VIN: the works Porsche 911 2.8 / 3.0 Carrera RSR chassis 9113600019 R1
History of chassis 9113600019 R1
Following the completion of two RSR prototypes (9113600001 and 9113600002), Porsche built a batch of eight R-numbered examples that were typically riddled with experimental equipment (R1 through R8).
In anticipation of the 1973 season when the Martini, Brumos and Penske crews would be supplied with these tricked-out R-type specials, Porsche campaigned chassis 9113600019 (better known as R1) and 9113600020 (R2) on the 1972 Tour de Corse.
The 687km Tour de Corse was round 23 of the 1972 European Rally Championship. It took place over November 4th and 5th and comprised 24 tarmac stages.
R1 arrived in Corsica with a 2.8-litre engine and was allocated to Bjorn Waldegaard / Hans Thorszelius.
R2 had a 3-litre engine and was used by Gerard Larrousse / Christian Delferier.
At this stage, the suspension in both cars was still to more or less RS specification. They appeared in a white and red striped Marlboro livery under a Porsche KG entry.
Significantly, the 1972 Tour de Corse marked the debut for Lancia’s prototype Stratos (which was similarly backed by Marlboro). Also in attendance was the works Alpine Renault team with no less than five A110 1800s.
Unfortunately, neither Porsche made it to the end: Larrousse went out with transmission failure in R2 while Waldegard crashed R1 having set a blistering early pace.
Victory went to the works Alpine A110 of Jean-Claude Andruet and Michele Espinosi-Petit who led from start to finish.
Following its appearance in Corsica, R1 returned to Weissach where it was repaired, fitted with a three-litre engine and used for development purposes.
R1 subsequently disappeared from view until 2014 at which point it was discovered by Porsche historian John Starkey and offered for sale. Since then the car has been restored to its original Tour de Corse trim.
Notable History
Marlboro livery
Registered LEO ZA 68
04-05/11/1972 ICM Tour de Corse (B. Waldegard / H. Thorszelius) DNF (#6)
Used for testing and development
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Porsche - https://www.porsche.com
