The world of automotive customization is experiencing a resurgence, and at the forefront of this trend is the Porsche 911. This iconic car is undergoing a transformation, with enthusiasts and designers alike pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The restomod boom, as it's called, is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cars and the desire to create something truly unique. One of the key players in this movement is Roy Banse, a Toronto-based designer who has taken the 911 and turned it into a work of art. With his company, Supergeil Auto Sport, Banse is creating custom 911s that are not just a car but a statement of personal style and craftsmanship.
Banse's journey began with a silver 911 GT3 Touring, which he customized with a new interior, bodywork, suspension, and powertrain. This project cost him around $550,000, but the result was a car that was not just a replica of a classic, but a modern interpretation of a timeless design. The success of this project led Banse to start Supergeil, and he has already received an offer of $1 million for his first creation, a 993 Turbo. This is a testament to the demand for custom 911s and the willingness of buyers to pay a premium for a one-of-a-kind car.
The restomod trend is not limited to Banse and Supergeil. Porsche itself has embraced the concept, with its Sonderwunsch program, which creates custom one-off cars for deep-pocketed clients. The latest addition to this program is the Flachbau RS, a road-legal car based on a 2018 GT2 RS, but with a new carbon bodywork, hidden LED headlights, and track-focused aerodynamic upgrades. The price tag for a bespoke commission is anywhere from two million to 15 million euros, and the waiting time is around four years.
The restomod trend is also evident in the work of independent Porsche tuners and restomod shops, such as Singer Vehicle Design, Gunther Werks, and RUF. These companies have grown over the last two decades, and their cars can cost upwards of $3 million. Singer's latest project, a collaboration with Louis Vuitton, shows how the line between high-end cars and luxury fashion is disappearing.
Banse's love for the 911 began during his time as an investment banker in the 1990s, when he fell in love with the 993-generation Porsche 911. His affinity for German cars and his design expertise have led him to create a car that is both a tribute to the past and a vision for the future. The result is a car that is raw, thrilling, and luxuriously finished, with a custom interior that is a work of art in itself.
The restomod boom is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cars and the desire to create something truly unique. It is a movement that is driven by passion and creativity, and it is changing the way we think about automotive customization. As Banse's story shows, the possibilities are endless, and the only limit is one's imagination.
