VIN: the Lord Hesketh / James Hunt Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS chassis 9113600498
History of chassis 9113600498
Chassis 9113600498 was one of 51 right-hand drive 2.7 Carrera RS that formed part of the original batch of 500 homologation cars.
It was built in January 1973 and configured to M472 Touring specification with Lilac paint and gold Porsche side script. Optional extras included electric windows, an electric sunroof, leather sports seats, a heated rear window and cassette player.
The car was supplied via the Glen Henderson dealership in Ayr to Lord Alexander Hesketh whose family owned a nearby estate.
In 1955 at four years of age, Hesketh succeeded the barony of his late father and inherited the family’s seat, Easton Neston, based in 3300 acres of grounds near Towcester, Northamptonshire.
In 1972, Hesketh Racing was established. Run from the stables at Easton Neston, the team initially started in Formula 3 before moving up to F2 for the duration of the ‘72 season.
For 1973, the Hesketh team graduated into F1. A Surtees TS9 was rented for the Brands Hatch Race of Champions on March 18th where the team’s driver, James Hunt, finished third. As a result of this promising result, a brand new March 731 was ordered for the rest of the season.
In April 1973, Lord Hesketh took delivery of his Lilac Porsche. The car, registered on the Ayrshire plate NSD 298L, soon became part of the Hesketh Racing entourage and was repainted white to match the team’s Formula 1 cars. A black Hesketh Racing decal was fitted to the ducktail spoiler along with black Porsche script down the flanks.
Lord Hesketh did not have a written contract with James Hunt and after the team made its F1 Championship debut in Monaco, Hunt told his boss he was taking the Carrera RS for a service. However, in lieu of any payment thus far, Hunt decided not to return the car.
As a replacement, Lord Hesketh subsequently purchased a yellow 911 3.0 Carrera RS in 1974 (chassis 9114609099).
James Hunt took the white RS with him when he emigrated to Marbella as a tax exile after signing with McLaren for the 1976 season (in which he became F1 champion). Hunt retained the 911 until 1980.
Shortly afterwards, chassis 9113600498 was sold to Bill Taylor who fitted Lightweight bumpers and raced the car in British club events. It has remained with the Taylor family ever since.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
