However, for lesser mortals, the basic backdating concept is simple but effective and still very appealing, and that is to take a later donor 911 with more modern underpinnings and apply the styling of an earlier generation car that people often prefer. Dig into Porsche’s own illustrious history and original cars like the 911 ST and Carrera RS are the most popular candidates for inspiration, and the latter is the case for this particular conversion.
The 1980s 911 3.2 Carrera makes a perfect donor car with its robust engine offering 231 BHP in standard form, 21 BHP more than the legendary Carrera RS from 1973. Once the lighter backdated bodywork and interior is fitted, you also have genuine Carrera RS bashing performance.
For this particular build, a straight 1984 right hand drive example was sourced by Cavendish Porscha before they converted it into the car you see here today. Whilst some backdates are a cost-effective panel conversion, we have a ten-page spreadsheet on file showing this to be a very comprehensive rebuild of the donor car and conversion including full bodyshell restoration, engine, gearbox and suspension rebuilt before a lightweight interior and an iconic Carrera RS colour scheme was applied. As with many of these conversions that have been comprehensively rebuilt and transformed as this one has been, Cavendish zeroed the mileage on completion, and it has now covered just over 1,300 miles since.
Jump behind the wheel and with one turn of the key it fires into life with a purposeful burble from the stainless-steel exhaust system. On the road it drives as well as you would hope, the rebuilt motor pulling strongly, suggesting every one of the original 231 horses, if not a few more have been reinstated. The 915 gearbox, with its refreshed internals has been assembled by someone who understands them and is one of the best 915 gearboxes we have come across. Factor this in with the restored suspension featuring Powerflex bushes together with Bilstein Sport dampers and this little 911 is a lively performer on the twisties.
OUR THOUGHTS
The original Carrera RS is still a highly revered jewel in Porsche’s crown, particularly in lightweight form, being far more than a sum of its parts and still feeling truly magical when behind the wheel. Just 17 right hand drive examples were produced, so rarely come up for sale, with very deep pockets required when they do.
Whilst this car evokes the styling of an original, that’s really where the similarity ends and yes that may sound harsh, but it has its own merits too. Lift the thinly disguised vale and underneath you have a fully rebuilt, rust-free, genuine Porsche 911 that is now quicker than the original it is trying to imitate, as well as being reliable and cost effective to run too. Hell, it’s even road tax exempt and ULEZ free! And lastly the price, for sale on behalf of a motivated client at just a smidge under £85,000. For a slice of classic 911 magic that would likely cost double to reproduce today, it’s also a bit of a bargain.
BACKGROUND
Modifying has always been a part of the whole Porsche 911 story, with the versatility of the original car making it ripe for personalisation by Porsche themselves, individuals or tuning companies. Even as early as the late 60s and 70s, names like Kremer and Ruf were at the forefront, the excess of 80s and 90s were dominated by the wild Gemballa Koenig and Stroesk creations, and in the last two decades the backdate scene arrived, with a plethora of companies joining the party, Singer probably being the most prolific, with its earlier style cars based on the 964 platform. Whilst there is no denying that Singer has moved this concept on with its latest creations, the price point is often well into seven figures, ensuring ownership is for the lucky few.
However, for lesser mortals, the basic backdating concept is simple but effective and still very appealing, and that is to take a later donor 911 with more modern underpinnings and apply the styling of an earlier generation car that people often prefer. Dig into Porsche’s own illustrious history and original cars like the 911 ST and Carrera RS are the most popular candidates for inspiration, and the latter is the case for this particular conversion.
THIS EXAMPLE
The 1980s 911 3.2 Carrera makes a perfect donor car with its robust engine offering 231 BHP in standard form, 21 BHP more than the legendary Carrera RS from 1973. Once the lighter backdated bodywork and interior is fitted, you also have genuine Carrera RS bashing performance.
For this particular build, a straight 1984 right hand drive example was sourced by Cavendish Porscha before they converted it into the car you see here today. Whilst some backdates are a cost-effective panel conversion, we have a ten-page spreadsheet on file showing this to be a very comprehensive rebuild of the donor car and conversion including full bodyshell restoration, engine, gearbox and suspension rebuilt before a lightweight interior and an iconic Carrera RS colour scheme was applied. As with many of these conversions that have been comprehensively rebuilt and transformed as this one has been, Cavendish zeroed the mileage on completion, and it has now covered just over 1,300 miles since.
Jump behind the wheel and with one turn of the key it fires into life with a purposeful burble from the stainless-steel exhaust system. On the road it drives as well as you would hope, the rebuilt motor pulling strongly, suggesting every one of the original 231 horses, if not a few more have been reinstated. The 915 gearbox, with its refreshed internals has been assembled by someone who understands them and is one of the best 915 gearboxes we have come across. Factor this in with the restored suspension featuring Powerflex bushes together with Bilstein Sport dampers and this little 911 is a lively performer on the twisties.
OUR THOUGHTS
The original Carrera RS is still a highly revered jewel in Porsche’s crown, particularly in lightweight form, being far more than a sum of its parts and still feeling truly magical when behind the wheel. Just 17 right hand drive examples were produced, so rarely come up for sale, with very deep pockets required when they do.
Whilst this car evokes the styling of an original, that’s really where the similarity ends and yes that may sound harsh, but it has its own merits too. Lift the thinly disguised vale and underneath you have a fully rebuilt, rust-free, genuine Porsche 911 that is now quicker than the original it is trying to imitate, as well as being reliable and cost effective to run too. Hell, it’s even road tax exempt and ULEZ free! And lastly the price, for sale on behalf of a motivated client at just a smidge under £85,000. For a slice of classic 911 magic that would likely cost double to reproduce today, it’s also a bit of a bargain.
