1973 KMW-PORSCHE SP-30

Chassis #008-73 

KMW chassis #008-73 was the eighth car constructed out of nine total KMWs.  The first 6 cars were designated as either SP-2s or SP-20s and the last 3 were designated as SP-30s.  The earlier cars were fitted with 2 litre Porsche motors and later ones had more powerful engines up to 3 litres.  The name KMW stands for the initials of the principals involved in the effort to build the cars;  Jo Karasek, the designer; Hans Müller-Perschl, the organizer and also a driver; and Manfred Weiss, the craftsman.  Chassis #008-73 has by far the most extensive and varied race experience of all the KMWs.  Its first owner and driver was Kurt Hild.  It competed in over 60 race events during the period of 1973 to 1984 which included World Sportscar Championship events, World Manufacturers Championship events, and Interseries events.  It has run in events up to 1000 km and at tracks from Monza to the Nürburgring.  Only a few of the KMWs still exist in race ready form.  Hans Müller-Perschl drove an SP-20 at the Riverside Can-Am race in 1973.  After its retirement in 1984, chassis #008-73 was put on display at the Sinsheim Auto & Technik Museum in Heidelberg, Germany for 10 years. 

In preparation for a renewed life as a historically significant vintage racer, the chassis and motor of #008-73 have recently undergone an extensive restoration that included bringing everything back to original condition.  The motor work was completed by noted Porsche expert Jeff Gamroth of RothSport Racing and the rest of the refurbishment (as well as ongoing race preparation) was handled by Porsche specialist Rod Emory of Emory Motor Sports.  The car retains an incredible amount of originality including the monocoque tub.  The car has documented ownership and race history from new as evidenced by the original Wagen-Pass (log book). 

The motor in chassis #008-73 is an original 1973 Porsche RSR 2.8 litre 7R case with special cylinders and pistons designed to bring it up to 3 litres (case #6930127).  The fuel injection system is the original high-butterfly version unique to 1973.  The electrical system also has the correct twin plug distributor.  The engine alone is a beautiful sight to hear and behold and a very rare item.  The transmission is a Hewland FG 400.

The car is currently owned and campaigned in vintage events by Jim Devenport of Modesto, CA.