MODEL HISTORY

Founded in California in 1999, R-Gruppe has grown into something far beyond a club – it is a benchmark. Born out of a tight-knit group of early 911 purists on the West Coast, R-Gruppe became synonymous with a very specific kind of car: lightweight, mechanically honest, and uncompromisingly true to the spirit of the late-’60s and early-’70s Porsche “outlaws.” Over time, it has developed an almost mythic status within the Porsche world, defined as much by what it excludes as what it allows.

Eligibility is not about aesthetics alone. It demands correctness – the right foundations, the right engineering, and above all, the right philosophy. Early chassis, period-correct mechanicals, and a clear avoidance of modern shortcuts are essential. Backdated later cars, cosmetic builds, or those relying on contemporary EFI systems simply do not qualify. R-Gruppe cars are not built to imitate — they are the real McCoy.

Known within R-Gruppe circles as “Olive,” due to its bespoke shade of dark green, this example is not a backdate, nor a typical resto-mod. It is a genuine R-Gruppe 911 – and that distinction is everything. For a car to sit comfortably within that world, it must begin with the correct foundation: here, a proper F-series long-wheelbase 1969 shell. The mechanical specification follows the same philosophy. At its core sits a period-correct 3.0-litre MFI (Mechanical Fuel Injection) engine, built by renowned German racing engine specialists Mittel Motor – entirely true to the era and aligned with how these cars were originally engineered.

These are not stylistic choices, but defining characteristics of a properly executed R-Gruppe car. This example meets those standards with clarity and conviction, delivering an early 911 experience exactly as intended.

Mittelmotor was founded on August 26, 1991, initially as a sole proprietorship. On April 7, 1994, it merged to become Mittelmotor GmbH, forming the company from the merger of two small businesses: a mail-order spare parts business opened in Essen in August 1991 by Michael Wittke, and a workshop operated by Fred Schmitz in Hattingen since 1993. From the outset, both businesses focused exclusively on Porsche vehicles, aiming to offer a level of service comparable in scope and quality to that of a Porsche Centre. In addition to selling original parts, tested used parts, custom-made parts, reproductions, racing parts, and discontinued parts from remaining stock, they have published spare parts catalogues that make ordering quick and convenient.

In their workshop, they carry out not only routine maintenance but also extensive repairs and complex restorations. Services also include a dedicated engine and transmission department, where extensive experience in motorsport translates into expert assembly of intricate Porsche components. Furthermore, they support various racing teams, both by building and maintaining vehicles, and by providing support during events at the racetrack.

Equipment

Olive Green, ST Steel Wings, R-Gruppe Period Correct F Series Long Wheel Base Shell, 3.0 MFI RSR Spec Engine, RSR Spec Headers / Exhaust, Bilstein Coilover Suspension, Chrome Mirrors, Chrome Fuel Filler Cap, Bonnet / Boot Latches, Recaro Seats, Schroth Harnesses, Fire Extinguisher, Balsa Wood Gearknob, NACA ducts to Rear Quarter Windows, Fuchs Wheels.

EXTERIOR

Finished in a stunning and suitably individual Olive Green with black decals and known within R-Gruppe circles as “Olive”, this example is not a backdate, nor a typical resto-mod but an “of era” road/track build using all correct parts.

Sitting in superb cosmetic order having been commissioned by a member of the R-Gruppe – arguably the most sought-after membership in the Porsche world. A great deal of love and care has been invested, with particular focus and consideration to race preparation and development, whilst in true S/T spirit retains a suitable balance for the road. As such, the car is as pretty in the flesh as the studio photography suggests with superb panel fit and finish.

Specific to this car is it’s ST steel wings to suit wider Fuchs alloy wheels, custom bonnet and boot panels alongside bespoke NACA ducts in the rear quarter window to feed the 3.0 MFI engine.

INTERIOR

Considering the broad operating bracket of such an example, the cabin has been sympathetically updated with safety in mind but pleasingly retains its character and originality where possible. Stripped to the basics a deep dished wheel and balsa gear knob remain in keeping with the 70’s race car feel while a bespoke play on words ‘You Olive Once’ sits in the existing dial arrangement. Make no mistake, the cabin space is pure theatre as you run through the start procedure – no sound deadening and a thoroughbred race engine make for an all – encompassing experience.

The Recaro seats present in excellent order equipped with Schroth harnesses whilst the roll cage, and aptly caricatured ‘Olive’ fire extinguisher, add to the individual Rennsport theme.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

At its heart sits a period-correct 3.0-litre MFI (Mechanical Fuel Injection) engine, built by renowned German racing engine specialists Mittel Motor and each unit was named individually. This creation is called ‘Surfin’ Bird’ as illustrated on the engine bay stamp.

Specification is quite stunning; an open cheque book exercise with forged rods, titanium springs and high lift cams complimented by in – house heads and a custom MFI system. The engine would subsequently go to Kremer Porsche for dyno set up resulting in a quite incredible 335bhp / 333nm with a self imposed rev limit of 8k rpm to ensure reliability.

An RSR spec header & exhaust combination completes this competition build – a perfect promotion of the unmistakable and wholly captivating flat 6 engine note. Full correspondence, specification and invoicing of the Mittelmotor engine is included in the history file.

The drivetrain has also been treated to a series of no expense spared upgrades inclusive of freshly rebuilt 915 gearbox.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Fuchs wheel design is symbolic amongst classic Porsche variants and although ST’s often ran minilites in period there could only be one choice for the purist. Used extensively in Europe and North America on street and track, these period correct and accurately finished 8 and 9 inch wheels, look every inch the part matched to the correct Michelin rubber.

The entire braking system has been replaced and upgraded whilst torsion bar suspension has been removed in favour of a Bilstein RSR Coilover set up. The underside has had similar attention; everything has been removed, stripped, inspected, cleaned and powder coated.

HISTORY FILE

Originally built for the US market this Period Correct 1969 F-Chassis was imported into Holland and sourced as the perfect donor for the enthusiast owner to create in his own carefully curated image.

Garage Gmund of Reeuwijk were selected to carry out this bespoke build and fulfil the Outlaw brief, and along with Mittelmotor secured the owner’s membership to Porsche subculture’s exclusive R-Gruppe.

The car arrived into the UK in 2023 bound for a prominent air cooled collector, who would go on to carry out various works with Flat Six Jack to ensure the car performs at it’s very best.

R-Gruppe cars rarely come to market, finding one built on the correct shell, with the correct philosophy, and crucially, the correct MFI engine is exceptionally uncommon. An excellent opportunity to acquire something truly aligned with one of the most respected movements in the Porsche world