001

Introducing Luftauto, our team's interpretation of a rally-style 911, designed in form and function to be both a daily driver as well as a capable off-roader, in the spirit of the Baja-style desert races that are such a part of the racing history in California. In association with RM Sotheby's, this car was auctioned live at Luftgekühlt 3, selling for $275,000, with all proceeds benefitting the Autumn Leaves Project, a charity dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research.

We've had a dream team of collaborators involved in this project, all helping to execute the vision that Patrick Long and Howie Idelson had for the car. Joey Seely at Emotion Engineering led the way on the overall build, mechanical upgrades and suspension overhaul, while Rod Emory of Emory Motorsports headed up the design, fabrication and fitment of the rally-style bumpers and underbody skidplates. John Benton and the team at Benton Performance led the charge on electronics and wiring, with Carby Tuckwell of Deus Ex Machina on point for custom details. Pelican Parts lent their DIY expertise, knowledge and resources for all things Porsche parts, and special thanks are due to Tom Ridings for transportation and Jeff Zwart for help in development and testing. 

Luftauto 001 on display
Luftauto 001 on display

An amazing list of suppliers is involved too, including KW SuspensionPirelli, BRAIDusaRecaro, ERP Suspension, WEVO, Rothsport, Tarett Engineering, SWEPCO and Rennline

SPECIFICATIONS

BASE CAR

  • 1985 911 Carrera Coupe

  • Production Completion Date: 11/12/1984

  • Engine Number/Type: 64F00572 (M930/21)

  • Transmission Number/Type: 74F00252 (G915/68)

  • Exterior Paint Color/Code: Grand Prix White/P5

  • Mileage 79,000

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

  • 3.2L numbers-matching motor

Recent major engine service as part of build, including all gaskets and seals, valve adjustment, all filters and fluid, new wires, plugs, cap and rotor, coil, starter motor, ignition switch, sensors and relays, cleaned and balanced injectors

  • Sachs clutch

  • SSi headers and sport exhaust

  • Stock transmission with Guard Transmission limited-slip differential

  • WEVO engine and transmission mounts

  • WEVO precision shift joint

  • Rebuilt axles

  • Rennline Engine Mount Cross Bar

  • Rennline alternator strap

  • Clewett ignition wires

  • SWEPCO 201 gear lube

SUSPENSION

  • KW Suspension custom-designed and hand-built long-travel dampers

  • ERP Suspension control arms, subframes, tie rods, spring plates and monoballs

  • Tarrett Engineering suspension components

  • SWEPCO 101 Moly Grease

EXTERIOR

  • Custom lights and grilles by Emory Motorsports

  • Custom, powder coated front and rear bumpers, designed by Emory Motorsports and fabricated by Brian Coats Motorsports

  • Custom front and rear skid plates by Emory Motorsports

  • Auto Foreign Services roof rack

  • Ducktail and mirrors by Getty Design

INTERIOR

  • Custom roll bar, fabricated by Brian Coats Motorsports

  • Recaro lightweight sport buckets

  • RS door panels

  • Schroth Rallye 4 belts

  • Rennline floorboards

  • WEVO shift lever, gate and coupler, powder-coated

  • CNC-milled custom American Walnut / Hard Rock Maple shift knob, by Modernica

  • CNC-milled custom Walnut veneer sub-floors, by Modernica

  • OMP Rally steering wheel

WHEELS, TIRES, BRAKES AND FITMENTS

  • BRAID Winrace competition monoblock wheels – 15”

  • Pirelli P-Zero Rally 195/70-15

  • PMB restored calipers with slotted rotors

  • Porterfield brake pads

  • Rennline strut tower brace

  • Goodridge brake lines

  • Custom-designed hydraulic handbrake by Emotion Engineering and Emory Motorsport