VIN: the Bytzek Automotive Porsche 911 2.8 Carrera RSR chassis 9113600386
History of chassis 9113600386
Porsche manufactured 49 2.8-litre 911 RSRs for the 1973 racing season, all of which were supplied to customer teams and privateers.
The first, chassis 0386, was completed in January 1973 and dispatched to Art Bunker’s Porsche dealership in Overland, Kansas. Bunker had raced Porsche 356s, 550s and 718s throughout the 1950s and, for a few months, the brand new 911 RSR was a star attraction at his dealership.
In late spring, the car was sold Canadian brothers, Harry and Klaus Bytzek, from King City, Ontario.
Between 1970 and 1972, the Bytzeks had raced a 911 T, a 911 S and 914-6 GT. For 1973, they moved up to the 911 RSR and also acquired a second-hand 908/02.
Klaus Bytzek was an automotive parts designer. Shortly before he acquired 0386, Klaus Bytzek had developed his own metal-spinning machine that made stronger, lighter and cheaper engine pulleys.
These soon became industry standard and further success over the next 25 years enabled the brothers to go racing with all the latest equipment.
In the Bytzek’s ownership, the RSR’s original Ivory and Blue livery was accessorised with a large Canadian maple leaf down each flank plus sponsorship from BF Goodrich tyres.
Although the brothers were enthusiastic amateurs, they still finished inside the top ten at each of the IMSA events they contested. 1973 saw the Bytzeks enter five IMSA races; best placings of seventh came at the Mid-Ohio 6 Hours and Daytona 250 mile Finale.
Against more limited opposition, the Bytzeks also won the 1973 Canadian Endurance Championship.
Soon after a Trans-Am race at Road America late in July 1974 (where Harry Bytzek finished sixth), 0386 was sold to Philadelphia car dealer and fellow amateur racing driver, Mike Tillson.
Together with Dieter Oest, Tillson planned to race 0386 for the remainder of 1974 and into 1975. However, at a minor Summit Point SCCA event towards the end of 1974, 0386 was damaged in an accident.
Tillson had all the RSR’s salvageable parts fitted to a new bodyshell which he continued to race until 1977.
As for the original bodyshell from 0386, Tillson sold it to fellow Philadelphia resident, Mike Curnow, in January 1975.
Notable History
Completed January 1973
The first 911 2.8 Carrera RSR built
Ivory with Blue graphics
Sold via Art Bunker Porsche + Audi, Overland, Kansas to Harry & Klaus Bytzek (Bytzek Automotive), Ontario, Canada
10/06/1973 IMS Pocono 500 (H. Bytzek) DNF (#9)
15/07/1973 IMS Mid-Ohio 6 Hours (H. Bytzek / K. Bytzek) 7th oa, 5th GTO class (#9)
30/09/1973 IMS Road Atlanta 200 (H. Bytzek) 8th oa, 5th GTO class (#19)
14/10/1973 IMS Indianapolis 3 Hours (H. Bytzek / K. Bytzek) 9th oa, 6th GTO class (#9)
25/11/1973 IMS Daytona 250 Finale (H. Bytzek) 7th oa, 6th GTO class (#9)
30/06/1974 IMS Mid-Ohio 5 Hours (H. Bytzek / K. Bytzek) 7th oa, 7th GTO class (#9)
27/07/1974 TRA Road America 200 (H. Bytzek) 6th oa (#19)
Sold to Mike Tillson (Oest-Tillson Racing), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
02/09/1974 IMS Lime Rock 100 Race 1 (D. Oest) 27th oa, 18th GTO class (#92)
02/09/1974 IMS Lime Rock 100 Race 2 (M. Tillson) 14th oa, 11th GTO class (#92)
Damaged by Tillson late in 1974 at a Summit Point SCCA meet
January 1975 bodyshell sold to Mike Curnow, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
