Porsche Center completes unique “911 Targa R” Backdate project

For Marcel van der Velden, a Porsche is more than just a car – it is a way of life, an icon, a piece of motorsport history. The Managing Partner of Sportwagen Zentrum Niederrhein GmbH put these values at the heart of the Porsche Classic Partner’s first Backdate project. Together with specialists from the scene, they created their own idea of a Porsche 911 Targa R. Their objective: an absolutely unique car that combines the best of two worlds.

The fascination of a 911 backdate design

Backdating has long been an established art form among Porsche enthusiasts. Air-cooled Porsche 911s from the G-model, 964 or 993 series are usually technically overhauled and visually rebuilt in the style of the 911 F-model. They are visually transported back in time, so to speak. Their goal is to revive the charm and purist design language of earlier generations. In contrast to the original, however, a Backdate does not have to do without contemporary technology. This approach has fascinated Marcel van der Velden for some time. He is Managing Partner of the Porsche Center Moers, which has been a certified Porsche Classic Partner for more than a decade. The question that occupied him: Why not combine a classic design with the technical expertise of a Porsche Center?

Joining forces for the dream project 911 Targa R – Porsche Center Moers and Vehicle Experts hand in hand

By definition, a backdate goes far beyond a restoration. After all, extensive adjustments have to be made to the bodywork in order to transfer the classic design to a significantly newer base car. To this end, the Porsche Center Moers works together with none other than Florian Scheuer. His company Vehicle Experts specializes in restorations and backdates. Scheuer was immediately enthusiastic about the cooperation idea. He contributed his expertise in conversions to the broad look of the 911 ST of the 70s and interior customization to the project.

Every Backdate project has to start with a base car. In this case it is a Porsche 964 Targa. Originally in innocent, classic white, this car was first registered on December 5, 1991. 2020 marked the start of a new chapter for the Targa. At Vehicle Experts, it was to turn the vision of the managing partner into reality. On the one hand, the character of the classic was to be retained. At the same time, the design was to be combined with elements of modern sports cars. In short: a Backdate project that was to be limited only by the creativity of its creators.

A timeless combination of Graphite and Pepita

The basic idea was a perfect balance of heritage and modernity. Thanks to the classic 911 ST-style widened wheel arches, the 911 Targa R Backdate was to appear muscular, but not obtrusive. The design language at the front skillfully quotes the original model of the Porsche 911, also known as the F-model. After extensive sheet metal work and repainting, the body shines in timelessly elegant graphite gray (color code 7B2). The 911 Targa R is fitted with rims in a classic design to match.

However, the F-Model-inspired design language in the apron, hood, lights and indicators has been garnished with some modern details. The chrome-plated trim parts like the filigree air intakes, windshield trim frame and headlight rings provide a consistent contrast that really suits the Targa. Speaking of headlights: round headlights with state-of-the-art LED lighting technology are of course used here. After all, the Backdate was designed from the outset as a so-called daily driver. The goal was to create a companion for every day, whether on the racetrack or on the way to work.

A companion for every day, whether on the racetrack or on the way to work.

That is why the Recaro seats, which are beyond reproach, were chosen for the interior. They combine sportiness and comfort like no other seats. At the same time, their classic shape gives them a special retro charm. And the color combination of black leather with Porsche Pepita gives it a very classy touch. The interior is rounded off by the Porsche Classic Communication Management System (PCCM). It offers state-of-the-art connectivity and crystal-clear sound.

Technology meets perfection – engine overhaul at the Porsche Center Moers

Of course, the right technology was needed under the beautiful bodywork. In keeping with the aim of making the 911 Targa R the perfect everyday companion, a solution was suggested that is not often found in the now highly competitive Backdate market. Its original 3.6-liter engine was overhauled directly at the Porsche Center Moers. They also married it to the body – without compromising the historic status of the vehicle. As a result, the 911 Targa R continues to meet all the requirements for historic registration. This makes it a true classic not only visually and technically, but also officially.

The overhaul at the Porsche Classic Partner was carried out with great attention to detail. Classic specialist Benjamin Büttner brought all of his 15 years of experience to bear in order to elicit maximum performance from the engine. It was completely rebuilt with meticulous attention to detail. Naturally, only original parts were used to ensure not only impressive performance but also the usual Porsche reliability.

The engine is enhanced by a striking stainless steel exhaust system. It not only ensures better performance, but also gives the 911 Targa R a special stylistic touch. As the tailpipes are arranged centrally under the rear apron they are reminiscent of current GT3 models. Thanks to an electric valve, the sound can be switched from unobtrusive to beguiling at the touch of a button – just like on current GT Porsches.

Classics can not only be preserved, but also developed further

“Every detail on this car tells a story – of craftsmanship, passion and the art of combining the best of two worlds”, summarizes Marcel van der Velden. “This project is far more than just a conversion. It is the realization of a vision and proof that classics can not only be preserved, but also developed further.” Additional proof of this is the ultra-modern suspension from KW, which makes cornering a real pleasure without compromising on comfort.

In the first cooperation with Vehicle Experts, the Porsche Center specialists wanted to show that tradition and modernity are not opposites. “Together, we wanted to create something that is timeless. A Porsche that finds its place both on the road and in the hearts of our enthusiasts. I think we have succeeded”, summarizes Marcel van der Velden.

Sales manager and Classic specialist Paul Burek, who was instrumental in supporting this project, adds: “For me as a Classic specialist, it was a particular pleasure to be involved in this unique Backdate project. The combination of iconic design and modern technology shows how much potential there is in these vehicles.”

Porsche 911 Targa R from PZ Moers is for sale, second project seeks visionary

Now that the countless hours of planning and very intensive implementation have manifested themselves in the Porsche 911 Targa R, the Porsche Center Moers is already looking ahead. The first Backdate from their cooperation with Vehicle Experts is to find a new owner. “For us, the sale of this car marks the conclusion of an exciting and emotional project that we have realized with a great deal of passion. While the vehicle is still in perfect condition, we now want to hand it over to a driver who will carry on the story behind it and enjoy the car on the road”, says van der Velden.

Porsche 911 Backdate

1991

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The 911 Targa R is not just a Porsche. It is a statement that lives on in the right hands.

Paul Burek, Sales Manager Porsche Center Moers

Time has come at the Porsche Centre Moers to make room for new projects and to realize new visions with fresh creativity. Because another Backdate project is already in the starting blocks and looking for a visionary! “We still have a body shell available, waiting to be designed according to individual ideas. As a Porsche Classic Partner, we implement tailor-made Backdate projects with the utmost precision and craftsmanship”, concludes Classic specialist Benjamin Büttner.