Underrated Porsche 912 steps out of 911’s shadow with restomod treatment

Well, this looks nice…

Doesn’t it just. In a world where restomod Porsches just seem to grow fatter, heavier, costlier and more electric, this is super clean. And definitely not electric. It’s the work of Budapest-based KAMM Manufaktur, a classic Porsche specialist dedicated to giving the Stuttgart firm’s finest a modern makeover without losing its classic appeal.

We’ve heard of 911, but 912?

That’s because the 912 spent its life in period in the 911’s shadow. When Porsche retired the 356 and began building the flagship 911, it needed a car that filled the price gap between the two. That was the 912, launched in 1965 and designed as a budget alternative to the 911, with a four-cylinder motor, less power, less weight and less luxuries. Porsche made 32,000 before it was shelved in 1969.

So why restomod it?

Why not? Not only is the 912 a great-looking thing, it also proved itself to be a bit of an underrated star with great handling balance and weight distribution. One of its greatest achievements was winning the 1967 European Rally Championship in the hands of Polish driver Sobieslaw Zasada, hence the option of a Poland Red scheme. It’s also available in Bahama Yellow as a tribute to the Scania Vabis rally team that finished eighth in the 1967 Swedish Rally.

But it’s not standard?

No – KAMM has gone to town with the modern re-engineering. First off there’s a sliding scale of carbon-fibre construction, meaning your car can weigh as little as 699kg, plus the air-cooled engine has been fully overhauled to create 190bhp delivered through a five-speed gearbox and ZF limited slip differential. You can also spec things like Bluetooth, wireless phone charging and air-con. Or go full track pack with carbon seats, racing pedals, safety equipment and bespoke gear ratios. It even comes with
a scale model of itself and a retro racing helmet in matching livery.

Where can we get one?

This specific 60th anniversary model is ultra-rare, with only one of each colour being created. The (very small) order book is now open with prices starting at £327,000. But KAMM’s other 912c works of art are more readily available, even if they start at around £285,000 plus donor car.