I had an opportunity to check out the new Porsche 993 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks at South OC Cars and Coffee. This is the ultimate Porsche 911 restomod.
The 993 generation 911 was the last of the air-cooled Porsche and many Porsche purists consider it the last “real” Porsche to be created. The 993 Speedster is the rarest of the rare 911s. Porsche made just two 993 Speedsters. One was for the original 911 designer Butzi Porsche, and the other was a commission by Jerry Seinfeld.
The Porsche 993 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks (that’s the official name of the car so says Porsche’s legal team) brings back all the nostalgia of the original speedster but updates it for the 21st century. Like the Porsche 993 Remastered by Gunther Werks, the Speedster is limited to just 25 cars. The convertible is made for rich Porsche enthusiasts looking for an analog 911 driving experience.
The new 993 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks includes several performance upgrades which include remapped engine tuning to give a modest horsepower and torque increase. The air-cooled engine now makes 435 hp, 335 ft/lb or torque and revs all the way to 7,800 rpm. Combined with a light weight of just 2,590 lbs, the 993 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks will do zero to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
In revising the current 993 chassis to accommodate an open cockpit, Gunther Werks has taken extensive steps to avoid the common side effects of eliminating the roof, which typically reduces torsional rigidity. Stiffening the chassis has been extensively undertaken by employing advanced reinforcement in the space where the coupe’s rear seat compartment was previously located.
Now this area is sheltered by the new carbon fiber Speedster top tonneau cover. Integrating a new roll cage and roll hope system not only improves occupant safety, but also contributes to chassis stiffness.
The Speedster now achieves 8,200 pounds of torsional stiffness (compared to the Porsche 993 cabriolet’s 3,500 and the 993 coupe’s 5,200). Interior improvements include a new carbon fiber dash and a new carbon fiber steering wheel.
A lower rake windscreen utilizes Porsche 964 Speedster glass stabilized with a Gunther Werks-developed carbon fiber frame cowl, with steel reinforcements. Side windows are pulled from the 964 Speedster inventory, mated to frameless doors. A new lightweight single-skin bonnet is more than 25% lighter than the Gunther Werks coupe’s current double-sided coupe hood. The rear of the Speedster incorporates a revised duck tail spoiler with a ram air scoop and all new 3D-printed Inconel exhaust tips. Other features include Speedster specific billet aluminum side mirrors and streamlined aluminum light weight door handles that replace the factory steel units.
All this 911 goodness can be yours starting at only $525,000 plus your donor 993. If you don’t have a Porsche 993 for the restomod, Gunther Werks will help you find one. They’re very nice people.