Do you remember BMW’s recent in-house, modern-day build of a vintage 2002 that was done entirely from NOS and reproduction parts? That special project was handled by BMW Mobile Tradition, and videos of the build can be seen here, here and here. Mercedes-Benz Classic has been restoring its own cars for years in Germany, and operates the highly regarded Classic Center in Irvine, California.
Porsche also has an in-house restoration center, the Porsche Classic Workshop, located in Germany. And it was there that a particularly ratty 1973 911 T was shipped to start what would become a full and correct factory restoration, with an unusual outcome. The Porsche website explains:
The idea for this unusual project sprang from a conversation between PCA representatives, Porsche Club Service and Porsche Classic at this year’s Porsche “Rennsport Reunion” spectacular in Daytona. The Porsche Club of America, the largest Porsche Club in the world with 104,000 members, traditionally raffles off Porsche vehicles among its members twice a year. The raffled vehicles have always been new vehicles. However, this time a classic Porsche will be raffled off. But first it will be restored to its original condition by company experts in Zuffenhausen, its old home where it was once produced for the US market.
Porsche has repatriated this lucky Los Angeles-based 911, via New York and Rotterdam, to perform a very thorough, very correct restoration.
The body components were removed so that the rusty floor could be cut out, and the body chemically dipped and stripped.
The experts found evidence of front-end accident damage, which required further straightening.
After stripping, the shell was pure art:
The five-speed gearbox was rebuilt with the correct 40-year-old tools and gauges.
At the specialist body shop Wiederaufbau Karosserie, new floorpans, battery boxes and fenders are fitted. Note the green body braces that take the place of the front and rear windshields.
Work continues on this project – the engine is next in line – as the car is set to be revealed for the PCA raffle at the Porsche Parade in August 2011. Follow the work through photos and video updates as it progresses.