The Porsche 911 has always been more than just a car; it’s an icon, a symbol of performance and timeless design. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the allure of an old Porsche 911 is undeniable, representing a rich heritage and a unique driving experience. Recently, Porsche Classic, in collaboration with the Porsche Club of America (PCA), unveiled a breathtaking project that perfectly encapsulates this fascination: the Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe. This isn’t just any restoration; it’s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, a “No. 001/001” badge bearer that redefines what it means to cherish and reimagine a classic.
Tom Gorsuch, President of the PCA, aptly described the project’s ambition: “We wanted to take a different route – to base this unique project on a car less obvious – a modern classic – that would appeal to a slightly different group of enthusiasts.” The result is a vehicle that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of an old Porsche 911 with modern engineering and bespoke craftsmanship. The cohesive design, where changes appear so natural, is a testament to the challenging yet incredibly rewarding nature of this endeavor.
The foundation of this extraordinary creation is a 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly old Porsche 911 lies the heart and soul of a 996.2 911 GT3. The chassis, brakes, and engine are all sourced from this high-performance model, the first GT3 homologated for sale in the U.S. Powering this classic beauty is a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six engine, delivering an impressive 381 horsepower.
The journey of this particular old Porsche 911 began in Colombia, Virginia, where PCA Executive Director Vu Nguyen discovered it in a state of neglect. From there, it was transported back to its birthplace, the Porsche Classic workshop near the main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. What followed was a meticulous and comprehensive restoration process. The car was completely disassembled, and the body-in-white was strengthened using both original and newly developed parts, ensuring that this reborn classic was not just visually stunning but structurally sound.
Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualization and Classic at Porsche AG, explains the choice of the 996 generation as the starting point: “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 program of Porsche AG.” He further connects this project to Porsche’s heritage, mentioning the 2009 911 Sport Classic, a limited series that garnered global attention but wasn’t available in the U.S. The Classic Club Coupe effectively brings a similarly captivating concept to American Porsche enthusiasts.
Exterior: A Nod to Heritage with a Modern Twist
The styling and design evolution of the Classic Club Coupe occurred concurrently with the restoration itself, maintaining the project’s momentum. The PCA and Porsche Classic teams in both the U.S. and Germany collaborated closely, providing valuable input that shaped the final design.
Experts from Porsche Individualization, Porsche Classic, and Style Porsche worked together, engaging in regular discussions with the PCA throughout the two-and-a-half-year project. The result is a harmonious blend of classic Porsche design cues and modern aesthetics.
The car’s Sport Grey Metallic paint immediately catches the eye. Light Sport Grey Metallic stripes, outlined in Club Blue, run along the hood, roof, and spoiler, paying homage to the Type 997 911 Sport Classic. Further enhancing the visual appeal, light Sport Grey accents adorn the sides, featuring “Classic Club Coupe” script with a Club Blue accent line.
The double-dome roof, a striking feature, adds another layer of motorsport history. This design element is inspired by the roofs of old Porsche 911 race cars, which were sometimes modified to provide extra headroom for helmet-wearing drivers. The concept 911 Panamericana from 1989, the Carrera GT, and the 911 Sport Classic also featured this distinctive roof shape. Today, it’s a signature design cue for limited series from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and 911 GT models.
The fixed rear spoiler, crafted from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, takes the form of the iconic “ducktail” spoiler from the 1972 911 RS 2.7 – a defining feature of many old Porsche 911 models. The third brake light is seamlessly integrated into this spoiler. The “Classic Club Coupe” model designation is elegantly placed between the taillights, completing the rear aesthetic.
The combination of the double-dome roof, the ducktail spoiler, and the carefully chosen paint scheme creates a truly unique appearance, deeply rooted in Porsche’s rich heritage. The roof, in particular, serves as a direct link to the resourceful modifications seen in old Porsche 911 race cars.
Interior: Modern Luxury Meets Classic Porsche Design
If the exterior is impressive, the interior of the Classic Club Coupe elevates the concept of customization to a new level, showcasing the extensive possibilities of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program. Stepping inside is like entering a bespoke world where classic Porsche elements are reimagined with modern luxury.
Custom door sill plates proudly display the model name, setting the tone for the unique cabin experience. The interior is predominantly upholstered in black leather, accented by Slate Grey details and a perforated Alcantara headliner. However, the most striking feature is the seat centers and door panels, which showcase woven black and grey leather in a classic twill Pepita pattern, reminiscent of old Porsche 911 interiors but executed with contemporary materials and techniques.
Club Blue stitching provides vibrant contrast throughout the interior, adorning the steering wheel and the “911 Classic Club Coupe” embroidery on the headrests. This logo is also subtly integrated into the tachometer, flanked by two grey stripes and Club Blue lines, a detail that Porsche enthusiasts will truly appreciate.
Despite its classic aesthetic, the Classic Club Coupe is equipped with modern technology. The Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus system offers contemporary infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Google® Android Auto, as well as Sirius XM preparation. As a final touch of personalization, the start screen of this system displays “Classic Club Coupe,” further emphasizing the unique nature of this vehicle.
The Restoration and Engineering Challenge
Bringing such an ambitious project to fruition required extensive collaboration across various Porsche departments. The most demanding adaptations were the double-bubble roof and the fixed rear spoiler, both unique to the 911 Classic Club Coupe. The body section between the rear window and ducktail had to be meticulously handcrafted. Inside, the challenge lay in seamlessly integrating new materials with the existing geometry of the Type 996 interior.
To ensure compliance with U.S. regulations, the technical modifications underwent rigorous evaluation by experts from Porsche Individualization and Classic, Porsche Cars North America, and the Porsche Development Center in Weissach. Vehicle dynamics validation testing was also crucial. A test vehicle, acting as a stand-in for the irreplaceable one-off, endured extensive trials at test sites across Europe, including high-speed endurance runs and wind tunnel testing.
Once the verification program was successfully completed, the test vehicle was dismantled, reaffirming the truly unique nature of the Classic Club Coupe. The final, one-off vehicle received its overall approval after a thorough road test by the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, solidifying its status as a meticulously engineered and validated masterpiece.
The Enduring Appeal of the Old Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe is more than just a restored car; it’s a celebration of Porsche’s heritage, a testament to the enduring appeal of the old Porsche 911, and a showcase of Porsche Classic’s exceptional capabilities. It bridges the gap between generations, blending the classic charm of a vintage 911 with the performance and technology of a modern sports car. For those who appreciate the legacy of the Porsche 911 Old, this one-of-a-kind creation is a dream realized, a rolling piece of art that embodies the timeless spirit of Porsche.
About the Porsche 911 Type 996 (1997 – 2006)
The Type 996, the fifth generation of the 911 introduced in 1997, marked a significant shift with the adoption of water-cooled engines. This change was crucial for meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The 996 GT3, equipped with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, initially produced 360 PS, later increasing to 381 PS. Its body was completely redesigned, boasting a sleek and modern aesthetic. The distinctive “fried egg” headlights were both characteristic and initially polarizing. The interior offered increased space compared to its predecessor, providing a more comfortable and spacious cabin. Porsche produced 175,262 Type 996 vehicles between 1997 and 2006. Porsche Classic now provides support and expertise for these vehicles as they reach classic status.
About Porsche Classic
Porsche Classic is dedicated to preserving and maintaining Porsche’s iconic vehicles, both legendary classics and more recent models transitioning into classic status. With decades of experience, Porsche Classic experts are the go-to resource for original parts, restoration services, and repair solutions. A network of 78 certified Porsche Classic partners worldwide, including Porsche Classic centers, serves as the primary point of contact for owners of historic Porsche vehicles.
About the Porsche Club of America (PCA)
Founded in 1955, the Porsche Club of America (PCA) is one of the oldest and largest Porsche clubs globally. With over 145,000 members across 147 regions in the US and Canada, the PCA is a vibrant community of Porsche enthusiasts. Members participate in various activities, including car shows, racing events, rallies, autocross, and tourist trips. The PCA also plays a crucial role in driver education, restoration support, and technical assistance for its members and their beloved Porsches.
