911 and Porsche World - PS Retro Touring vs 911 S vs 997
It really is horses for courses. But I know which stable door I’d be opening, and it’s just south of Sudbury on the A131.
911 and Porsche World - Replicas and Hot Rods
With a few mods, reckons Stephens, you could make this 2.7 Carrera eligible for Historic motorsport. My advice: don’t, leave it alone. Enjoy it the way it is. Because frankly, it’s the best Porsche I’ve ever driven.
911 and Porsche World - Wide Body Air Cooled 911s
Puffed up poseurs? Niche opportunism? Or is there engineering merit in Porsche’s Turbo-bodied, normally-aspirated 911s?
On a fast and flowing B-road the Spyder is a thoroughly engaging car to drive. Dynamically it’s an addictive blend of old-school 911 handling and a very healthy power-to-weight ratio. In short, it’s terrific fun.
With the 996 Series 911, Porsche introduced its now legendary GT tag to a series of production cars. We gather all five varients of the 996 GT2 and GT3 and relive some of Porsche’s finest moments.
Porsche has always hit the spot with its Renn Sport formula. We chart the progress of how the cars have evolved during our time.
To drive it’s a great experience, thrilling, exhilarating and truly unique
It's not cheap, but retro 911s don't come better made or better engineered than this. Pose value high, reliability high
The backdated 911 is big news on the classic Porsche scene, and these latest offerings from PS Autoart are up there with the very best.
PS Design Wheels
PS Design Wheels
A close evocation of the original design with soft-edged petals.
PS Cars on YouTube
PS Clubsport at Brands Hatch - In-car camera
PS Clubsport at Brands Hatch - Exterior camera
Paul Stephens driving the PS Clubsport
PS Clubsport at Brands Hatch - Paul Stephens at the wheel
They get better with age
Reason No: 12
Because they get better with age - PS Autoart
Gorgeous, aren't they? Old 911s I mean. Unencumbered by the heavy crash structures foisted upon post '73 models, these lithe, pre-impact bumper machines are regarded by many as the zenith of the 42-year-old series.
Except this one is nowhere near as wrinkly as it purports to be. It's a recreation based on an early ‘90s 964, the handiwork of Porsche specialist Paul Stephens (www.paul-stephens.com) and exists because using gorgeous old cars every day can turn uglier than a Ssangyong Rodius. Crap heaters, crap brakes, bodies with all the corrosion resistance of a baby tooth in a glass of coke – it's not all fun. Been there, on my second T-shirt.
Stephens is quick to point out that this PS300R isn't a replica of a '73 Carrera S, although he CAN build you one from an ‘80s Carrera 3.2. Instead it's designed to evoke the spirit of that most fabled of 911s without sacrificing the luxuries we take for granted today. Hence the 964 base. This was the car that brought anti-lock brakes, power steering and the option of four-wheel drive to the 911 range. But it's still air cooled, retains the older cars' silhouette and compact dimensions and the cabin looks almost identical.
The proper Fuchs wheels didn't fit over the 964s big brakes so rather than compromise the car's drivability by retro-fitting smaller stoppers, Stephens made his own 17-inch versions. What's more, the high-based electric seats didn't look right so he sourced is own and had them reupholstered in wonderfully period corduroy. But the biggest challenge was the bodywork: fabricating a longer bonnet from aluminium, stretching the front wings to accommodate the old-style indicator assembly and creating his own front and rear bumpers because the early ‘70s stuff just wouldn't fit.
In 250R trim, the Carrera's 250bhp flat six is rebuilt to standard spec but 300Rs get £15k's* worth of RS barrels, pistons and a lightened flywheel, bumping up the price depending on spec.
That Stephens is an accomplished racer shows in how the car drives. The engine's not remotely peaky, pulling strongly from low down yet still encouraging you to chase the redline with that fabulous cooling fan wail, and although the steering isn't as sweet as a really early 911's, the blend of body control and ride comfort is excellent.
Best of all, you can comfortably slide it around on the road in a way the new GT3 just doesn't allow.
I appreciate the absurdity of spending new 911 money on a 15-year-old 911, ordinary used examples of which can be picked up for Fiesta ST money. But assuming you could find the money needed to buy a really nice '73 RS, could you really bring yourself to ruin it through daily use? The 300R certainly isn't for the purist, but for a select bunch this car is a real have-your-cake-and-eat-it opportunity.