Porsche Classic teams up with the Porsche Club of America for this special 996.
The 996-generation Porsche 911 ushered in the most significant change in the 911’s history: liquid cooling. The death of the air-cooled Porsche 911 might have left a bitter taste in some collectors’ minds and has turned the 996 generation into one of the most vocally under-appreciated eras of the Porsche 911.
Shining a light on this often-overlooked sports car, the team at Porsche Classic partnered with the Porsche Club of America and transformed a 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera into a one-off creation.
Now aptly dubbed the Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe, this lowly ’98 911 underwent a thorough restoration while also being extensively modified. Trying to emulate the look of the limited-production 997 911 Sport Classic, this custom Porsche now features a ducktail spoiler similar to the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7, a double-bubble roof, and 18-inch forged aluminum Fuchs wheels.
Drawing the connection closer to the Sport Classic, Porsche Classic finished this 911 in sport grey metallic paint with light sport grey metallic and club blue stripes.
Under that spoiler and hood is the engine from the 996.2-generation Porsche 911 GT3. In English, that means this Porsche uses a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six that makes 381 hp. Other parts from the same generation GT3 also find a home on this 911. If you peel a tire off this custom Porsche or crawl underneath you’ll find chassis components and the brake system from the GT3.
Porsche Classic paid just as much attention to the interior of this special 911 as the rest of the build. On the inside, you’ll see no shortage of leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as custom touches.
There’s custom embroidery on the headrests and custom door sill plates that remind you of this custom Porsche’s name every time you open the door. Though, Porsche also wanted to show off its Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus system, which gives modern infotainment creature comforts to this aged machine.
If you’re wondering why so much effort went into one of the least appreciated 911s, the answer is easy. “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,” says Tom Gorsuch, president of the Porsche Club of America.
Finishing this Porsche is a No. 001/001 badge affixed to the dash that highlights the special nature of this build. You might have a hard time snagging this special 911, but Porsche Classic will happily make you one. Though, if you have to ask how much, you probably can’t afford it.
Keyword: Porsche Classic Turns a 996 911 into a One-Off Custom