with an incredible story. You might remember our last feature on RK, which detailed an immaculate 1971 Hemi Cuda.
Throughout its extensive history, Porsche has created a number of spicier 911 models, but its first stab at extracting more performance from its standard car wore the 911S badge in 1966. By 1973, the 911S had a power-to-weight ratio of just 12.7 pounds-per-horsepower. That year, Suzie Hunt and Scott Campbell purchased one of the last ’73 model year 911S cars at a time when these models were restricted to just six cars per dealership.
The couple had no plans to baby their new purchase. Soon after they took delivery, Campbell and Hunt drove from Reno to Salt Lake City at an average speed of 95.8 mph. During the run, Campbell would hit 150 mph. Over the next three years, the couple dominated Porsche Club of America autocross events across Nevada and Northern California. In 1977, Hunt won the Porsche Club of America Porsche Parade.
Twenty six years after taking home their silver beauty, the couple sold the car to its current owner, who has taken meticulous care of the car ever since. Inside and out, the 911S looks spectacular. The engine was professionally bored from 2.4-liters to 2.7 liters, adjustable Koni shocks and disc brakes were added, and forged Fuchs wheels, staggered to fit the car’s RS fender flares, spin Pirelli P6000s tires.
At $345,000, this 911S is reserved for serious collectors and purists, but anyone is free to appreciate its classic looks and enthusiast-owned history.
This article originally appeared on themanual.com
