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Wheels24 reader GAVIN ROOKE has written to us to show off a redesign and build of a 1968 Porsche 912 with the help of South African master craftsmen.
Classic cars are rare jewels, even more so when a car is rebuilt and redesigned using original or contemporary components to keep the project a true work of art for purists.
Image gallery
Gavin Rooke said the 1968 Porsche 912 project was designed to highlight the high calibre of craftsmen in South Africa: “The project falls within a broader range of projects that we undertake where we merge contemporary designers with experienced, often older craftsmen - such as Tim Abbot and Andrew Trow.
For this 912 project, we revisited the late 1960’s concept of ‘Privateer rally enthusiasts’ who would fit simple factory-supplied racing components to their private cars and then compete in professional rallies at weekends.
BUILDING A BEAUTY
Since we’re no longer constrained to 1960's technology, we embarked on a full rebuild, integrating old and new into a final package that merges five decades of Porsche technology.
Rooke said the suspension, brakes, gearbox and engine were replaced with contemporary Porsche components using a range of specialist local craftsman; the cabin and exterior design specifications were handled by their design team.
So what makes this ‘Weekend Racer’ an absolute gem?
According to the Dutchmann’s (Rooke) website, the contemporary 2.8-litre Porsche engine pushes out 179kW at 7200rpm and dashes to 100km/h in six seconds.
The custom-flowed engine casing carries resized barrels, aluminium racing pistons and modifies camshafts “kept in check by a race-bred cooling system”.
Inside there’s hand-stitched tan leather with ivory-accented double stitching and a leather dash.
FOCUSED ON SHELL
According to Dutchmann's website, Andrew Trow's team of bodywork specialists focused on the shell, restoring damaged panels, accommodating the later suspension and manually shaping the rear fenders around the larger 17" Porsche Cup One wheels. Once complete, the entire shell received multiple coats of classic grey twin-pack paint with seven layers.
The car was recently entered for the annual Kalahari Speedweek at Hakskeenpan in September.
Classic cars are rare jewels, even more so when a car is rebuilt and redesigned using original or contemporary components to keep the project a true work of art for purists.
Image gallery
Gavin Rooke said the 1968 Porsche 912 project was designed to highlight the high calibre of craftsmen in South Africa: “The project falls within a broader range of projects that we undertake where we merge contemporary designers with experienced, often older craftsmen - such as Tim Abbot and Andrew Trow.
For this 912 project, we revisited the late 1960’s concept of ‘Privateer rally enthusiasts’ who would fit simple factory-supplied racing components to their private cars and then compete in professional rallies at weekends.
BUILDING A BEAUTY
Since we’re no longer constrained to 1960's technology, we embarked on a full rebuild, integrating old and new into a final package that merges five decades of Porsche technology.
Rooke said the suspension, brakes, gearbox and engine were replaced with contemporary Porsche components using a range of specialist local craftsman; the cabin and exterior design specifications were handled by their design team.
So what makes this ‘Weekend Racer’ an absolute gem?
According to the Dutchmann’s (Rooke) website, the contemporary 2.8-litre Porsche engine pushes out 179kW at 7200rpm and dashes to 100km/h in six seconds.
The custom-flowed engine casing carries resized barrels, aluminium racing pistons and modifies camshafts “kept in check by a race-bred cooling system”.
Inside there’s hand-stitched tan leather with ivory-accented double stitching and a leather dash.
FOCUSED ON SHELL
According to Dutchmann's website, Andrew Trow's team of bodywork specialists focused on the shell, restoring damaged panels, accommodating the later suspension and manually shaping the rear fenders around the larger 17" Porsche Cup One wheels. Once complete, the entire shell received multiple coats of classic grey twin-pack paint with seven layers.
The car was recently entered for the annual Kalahari Speedweek at Hakskeenpan in September.