Description
Introduction
Paul Stephens began specialising in Porsche in 1994, and as the company approached its tenth anniversary, he was developing his series of bespoke cars based on the Porsche 911. Officially launched at Brands Hatch in 2005 under the PS Autoart brand, the initial models were the 240C which was based on the 3. 0SC and the Lightweight 300R, based on the Porsche 964 which featured a 300BHP 3. 8-litre engine and retro styling cues from the ‘73 RS.
The reception was very positive, and orders were placed for future builds, including this car. Jeremy who had owned his silver 964C2 manual for several years posed the question: could a Touring version of the Lightweight R be created? So, in 2006 PS build number 5 rolled out as the first PS Retro Touring R, this actual car!
The brief was to keep it mechanically standard but to create the external style of the car you see here while retaining the feel and agility of the lightweight. A black leather interior was designed together with a unique needlecord lightweight carpet, lightweight door cards and lightweight sports seats with corduroy inserts. Externally the wheels were 17” 3 piece split rims inspired by the original Fuchs, but to a unique PS design, while the bonnet was hand formed out of aluminium. The external mirrors were still electric, redesigned in a retro style and made from aluminium.
History
The previous owner kept the car for three years as a daily driver before a growing family dictated this two-seater Touring R was no longer suitable. It came back to Paul Stephens to be sold and quickly found its current owner in May 2008, who had been wrestling with the concept of having his car built to replace his then-current 997. Shortly after, it was returned to PS for a substantial mechanical upgrade.
The Upgrades
The engine was completely rebuilt using all Porsche OEM parts, including 993RS pistons and camshaft, with the capacity enlarged to 3. 8 litres; the gearbox was replaced with a 993 6 speed G50/ 20 unit. A dual-mass flywheel was replaced with a single-mass item; the open differential was replaced with a limited-slip diff, and the brakes were upgraded to 964RS specification. The suspension was refurbished and fitted with new Bilstein adjustable dampers, and a full bespoke Hayward and Scott sports exhaust system was installed.
The headlights have been upgraded to LED units behind clear lenses. This work was carried out at 85, 000 miles, and the car has covered another 20, 000 miles since completed in 2009. The interior, which had been updated in 2005 together with the PS Retro Touring R exterior, was further refreshed by the current owner with new RS door cards and a full leather dash and centre console. A new heater unit, a Motolita steering wheel, a bespoke retro 6-speed gearknob, a Porsche Classic radio and upgraded Kicker speakers.
Producing circa 300BHP through a 6-speed gearbox and tuned for torque, and with just over 1200KGs to propel, this 2wd Touring R is certainly no slouch. The lightweight flywheel and clutch result in an instant and eager response each time the accelerator is pressed, while the exhaust system provides a unique and vocal soundtrack. Combined with the ABS assisted RS brakes and power steering ensures this car can be used comfortably everyday but still able to show a clean pair of heels to more modern machines. It may not come as a surprise to hear it is not only inspirational to drive but, as the owner will testify, the timeless, understated style ensures this car is admired wherever it goes.
Final Words
As PS Autoart enters its fifteenth year of creating bespoke 911s, this Retro Touring R provides an opportunity to enjoy a unique car at a fraction of a new build cost today and is available for immediate enjoyment.
