Highlights
- No.1 of 4 made
- Custom 3.5-litre flat-six
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Built in Spain in 2018 by Betolaza Automoción
- £17,000 spent last year on bring this car back into top condition
The Appeal
Ever since the market for “restomods” exploded in the early 2000s, the Porsche 911 has been a prime candidate for such treatment. Based in Granada, the Spanish firm ‘Betolaza Automoción’ produced four of these enhanced and updated 911s – based on a 1970 911E but offering more power, smooth but purposeful modernised styling and a smartly elevated interior.
This particular example is car 001 and was commissioned by a collector in Spain, where it resided for a few years before being imported to the UK in 2021. Presented now for sale, it features a hearty, air-cooled engine, manual transmission and a luxuriously appointed interior. If you’re after something striking, individual and highly collectible, then this handsome 911 certainly ticks all the right boxes.
The History and Paperwork
- 1970 Porsche 911E
- Restomodded in 2018 by Spanish firm Betolaza Automoción
- Imported to the UK in April 2021
- Fewer than 2,000Km covered since completion
- Historic vehicle status – tax and MOT exempt in the UK
- Two UK owners, current registered owner since May 2022
- Just 83,577Km indicated
The Interior
- Leather and tartan upholstery
- Electric windows
- Retro Classic Bluetooth sound system
- Hands-free phone connection
Inside, the cabin is liberally swathed with smart brown leather, all of which looks to be in very good order, with no notable wear or damage we could see. Brown and cream tartan inserts adorn the seat centres, dash fascia and door cards too, offering a distinctive contrast to the dark brown leather. The seats also feature contrast stitching and “001” legends embroidered on the headrests.
Complementing this are the cream carpets, finished with dark brown edge binding. They appear to be in very nice condition, with no staining or threading apparent.
Thankfully, the classic analogue gauges have been retained in the dashboard and wear a pleasing and warm level of patination, consistent with the car’s age and mileage. The rest of the switchgear and controls look to be in good order too, with minimal wear showing. We particularly admire the wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, which looks superb.
We’re told by the vendor that they have fitted new door seals and sill tread guards, as well as new drop window rubbers inside and out.
At the front, there is a useful luggage space, trimmed in diamond stitch upholstery. The vendor tells us they have installed a new spare wheel, toolkit, jack and compressor here. They have also fitted a new under-bonnet lamp and switch, new washer bottle, pump and jet assemblies.
The Exterior
- Flared aluminium wheel arches
- Smoothed and profiled front and rear bumpers
- Black vinyl targa panel
All of the paintwork appears to have been well executed, with the cream finish having a fitting retro feel and suiting the lines of the car well. We’re told that the front bumper has been repaired and repainted.
Overall, the finish of the paintwork looks very good, with no significant marks or damage we could discern. There are a few minor marks and chips, but nothing that would worry us, Complementing the cream paint are dark brown side stripes and ‘Porsche’ graphics that add a nice, retro feel.
Similarly, the bodywork looks to be in fine fettle, with no corrosion or damage we could see. The wide wheel arches certainly make for an imposing silhouette, while the targa roof offers that “million miles of sky” feel. We’re informed that both doors have been rehung to ensure perfect alignment.
The targa roll bar rubbers have apparently been replaced, while the black vinyl targa panel itself looks to be in good order, with no UV damage or tears apparent.
All the external badging and trim shows well, with a nice lustre to the chrome and the Porsche lettering at the back picked out in gold. Drilled handles have also been fitted, for a touch of motorsport cool. The vendor informs us that the front indicators, side lamps and horn have all been rewired too, so should now operate perfectly.
Those wide, deep-dished wheels are 15-inch BRAID Serie 1RC split-rims. They’re finished with dark brown centres, polished barrels and are shod in quality rubber – Firestone tyres to the front and Maxxis tyres to the rear.
Underneath all looks to be in good order. We didn’t see any notable corrosion, no damage and nothing that raised any concerns.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre, air-cooled flat-six
- Rebuilt 915 racing five-speed manual
- Custom stainless steel exhaust system
Taking a 3.2-litre flat-six and boring it out to 3.5-litres, the engine in this 911 apparently develops in the region of 300bhp – more than enough for such a dainty sports car. It features uprated valves and injectors, as well as a full custom stainless steel exhaust system, and is mated to a tactile five speed manual transmission.
Recent work undertaken by the vendor includes: new exhaust gaskets, new near-side driveshaft and a new petrol tank breather.
It all presents in lovely, clean condition, and we’re assured by the vendor that the car runs just as it should.
Summary
Few cars respond as well to the restmod treatment as the 911. This handsome example is well specified, with a desirable drivetrain and truly individual colour scheme. If you’re after something to be the star attraction at car shows or simply want something interesting and unique to enjoy on weekends, then this may be just the ticket.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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