Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.As Rare as it GetsWhile 'regular' Porsche 911 992 models are depreciating like normal cars these days, the classic air-cooled models are still going strong. Granted, it's not as inflated as it was before, but you'll still need over $100,000 for a solid runner.Those numbers easily shoot up the rarer the model. Case in point, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 from 1973 is an incredibly rare model with just 1,580 cars built for just a single year. If that's still too common, we found a unicorn in the form of the Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight, of which just 200 out of the 1,580 cars were made.Scooterdtm/Bring a TrailerThe BackstoryBased on Classic.com's assessment, the average market price for this special model is $1,183,573. That value is specifically for the lightweight model, as the 'standard' RS 2.7 averages about $542,000. Rarity does have its perks, and whoever ordered the M471 package over 50 years ago made the wise (and cooler) choice.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe one we found on Bring a Trailer currently has a bid for $499,911, but it's safe to say that it still has all the potential to shoot with eight days to go. This particular example has a rather colorful history. The seller says the car spent most of its time in France. But unlike many of today's track-ready Porsches that see more time in car meets, this one was entered in races across Europe.It wasn't mentioned when it retired in competition, but the car was eventually refurbished in 1995 and received a replacement engine. In 2022, the car made its trip across the Atlantic and is currently based in Florida with about 30,000 miles on the clock.Scooterdtm/Bring a TrailerWhy It's SpecialThe 911 Carrera RS 2.7 holds a very special place in Porsche's history. Built as a homologation special, it was intended as a competition vehicle. Initially, only 500 were supposed to be made, but over 1,500 were eventually built. Its 'ducktail' spoiler was a great example of form and function coming together, as it was truly effective in reducing lift while looking great at the same time.It was also the very first 911 model to bear the Carrera name, something that's attached to the 911 to this day. The car's 2.7-liter flat-six made 207 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque, which isn't spectacular, especially by today's standards, but it weighed less than a ton. Lightweight panels were used on the car, along with fiberglass parts to keep the curb weight down. As a result, it became Germany's fastest car in its day, as it could hit 60 mph in under six seconds, along with a top speed of 150 mph.AdvertisementAdvertisementTicking the M471 package meant more things were taken out of the car. A good chunk of the sound deadening was removed, along with the radio, clock, and front bumper trims, decorative chrome decor, and even the metal badges. Rear seats, the glovebox panel, and armrests were also thrown out to save a couple more pounds. Thinner glass was then used, and a sticker took the place of the Porsche emblem. Interior door handles were replaced by straps, and the rear bumper guards were made from fiberglass, not rubber.Scooterdtm/Bring a TrailerFinal ThoughtsIn many ways, the Carrera RS 2.7 was the genesis of what would eventually become the GT3. Given the extreme (for its time) weight-saving measures, the Lightweight model was the GT3 RS of the '70s. It was, by all means, built for purpose and even more focused than the standard model. The Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight isn't built for posing – it's for competition.Scooterdtm/Bring a TrailerScooterdtm/Bring a TrailerView the 8 images of this gallery on the original articleDisclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.AdvertisementAdvertisementAutoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.