A 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 RSR originally owned and prepped by by Penske Racing for the inaugural International Race of Champions series; raced by Emerson Fittipaldi, John Tunstall and Charlie Kemp; and later owned owned by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar is the latest addition to the Collecting Cars U.S. auction platform. Global bidding will run through October 10.
Built in 1974 for the first IROC season, the car was first raced by two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time Formula 1 Word Champion Fittipaldi, who qualified on the pole for the first-ever IROC race at the now-defunct Riverside Raceway.
Photo: Collecting Cars
At IROC season-end, the historic Porsche was sold by Penske to privateer racers John Tunstall and Charlie Kemp who competed 1974-1978 in races at Lime Rock Park, Talladega, Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Road America and Mid-America, as well as the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring
Later, the 911 Carrera wound up in the hands of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who, according to Collecting Cars, raced it on hill climbs on Columbia. The car made its way back to to the USA in the early 1990’s and was fully restored, debuting in 2011 at the Rennsport Reunion IV at Laguna Seca. Since then, it has collected a multitude of awards.
Photo: Collecting Cars
Only 15 IROC RSRs were produced in 1974, fashioned after the then-new ‘short hood’ 911 and fitted with a unique rear decklid. This example has been refinished in its original hue of Sahara Beige, punctuated by the appropriate manufacturer and sponsor decals.
It is powered by a 911/75, 3.0-liter” high-butterfly” flat-six racing engine that drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Its stripped-out cabin is home to a pair of supportive bucket seats with period-appropriate Repa harnesses.
Photo: Collecting Cars
Additional unique elements of the 1974 IROC cars include the sizeable rear spoiler, matte black headlamp covers, quick-release bonnet catches and external fire extinguisher switch.
For additional details and photos plus auction information, log onto collecting cars.com.
