YTG unveils Wiedergeboren 911 resto-mod

YOUNG TIMERS GARAGE, the global retailer for Wiedergeboren, has this week revealed a limited-edition Porsche 911 resto-mod it says will offer customers a raw, direct, unfiltered, unabashed, and unapologetic take on the much-loved German sports coupe.

Combining old-world charm with state-of-the-art mechanical mastery, the Wiedergeboren 911 is the brainchild of Porsche afficionado and Singer devotee Jason Wenning, whose first production model began life as a Hong Kong delivered 1979 911 SC.

Featuring a custom-built engine from a 964, and bored to 3.8 litres, the Wiedergeboren 911 sports a naturally aspirated six-cylinder with Motec fuel injection, bespoke pistons, race conrods, ported flowed cylinder heads, custom camshafts, race valve springs, individual throttle bodies and ceramic coated custom exhaust.

The enlarged bores and pistons accompany a suite of internal upgrades that provide strong peak power while delivering a torque curve that is “as solid as a rock” through to 7500rpm.

Customers have the option to specify the same engine for their own Wiedergeboren 911, or to have a similar treatment applied to any supplied Porsche engine.

The display model features a 915 series five-speed manual transmission with custom gearing, while a limited slip differential provides “confident and predictable handling characteristics when applying power mid corner”.

Stopping power comes from Porsche Boxster based callipers with 911 discs and brake bias. The upgrade is said to provide “modern stopping power and longevity” while offering light weight for improved balance.

“It’s been quite a long journey of seven years. We’ve learnt a lot along the way, engaging with suppliers from all over the world to build what are often one-off parts,” Mr Wenning told GoAuto.

“But it really is a labour of love, and in building something that is handmade we are able to offer a 911 that drives as good as it looks. It is definitely a passion project, and the team has done an amazing job in bringing it to life.

“We are hoping to build 10 more for our customers, and every car can be different. We don’t really want two cars to be the same.”

The model shown – which was built piece by piece by Adelaide-based touring car racer turned fabricator Mark Poole – rides on bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels custom-made in Canada and wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Hand-crafted body panels are complemented inside by a bespoke, and artfully crafted interior including gauges, door panels, seats, custom floor panels, tunnel panels and pedal board. The changes have improved the ‘awkward’ driving ergonomics of the classic 911, offering a more natural driving position for taller adults.

Mr Wenning said the Wiedegeboren (which is German for born again) philosophy is evident in the vehicle’s logo, a phoenix that features both externally and on the handmade leather and tartan seats.

Much of the vehicle was rebuilt several times before being completed to Mr Wenning’s “level of satisfaction”, a vehicle he now says offers a driving experience that is “engaging, telepathic, and finely honed”.

The body features custom bumpers and wheel arches, deep sills, bespoke undertrays with 993 series jacking points. The wiring loom is completely new and handmade to support a Motec PDM management system, while the suspension sports upgraded torsion bars and custom valved Koni dampers.

Up front, the cargo area now supports HVAC equipment alongside the fuel tank and other ancillaries. The battery is retained in its original location.

At the back, the engine bay is now adorned with custom rocker covers, brushed brass hand painted intakes, and custom panels to hide the wiring. Lighting is bi-LED with inset daytime running lights, matched by custom in-house tail-lights that pay homage to the classic tail of the 911.

As a bespoke product, the Wiedegeboren 911 will be built to customer specification and in a “limited production run of 10 cars, for the right people”. Each build slot will be unique with “individual specifications and personalisations giving each car a unique personality”.

Mr Wenning says a Wiedegeboren can be produced from any 911 chassis that originally housed an air-cooled engine, however, a chassis from 1974 to 1989 is the preferred basis owing to the choice of mechanical options and customisation it can ultimately offer.

Owners will collaborate with Mr Wenning on design elements such as fabrics, finishings, and colour scheme, and have input into choices around mechanical components – with turbocharging under consideration for “future discussion”.

Available to order, the Wiedergeboren is priced from $1,150,000 – excluding GST, the price of the donor model, and any unforeseen extraordinary repairs such as extensive rust repair.