1973 Porsche RSR Tribute
Porsche, during its racing career, has created some of the most iconic machines of all time: the RSK, 904, 906, 908… and of course the 917. Also among these celebrated creations is the 911 RSR: a purpose-built racer created to compete in the GT category.
In 1973 two “privateer” RSRs fought it out tooth and nail for the overall lead, ahead of all the factory prototypes: a blue liveried car entered by Penske racing with Mark Donahue and George Follmer behind the wheel, and a car in the red, white and blue colors of Brumos, racing with the duo of Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood sharing the seat. In the end, the Brumos car came out on top.
This was the start of a long string of races won by the new weapon from Zuffenhausen. The 1973 RSR attained almost mythical status. With only 49 built that year, Porsche had created a Holy Grail Unicorn.
They’re out there… but is there a remote chance one might end up in your garage? I think not.
Then there’s the rugged individual that comes along and says, “Why not?”
Richard Schickman has had a love of all things Porsche since the tender age of 15. First he got himself a 69 911T, learned to weld, put new floors in the car—and went out and drove it! Next was a 71 911E. He refined his chops at various car shops around Westchester, NY. Then being a grown-up reared its ugly head, and Schickman went into the world of NY real estate. In the back of his mind there was always that itch to create his dream car.
Schickman found a beautiful 1967 912 from California. He loved the car, but it was underpowered. He was ready to take his torch to it, but a number of Porsche luminaries
told him to cease and desist. It was way too nice. Hence the pristine 912 was sold on, and a proper donor car was found, a 1977 3.2 911.
The 77 was stripped down to the shell, the interior was removed, and the build commenced.
Impact bumpers were stripped, the sunroof was welded up, and a proper fiberglass RSR long hood and front bumper were attached. At the back, the same with the ubiquitous duck tail standing proud. Steel flares were added at all four corners. The interior went on a diet as well: light weight door panels, seats, and carpet took the place of the original. Even the glove box door was removed to give that RSR vibe. The 3.2 engine was retained with a few minor mods, as it is one of the most bulletproof engines to come out of Weissach.
After the car was completed, someone else wanted it… BAD! So the process was started again… and again… and again. So maybe others have had that same dream.
On the road, you can feel the difference in weight to a normal 911 of the period. Put your foot down and you’re pushed firmly into your tartan bucket seat. The 915 box has been greatly improved by the addition of a Wevo shifter: shift selection is firm and as precise as a Porsche should be. Grabbing hold of the deep dish wheel, the steering feel is light and well balanced, and the tasty Michelin tires keep you well attached to the road. This car screams motorsport from the front spoiler to custom twin pipe exhaust at the rear. It has that competition feel in a package you can drive every day, as long as you’re on good terms with the local Five-O with the radar gun. This is the perfect elemental sports car. It gives that wonderful historic comp Porsche feel, without being a barely under control racer.
Maybe Richard will be able to keep one for himself sometime soon.
My thanks to Richard Schickman and the RSR Project for lending me their latest creation.
I will return it sometime soon. Promise!
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