911 Classic Club Coupe
A one-of-a-kind following in the footsteps of greatness.
When Porsche and the Porsche Club of America (PCA) put their heads together, fantastic ideas are born. This includes the two special models of the 911 Club Coupe based on the 911 Carrera S (type 997) and 911 Carrera GTS (type 991). All 911 Club Coupes are coveted collector's items today. At a meeting between Porsche Classic and the PCA, the question arose as to which project, they would have liked to have produced together in the past. Despite the enormous variety of models, the choice was easy. The 911 Sport Classic (type 997) was to serve as the inspiration vehicle for this exclusive project – a coveted limited series that had never been available before in the USA. The Factory One-Off 911 Classic Club Coupe is an equally exciting vehicle concept that will now also be created for the USA.
911 Classic Club Coupe. A perfect fusion.
Base vehicle: a 911 Carrera (type 996).
The base vehicle is from 1998. Only the body was required for the 911 Classic Club Coupe. After the complete disassembly, a chemical bath removed all the layers of paint.
Body-in-white: reinterpreted.
On the straightening bench, frame gauges specially designed for doors and windows were used to precisely measure the chassis. Deformed areas were reshaped by experienced mechanics. The body-in-white assembly was completed during the time-consuming 'trial assembly' process. All gap dimensions and functions were checked and optimised.
Cathodic dip coating: the first step towards a Factory One-Off.
For state-of-the-art rust prevention, the body-in-white was taken to one of the most advanced cathodic dip coating facilities located at Porsche AG in Zuffenhausen. This kind of integration of One-Offs into series productions is unique in the world.
Wind tunnel: Testing using a test vehicle.
A test vehicle was used on behalf of the valuable One-Off to complete the extensive testing. The aerodynamics of the vehicle were tuned in the development centre in Weissach and the setup was optimised in a series of demanding test drives at test sites.
Body: The 911 Classic Club Coupe takes shape.
Armed with the knowledge gained from the wind tunnel and test drives, the experts from Porsche Classic set about reproducing the rear lid with a fixed spoiler and the double bubble roof. Mostly by hand. Inspired by the GT3, the bodyshell was also reworked and reinforced during reconstruction using original new parts and newly developed components. Adapting the body to accommodate the GT3 powertrain also required special expertise.
Technology: Optimised for performance.
For the chassis with the brakes as well as the powertrain, the specialists opted for components from the second GT3 generation, which were also available in the USA. The naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 3.6 litres delivers 280 kW/381 PS.
Paint finish: Unmistakably perfect.
Double stripes running across the bonnet, roof and rear spoiler enhanced the sporty look. They were elaborately painted in Sportgrey Light, while on the 911 Sport Classic (type 997) they were designed as foil decals and were darker than the body colour. Two fine lines in Clubblau also run along the outside of the stripes. The hockey stick side decor was painted in Sportgrey Light and bears the 'Classic Club Coupe' logo as well as a line in Clubblau.
Fuchs rims: typical of the early 911 models.
In addition to the ducktail from the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the 911 Classic Club Coupe has also adopted the legendary Fuchs rims. They were specially developed for the Factory One-Off and will soon expand the range of original parts for the 996. However, exclusive details such as the Porsche logo on the rim base and the fine line in Clubblau remain reserved for the 911 Classic Club Coupe.
Interior: Uniquely rich in detail.
Black leather combined with Slate Grey and partially perforated Alcantara dominate the interior. The centre panels of the sports seats, like the door panels, have a Pepita pattern woven in Black and Slate Grey braided leather. Clubblau decorative seams lighten the classic appearance of the seats. '911 Classic Club Coupe' is embroidered on the headrests.
Final inspection: The 911 Classic Club Coupe takes off.
The Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe was created in two and a half years from a used 911 Carrera built in 1998 (type 996). Before the Factory One-Off could be handed over to the Porsche Club of America, it underwent a thorough inspection. A personal highlight for Head of Porsche Classic Factory Restoration, Uwe Makrutzki. He is the only person to have driven the vehicle so far. The entire setup bears his signature.
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