Historic 1973 Porsche Carrera RSR Martini Racing Heading to 2023 Goodwood Revival Auction

Following its appearance at the Bonhams auction preview during the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 1973 Porsche Carrera RSR Martini Racing, affectionately known as R7, is now poised to take center stage at the 2023 Goodwood Revival auction. Bonhams has placed a staggering estimated price tag on this automotive legend, ranging between 4.7 to 7.2 million dollars in current exchange rates.

Remarkably, if this car achieves its estimated value, it will shatter records as the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction and quite possibly claim the title of the most valuable 911 to date.

The current record holder in this prestigious category is the iconic 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion, which commanded an impressive 5.665.000 USD.

The Porsche Carrera RSR boasts a rich racing history, particularly its notable fourth-place finish at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans. In this historic race, the R7 crossed the finish line just behind three open-cockpit prototypes, two from Matra-Simca and one from Ferrari. Behind the wheel were factory drivers Gijs van Lennep and Herbie Mueller.

The car continued its victorious streak in the same year, triumphing at the 1000-km Osterreichring race and the Watkins Glen Six Hours in New York. It made a return appearance at the Circuit de la Sarthe in 1974 but was plagued by ignition issues, leading to an early end to the race.

In recent years, the R7 has been at the center of a legal dispute involving its ownership. The car ultimately ended up in the hands of its current owner in the USA after a New York court case was dismissed in May 2023.

Prior to its appearance at the Goodwood Revival auction, the car underwent a thorough inspection by Porsche Classic in Germany. Notably, veteran engineer and former team manager Norbert Singer conducted the inspection, officially verifying the car's authenticity as the 1973 R7. Singer's confirmation was based on several key features, including the presence of double hydraulic brake master cylinders, 917-type competition brakes, a factory anti-roll car mount, and a refreshed 3.0-liter engine.

It is believed that only one out of four Martini Racing cars from that era has survived, and now it awaits a new owner, more than 50 years after its remarkable performance at Le Mans.

While the Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction has concluded, the status of the Porsche Carrera RSR Martini Racing lot has yet to be updated. Stay tuned for further developments in this exciting automotive auction event.