From the model’s introduction in 1964, all the way through the 964 generation that ended in 1994, changes to the Porsche 911 were more evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Sure the wheelbase grew, the car was fitted with fuel injection and air conditioning over time, but at its core, it kept the spirit of the early cars the whole way through. But that wasn’t the only thing it kept, as dimensions didn’t change much from 1967 through 1994, body panels from earlier cars fit on later chassis and vice-versa. Although in the 1980s and 1990s this was used to transform early cars into more modern looking 911s, this trend has thankfully ended and people are instead, fitting later model air-cooled 911s with a classic body. This gives the benefit of more powerful and reliable engines, improved suspension and brake systems as well as better interior technology, without needing to cut up a long-hood car to fit everything in.
This 911 started life as a 1986 G-Body 3.2 Carrera that was sold new in the greater Boston, Massachusetts region. Outfitted from the factory in black with a factory short shifter, power actuated sunroof, and cruise control, the car was only in the Northeast for a few years before coming out to the west coast where it then spent considerable time in Oregon and California. In 2013, the car began its transformation to 1972 backdate specifications, which was carried out by Avant-Garde in Portland, Oregon.
The conversion began with the installation of steel long-hood bodywork in the front, including a new hood and 911 S front bumper while the rear end received a fiberglass bumper. While the original 3.2 Carrera had black trim around the windows, headlights and engine grille, that was all switched out for a more period correct polished look and the entire car was repainted in beautiful Schwarz (black). With its removed rocker panels and RSR-Finish staggered 16” Fuchs wheels, this Carrera has a stunning outlaw look.
Much of the interior was also upgraded by Achtung Kraft in Same, Wisconsin in the style of a Singer 911 – the modern-style bucket seats are fitted with woven leather centers with a black background and Gulf Racing light blue and orange striping that is also seen on the door cards and dashboard. A 3-spoke Momo Prototipo frames a custom set of gauges that also feature Gulf accents, while a low-key stereo with LCD navigation and dual rally-timer stopwatches are also fit in the dash. This car retains air conditioning.
Out back sits the legendary 3.2-liter flat-6, which has been upgraded with a Steve Wong chip. The dual center exit rear exhaust is a Dansk sport muffler, and SSI stainless heat exchangers were also installed. Power is sent through a 915 5-speed gearbox that was rebuilt in 2018 with new first and second gear synchros and a sport clutch and flywheel were also installed.
Although the backdated cars may not be the choice of the Porsche purist, for somebody who just loves to drive, they are nearly impossible to beat. When you pair the classic good looks of a vintage 911 with the performance and convenience of a more modern car, you end up with a vehicle that you are excited to drive and puts a smile on your face – and the faces of everyone you see – every time you’re out. This car would be exceptionally costly these days to replicate and buying a complete version that was done to as high of a standard as this is without a doubt the best way to put a backdated 911 in your garage.
Key Features
- Backdate Bodywork
- Steel Hood
- 911 S Front Bumper
- New Fenders
- Rear Fiberglass Bumper
- Rocker Panels Removed
- New Trim, Horn Grilles, Door Frames
- Hella H4 Headlights
- 16” Staggered Fuchs Wheels
- Full Custom Interior
- Woven Leather in Gulf Racing Colors on Seats, Doors and Dash
- Low Profile LCD Stereo/Navigation Unit
- Custom Gauges in Gulf Colors
- Dual Rally-Timer Stopwatches
- 3.2-Liter Air Cooled Flat-6
- Steve Wong Chip
- Dansk Center-Exit Sport Muffler
- SSI Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers
- 5-Speed Manual 915 Gearbox
- Rebuilt in 2018 w/New 1st and 2nd Gear Synchros
- Sport Clutch and Flywheel
- Short Shifter
