5 Cool Porsche Racers from the 2017 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Plenty of incredible vintage machinery showed up in Monterey this year. Unsurprisingly, most of it carried a Porsche crest.
1. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR
Back in 1973, opting for Conversion Order 491 on a standard Carrera RS added a considerable 60% to the car's base price. But the few that opted to pay that extra $8,500 are reaping the benefits today, considering the fact that they now own (if they still own it) a million dollar car. Not to mention one of the most iconic factory-built race cars ever produced. These days, the 1973 Carrera RSR is perhaps even more special than it was back then, and seeing one in the flesh is always a rare treat.
2. 1970 Porsche 911 ST
One might think that the 1970 911 ST would be overshadowed by the Carrera 2.7 RS, but this is a special car in its own right. Built to satisfy the ever-evolving rules of FIA GT racing, this ST utilized a downsized 2.2-liter flat six producing 180 hp. It also made extensive use of weight reduction techniques, like most Porsche factory racers. Also like most Porsche factory racers, the ST is a highly sought after collectible today.
3. 1976 Porsche 935 K3
The 935 K3 needs no introduction, having scored a 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1979 despite the heavy rain. That particular model was modified by Kremer Racing out of Cologne, Germany, following its prior K1 and K2 entries. Behind it, that year was yet another 935, campaigned by Paul Newman and Dick Barbour. Quite the animal on the track, the 935 used a hefty 22 psi of boost to produce an astounding (even by today's standards) 750-800 hp.
4. 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera
If a simple, basic 1977 Carrera seems like a bit of a letdown after seeing a host of other legendary cars, we understand. But Porsche's motorsports lineage is alive and well even in its "base" 911. And even in 1977, Porsche had already spent decades perfecting its craft, which means that these cars are still a joy to sling around corners, even today.
5. 1981 Porsche 924 GTR
The engine isn't in the rear or even mid-mounted. Rather, it packs a front mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 375 hp, not a flat-six. But the 1981 Porsche 924 GTR is every bit a special car, in the same manner as all of its other factory built racers. Only 17 of these special cars were built, with more than half of them qualifying or racing at Le Mans. Most of the rest saw some sort of racing action around the globe. And today, the mere sight of one is just as special as the car itself.
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