I’m not really into the “safari everything” trend that’s got people putting all kinds of lift kits and knobby tires on sports cars, but this is something else entirely. It’s… barely a Porsche.
- Vehicle: 1991 Porsche 911 (964) “Baja Prototype #1”
- Location: Southern California desert
- Photog: (Images owned by Collecting Cars); I cropped this one down
- Camera: Unknown
You might have seen this machine around social media (it was a finalist in the 2019 SEMA “Battle of the Builders,” but because it’s currently for sale on Collecting Cars it came across my desk presented with a big ol’ photoshoot and is looking amazing. I highly recommend you hit that link even if you’re not interested in bidding; there are more than 100 pictures of this car playing around in the sand, and it’s quite a majestic thing to behold.
The car is identified as a 964 911 (VIN WP0CB2969MS461959, to be exact), but what you’re seeing is basically a brand-new vehicle after heavy customization by Russell Built Fabrication. Funny enough, the original “donor car” was apparently a convertible. You’ll find even more images and details of the company ethos if you follow that link.
The short story on the motor, from the Collecting Cars listing:
“Its engine is a special 3.8-liter unit built by Rothsport Road & Race using the best internals, and equipped with independent throttle bodies, plenums, a Motec ECU and a GT3 exhaust system yielding 360 bhp.”
Apparently, the car weighs about 2,800 pounds dry, so, even with those immense 30-inch tires, it should be pretty fast.
What to read next:
- In the newest Car Autance video, EIC Andrew Collins demonstrates how and why he upgraded his garage with all-new LED lights.
- Car Autance launched a new series, Car Confessions and Hard Lessons. In the third installment, Engineering Explained creator Jason Fenske explains why buying a Subaru WRX STI was the worst car decision he’s ever made.
- With its new used car platform Car Bravo, GM is aiming to beat out companies like CarMax and Carvana at their own games.
- The first 2022 Subaru WRX dyno numbers are in, and they tell a deeper story.
- We know the used car market is crazy, but you should keep your eye on these three excellent 2000s sport sedans.
