“Design must be functional and functionality must be translated into visual aesthetics, without any reliance on gimmicks that have to be explained.” Ferdinand Porsche
It is with this ethos in mind that the team at Canford Classics are proud to announce the sale of this one of a kind Grand Tourer. This beautiful art piece is the brainchild of company director Alan Drayson with the vision of creating a grand tourer which can be both an oasis of luxury and make the hair on the back of your neck stand up in exhilaration, all based on an original 1972 911.
Every component of this 911 has been carefully thought out with aesthetics and ergonomics in mind, from the wool carpets, Alcantara and leather clad interior, to the 2.5 litre twin plugged electronic fuel injection engine resulting in a seamless transition from 1972 looks to a modern but tasteful feeling.
The painstaking restoration of this matching numbers 1972 2.4 911T originally built for the Italian market began in 2017 where it underwent a 2 year restoration at Canford Classics HQ. The body work has been taken back to bare metal and now benefits from an array of repairs including new inner and outer sills, front wings and a new bonnet. The bodywork department also replaced the heavy steel door skins with the lightweight aluminium option in keeping with the GT ideology. The body has also been impeccably flared around the rear arches and bumper in order to perfectly accommodate the 7” Fuchs detailed as if they had just left the factory. The GT also benefits from a sublime coat of Dolphin Grey paint, finished to the highest standard that would rival many modern-day finishes. The result of this means that the flawless lines of the original 1972 body remain.
However, once you delve a little deeper you start to notice the subtle touches bringing this 1972 car into the modern day. The see you home lights built into the sidelights, built in puddle lights, long range fuel tank, remote central locking and LED third brake light are just a few of the subtle nods to modern day driving that one may require.
Inside this car is just as breath taking as the outside with a full bespoke interior which engulfs you in luxury, hand trimmed in tan leather and Alcantara. The Fiat inspired faux suede forms part of a streak that flashes over the dashboard, doors and horn push brings a softness to the interior, while reducing reflections. Bespoke door cards have also been made for this car thus adding to the ergonomics by adding wireless phone charging door pockets, mounts for the electric windows and concealed umbrellas. The luxury doesn’t stop there though, with the Porsche classic satnav and audio system add a modern functionality to your journey. Even the steering wheel has been tailored for this car, with its classic four spoke design and contrast trimmed circular horn push being trimmed back 45mm for more immediate responses, with the prongs dramatically bent and diameter reduced in order to dish the wheel and make for a more comfortable driving position. Such is the attention to detail by the team at Canford Classics that even the gauges have been redesigned with golden font, 180mph speedometer, absent redline and both oil and fuel gauges having been rotated to provide a better view from the driving position. Changes that may seem small however for Alan good simply isn’t good enough.
However, the beating heart of this vehicle is the real spectacle, originally a 2.4 litre flat six the engine has been given a big upgrade in order for it to not just keep up with modern day traffic but surpass it, maintaining the deep-rooted sports car pedigree that Porsche has built. The rebuilt and flowed cylinder heads, and a range of new internals have upped the swept capacity to 2.5 litres. All before installing PMO throttle bodies and electronic fuel injection for increased engine control bringing the engine to an output of near 100 bhp per litre, with the engine peaking at 244 bhp. The now 2.5 litre engine also benefits from a bespoke stainless steel exhaust to uniquely match, bolstering performance yet providing an exciting, yet restrained soundscape.
Rebuilding of the original 5 speed gearbox matches the ethos of this car as a grand tourer in offering a fast cruise at low revs, a reinforced side plate and the single bearing retainer add the necessary strength to cope with the extra power; while the fitment of a later Porsche ring and pinion works with lengthened fourth and fifth gears to create high speed civility. While the balance between comfort and capability echoes through the suspension and braking system benefiting from more modern Porsche parts while keeping the classic 911T essence. Keeping the torsion bars, however tastefully upgrading them to Carrera 3.2 units that work seamlessly with Turbo anti roll bars to tighten up cornering response and Bilstein Sport shock absorbers to increase damping control.
This car is no backdate but a bespoke development on an iconic 1972 Porsche representing the thoughts and creativity of the team at Canford Classics and showcasing how an iconic Porsche should make you feel. Once you get in and hear the engine burble into life for the first time you just want to keep on driving and we believe that's how a car should make you feel.
POA
Please contact us to arrange a viewing 01929 472221
