Porsche has revealed a special one-off 911, built in tribute to the Porsche Club of America (PCA).
A product of the recently relaunched Porsche Sonderwunsch programme, the 996-generation 911 has been completely transformed.
Along with a full restoration and retro-inspired styling, the modern classic has also gained GT3 power.
Redemption for the 996
A meeting between PCA members and Porsche Classic staff resulted in the idea for the 911 Classic Club Coupe.
“The Type 996 is unjustly overshadowed by the other 911 ranges. That’s why we were happy to choose it as the basis for demonstrating all the things we can do with Porsche Classic and the recently expanded Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche” said Alexander Fabig, head of individualisation and classic at Porsche.
A 996-generation 911 Carrera provided the base. Found looking unloved at a dealership in Columbia, Virginia, the 996 was flown home to the Porsche Classic workshop in Zuffenhausen.
The limited-edition 2009 911 (997) Sport Classic, a car never sold in the US, offered the styling inspiration.
Ducking and driving
Taken back to bare metal, the 911 was completely rebuilt with parts from a second-generation 911 GT3. Along with a 3.6-litre flat-six, extra body strengthening and improved brakes were added.
Producing 376hp and 284lb ft of torque, the upgraded engine is mated to a manual gearbox.
Styling features taken from the Sport Classic include a double-bubble roof, plus the iconic ducktail rear spoiler. The car was painted in Sport Grey Metallic, with stripes and lettering picked out in Light Sport Grey.
A set of gloss black 18-inch Fuchs alloy wheels complete the makeover.
Trans-Atlantic cooperation
Inside, Pepita houndstooth twill trim is used for the seat centres and door cards. The Club Blue contrast stitching includes ‘911 Classic Club Coupe’ embroidered into the headrests.
The dashboard features a Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus media system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Along with evaluations on test tracks across Europe, the finished car was approved after a road test by the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach.
“We wanted to work together to create something unique that would generate enthusiasm,” adds Tom Gorsuch, president of the Porsche Club of America. “The fact that the finished Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe looks so sleek and natural is what’s really incredible about this challenging project.”
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