Rennterior

Even though there may be a years worth of work on the exterior of my 67, the interior has been paid quite a lot of attention.  Since replacing the floor boards, I wrote out a wish list of the qualities of different racers and narrowed the list down to realistically obtainable parts.  

From the door panels to sound insulation, from the steering wheel to facia trim, I have put a lot of thought into what will make the most attractive, yet respectful interior for my Porsche.  

Starting with the steering wheel.  I found from Edmond-Harris that a 1973 RS 380mm steering wheel with a thicker leather wrap would go for at least a grand, but was the steering wheel to have for any racer.  The Prototipo and Monte Carlo wheels from Momo are nice, but have this funky accordian neck extension that I thought was tacky. 

I went with the 380mm RS wheel, but found mine second hand for a competitive price.  The splurge will be the circular horn button that was only found on the RS wheel or the older 420mm wheels from 66.  The wheel came with the butterfly horn, which I will sell in the mean time.

The dash and facia are suppose to be raw and simple with no extras or wrapping on an original racer, but since I will be driving her daily, I thought rewrapping the dash in black leather was fine.  It was simple.  It looks sleek and clean and smells great.  The facia was originally just a stick-on aluminum.  I have since replaced it with a black 'S' waffle banner with no radio cut out.  The look is long and with out any interruptions in the pattern.  I've also chosen not to add the decals '912' to the glove box.

Carpet is black German square weave.  The shift and hand brake boots are custom-made leather with double stitching.  The seats will be Nurburgring perforated leather black.  They are from TRE motorsports and I made need a to get a second job before I get those!

Headliner is black, as well.  It was the original liner and looks brand new.  The door panels I made myself.  I know what you're thinking, but the original pleated pouch and bulky armrest was to formal.  I think the 356 outlaw simplified panels were my inspiration, but I added lightweight door pulls and had a long leather strap (black) folded over and stitched up along the sides to act as my opener.  I insulated a fiberboard after weatherproofing it and wrapped it in black leather; cut out holes where the window crank was located and the trigger for the pull strap.  The leather on leather is clean and aggressive.  Just the look I was going for.

Body and Paint

I've scrounged through archived photos of lightweight racers from the past and these are five that have all of the compliments of a Rennsport that I am looking for with the versatility of a street car, as well.

I love the original 911R front oil cooler vents that took the place of the horn grilles and fog lights.  This look screams racer, but the turn off for me are the cheap turn signals.  I would love a happy medium with the grille absent and the original curved turn signal housing.  The yellow isn't bad, either, especially with black 'Porsche' lettering.

 The second photo shows one of Edmund Harris' T/R creations.  I love the period correct SWB front fenders with the flare add-ons over the rear wheels.  The color is playful, but not sure that it is convincing for street use; possibly without the racing numbers...  

The orange hood is a nice touch on the third picture.  I would love to see the orange throughout.  Orange is a color I am flirting with for my R tribute.  I am leaning toward orange with yellow 'Porsche' lettering side decals.

My son wants me to go red with a hint of orange.  More of a burnt sunset.  I live this idea with a ton of clear overtop.  The last picture has more of a true red.  I haven't counted out a tasteful racing stripe.  Possibly orange over the red...  

Rebirth of a Rennsport

I have spent the last two years deciding on how I am going to respectfully construct a lightweight 912 racer that is respectful of the period for short-wheel based models, yet is distinctively modern and unique.

Part of this journey has included countless hours sourcing parts and finding cost-efficient upgrades.  I was undecided about the engine for this project, going back and forth between a late '80's 3.2 or a 2.2 from the early '70's, but after much deliberation, I chose to respect the four-cylinder engine and found that between Porsche boxer fours, vw-1's and vw-4's, it really won't matter, just as long as it's built with the specs I desire and by a builder with experience.  

I am going with either Bernie Bergmann's 911-style 2.5L or Jake Raby's upright conversion-four.  The two have great products and I believe they are at the top of their game.  I spoke to both and I honestly couldn't think of going with anyone else...  (my personal mechanic, Emile of EK Autos Montreal, excluded. He is doing a clutch/transmission rebuild for me next fall and for larger volume Porsche engines, no one is better!)

After trying to find the dirt on one of the two mentioned above to help with my decision, I was lead to subjective opinions that seemed pointless, rude and spiteful, so I haven't let any of that garbage change my undecidedness.  

Frankly, the engine is not my biggest concern.  The suspension is.  I am at the point of fitting an entire arsenal on my racer to hug the ground and give an ultra-low profile.  Elephant Racing is my first choice along with Weltmeister and so on...  I've seen a few examples out there with added flares and low profile ride heights; I want something that is safe and effective.

I can't wait to get this finished.  Although, I know this process never really has an end.