1976 Porsche 911 RSR IROC Tribute

In 1974, the International Race of Champions (IROC) was created. The concept was to have 12 drivers from different racing disciplines compete in identical cars to determine who was the best. The first series used 1974 Porsche 911 RSRs, specifically designed for the purpose.

The premise was simple and brilliant: put 12 of the world’s best racing drivers in identical cars, and the series winner could claim to be the "best in the world." Former racing driver, mega-businessman, and racing team owner Roger Penske was the driving force behind the series. He worked directly with the Porsche factory to get these special IROC Porsches designed and built. The depth of talent and range of racing disciplines represented in the series was remarkable, including Emerson Fittipaldi (Formula 1), AJ Foyt (Indy), Richard Petty (NASCAR), Al Unser (Indy), George Follmer (Can-Am), and others. Each car was painted a unique colour, capitalising on the growing popularity of colour TVs in people’s homes.

The drivers had multiple incentives to compete, from showcasing the talents and abilities of their respective racing disciplines to the significant financial rewards on offer for the winners.

Needless to say, the inaugural season was a huge success, with renowned Porsche driver Mark Donohue winning the first championship. While the IROC series continued for several decades, it never again featured Porsche, nor did it assemble such a diverse range of racing talent.

This period in Porsche’s history is rich in racing heritage, and the legacy of the Porsche RSR has inspired many enthusiasts’ builds over the years, none more so than this stunning example.

Starting life as a reclaimed bare shell from a 1976 Australian-delivered 911 SC, the dream of building a very special race car inspired by one of the best purpose-built sports cars in the world became a reality 25 years ago. Constructed over a nine-month period by Porsche Motorsport Specialists PR Technology in 2001 as a tarmac rally car, the IROC-inspired build included wide body panels, fibreglass front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, and an engine lid. It was fitted with a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 400 hp, and featured a close-ratio 915 gearbox with a WEVO gate shifter, upgraded internals, and a limited-slip differential, all built by PR Technology.

Painted in the unique Mexico Blue, as George Follmer's IROC car was, it successfully competed in the Targa Tasmania on four occasions, as well as in ProdSports, AROCA, and Porsche NSW events over a ten-year period, always being maintained in stunning mechanical condition.

After retiring from motorsport events in 2011, the car underwent a second full-body restoration by Porsche Motorsport-trained Auto Coupe in Melbourne, returning it to a more road-going focus while retaining its race car identity. This time, it was fitted with a 3.2-litre, 1973/74 RSR-inspired bespoke engine built by Jerry Woods at JWE Motorsports in San Jose. The engine, based on a '76 short-stroke 930 turbo case and crankshaft, produces 350 horsepower. It also features period-correct butterfly-valve mechanical fuel injection fed by high-velocity stacks, with the engine build costing around $150,000 at the time.

To match the IROC body, the car is equipped with custom RSR coil-over suspension and Bilstein competition dampers, mirroring Roger Penske's IROC series cars. Handling the power is a Series 1 GT3 split-system brake setup. This near-authentic replica is also fitted with a road-legal roll cage and is road registerable, making the result nothing short of spectacular.

The interior is superbly finished. Period-correct riveted sports seats, custom lightweight carpeting, a Sparco steering wheel, and a bespoke roll cage set the tone for the experience that awaits when the key is turned.

Starting this specially built engine is an experience in itself. The feedback from the steering wheel is spine-tingling, and shifting through the gears feels like winning the football World Cup. But when you press the accelerator fully, the explosion that erupts from the engine, through the cabin, and out of the tuned exhaust system unleashes every ounce of excitement and passion you’ve ever felt for sports cars.

On the road, the experience is equally exhilarating, with razor-sharp steering, phenomenal braking, and superb mechanical grip thanks to the Goodyear 17” wide wheel and tyre package. The only challenge is finding that perfect stretch of road to truly appreciate the car's capabilities.

There has always been considerable worldwide interest in Porsche’s racing activities, from factory-entered and sponsored teams to club-level racing. It is against this rich racing background that the IROC Porsches stand as one of the most interesting and storied episodes in 911 racing history.

While rubbing shoulders with the world’s best racing drivers of the 1970s might be out of reach, driving this IROC-inspired 911 RSR will place you on the starting grid every time you get behind the wheel.