CANEPA COMMISSIONS A PORSCHE RESTOMOD YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
- Kalmar Automotive unveiled the first US-bound 7-97 'C1' Porsche restomod.
- The 797 C1 was commissioned by Canepa, and is based on a 993 generation 911.
- The 4.0-liter engine produces 396 horsepower and 314 lb-ft of torque.
Kalmar Automotive has whipped the covers off the first 7-97 to be delivered to the United States. The exquisite-looking restomod was commissioned by Canepa, the high-end classic and sports car retailer founded by former racing driver Bruce Canepa. Based on the 993-generation 911, the 7-97 'C1' (the C stands for Canepa) is powered by a 4.0-liter motor that produces 396 horsepower and 314 lb-ft of torque.
The Porsche specialists have fitted the motor with drive-by-wire individual throttle bodies, a new exhaust system, dual oil coolers, and a crankshaft from a 997 GT3. There's also a bespoke air filtration system and dual oil coolers. No performance data has been shared, but the 7-97 C1 should have plenty of get-up-and-go. This particular car has all-wheel drive and weighs in at around 2,675 lbs. Rear-wheel drive models are even lighter, with a featherweight mass of 2,500 lbs. Kalmar even fits a lightweight lithium battery.
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Handling modifications have also been carried out. The 7-97 C1 boasts adaptive active suspension and a multi-link rear axle. It has a six-speed gearbox, and customers can even specify an optional traction control setup with a Sport mode. A front axle lift system is also available, reducing the risk of scratching the pricey front lip. Lastly, Kalmar offers a lightweight ceramic braking system.
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In terms of styling, Kalmar has knocked it out of the park with the 7-97 C1. There's not a trace of the 993 to be found, with the new looks (formed with new carbon fiber body panels) paying tribute to the iconic Porsche 911 ST from the '70s. While the C1 was based on the 993, Kalmar notes that it uses 964 donor vehicles for the 7-97 series. Lightweight three-piece wheels round out the changes rather nicely.
Gorgeous Interior Conceals Modern-Day Luxuries
The interior is a luxurious affair. Leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats dominate the cabin. In the case of C1, they've been upholstered in a classy and unusual shade of green, which matches the dashboard, center console, door cards, and rear seats. The wood-trimmed gear lever adds a pop of contrast, along with the floor mats. Customers can even specify airbags. Standard luxury features include air conditioning, power steering, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking, and a Bluetooth-capable sound system. Like the best restomods, C1 melds classic looks with modern convenience features.
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This 7-97 C1 will show customers what Kalmar Automotive is capable of. The vehicle will be on display at Canepa's headquarters, with the restomod specialist noting that more 7-97 models are expected to make their way across the Atlantic in the coming months. If you prefer something more rugged, Kalmar will happily transform your 996 generation 911 into a cut-price Dakar with increased ride height and up to 500 horsepower.