Skip to main content

This 1973 Porsche 911S Is The Poster Car of Automotive Enthusiasm

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
McLaren reveals its future hybrid supercars will have a V8 engine
A new generation of V8 hybrid engines by McLaren
A McLaren Artura supercar on the road

Almost 12 years ago, McLaren partnered with Ricardo to develop the twin-turbocharged V8 engine of the McLaren 12. It began a business partnership between McLaren and Ricardo that would continue over the past decade.

More succinctly, McLaren and Ricardo collaborated to develop the engines used in popular models, such as the McLaren GT, McLaren 570S Spider, and McLaren Senna. In fact, more than 30,000 McLaren supercars produced over the past decade come with V8 and V6 engines designed by Ricardo and McLaren. However, with the world shifting toward electric vehicles, it remains to be seen how McLaren will adapt. 

Read more
Your childhood dream car is up for auction: The 1988 Lamborghini Countach
Icon of an era: the 1988 Lamborghini Countach awaits its new owner
1988 lamborghini countach auction

Lamborghini Countach is one of the most iconic supercars ever made. If you were a kid in the 80s, you probably had its poster pinned on your bedroom wall while dreaming about how you would wish to own it one day when you grow up. It was the epitome symbol of success in the 80s, and even today, it’s a beacon of nostalgia that takes you back to the Walkman days.

Besides its beauty, the Lamborghini Countach's allure is that it’s extremely rare to find — only 52 Lamborghini Countach were originally sold in the United States. Lamborghini is reviving it with an electrified model, but if you grew up in the 80s, that may not be enough to tickle your fancy.

Read more
What the EPA’s new proposed rules about electric vehicles mean for car buyers
If you plan to purchase a vehicle, read this first
EPA plague in the U.S.

President Biden has witnessed enormous growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales since taking office, with sales tripling and the total amount of available models doubling. For example, over 130,000 public charging stations for electric cars have been deployed across the United States, indicating a 40% increase over prior years.

In addition, since Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the private sector has spent over $120 billion in domestic electric vehicle and battery production. Now the EPA has introduced new rules and regulations surrounding EVs to further accelerate America's movements toward more environmentally friendly automobiles. 

Read more