Every generation has its own gearhead idols that are almost universally lauded. As a result, vehicles owned, or even merely driven, by these stars tend to be extremely valuable — such as examples purchased or piloted by Steve McQueen or Paul Newman. And, now that nearly a decade has passed since his untimely death in late November of 2013, Paul Walker is increasingly becoming one of this generation’s gearhead icons, with specimens previously owned by the Fast & Furious star now commanding enormous sums of cash — and such is the case with the Walker-owned Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 that’s currently headed to auction.
The brainchild of Ernst Fuhrmann, the 911 RS 2.7 was developed by Porsche engineer Norbert Singer as a homologation special, and as such only 1,580 units were ever built. Built the same year of Walker’s birth, this 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was discovered by the actor and motorsport enthusiast online before being purchased sight unseen — an experience Walker relayed to Jay Leno on an episode of The Tonight Show in 2011 in which the SoCal native also discusses racing in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill as well as the fastest speeds he’s ever reached while behind the wheel. Also equipped with a factory touring package, this particular 911 RS 2.7 is powered by a 210-hp 2.7-liter flat-six engine with Nikasil cylinder coatings, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and a five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain, brakes, and suspension have also all been rebuilt by Campbell, California’s Jerry Woods Enterprises.
Though the 911 was never actually registered in Walker’s name, its title was issued to the Always Evolving Collection which was founded and run by Walker alongside Roger Rodas and Erik Davis — though this shouldn’t have any impact on its value, as demonstrated by the value of the vehicles previously registered to Solar Productions —Steve McQueen’s production company — rather than to the “King of Cool” himself. And, as strange as it sounds, because walker died riding in a Porsche — a 2005 Carrera GT to be specific — the late actor will likely forever be tied to the Stuttgart brand (not unlike James Dean before him).
Currently sporting 93,774 kilometers (~ 58,268 miles) on the odo, this Paul Walker-owned 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (VIN# 9113600901) is due to cross the auction block at Mecum’s upcoming Monterey sale in California beginning August 20.
