As air-cooled Porsches have retained, and in many cases, gained significant value in recent years, the question of whether and how to go about refreshing these cars is something on many enthusiasts’ minds. The answer to the former is that money spent breathing new life into old Porsches has been a reasonably sound move, but that answer hinges in large part on the answer to the latter question which is – when the cars are restored and/or modified using recognized quality components and with attention to detail. So, these two answers actually go hand-in-hand. A classic that has been refreshed using low quality parts, modified in controversial ways, or where corners have obviously been cut in terms of overlooked items or questionable workmanship isn’t likely to ensure a sound return on investment. It’s a classic case of being penny wise, but pound foolish.
Straat, of Miami, Florida has proven that they know exactly which cars to refresh and how to go about it. One example of their work is this lovely example of a 1983 911.
There’s a bit of ebony/ivory going on with the judicious use of contrasting surface treatments between the light gray paintwork set off by contrasting trim and wheels. Engine management has been brought up to the modern day using electronic fuel injection and a standalone ECU, ensuring years of smooth operation and serviceability – and Achilles heel of older cars where competence in classic fuel system tuning is a dying breed. A 915 5-speed gearboxes provides the satisfaction of rowing through the gears and ensures that the 3.0-liter engine is always in the sweet spot of its rev band.
Inside, there’s an old-meets/new theme as the car has a number of throw-back references to even older Porsche models, including 356 style carpeting, but also modern conveniences in audio and navigation.
Of course, none of this would matter if the car rode down the road like a cement truck or ox cart and if the Porsche’s classic analog handling had been compromised along the way.
Straat relied on a liberal use of Elephant Racing suspension parts to preserve and enhance the 911’s classic driving character.
The QuickChange Strut Brace provides resistance to chassis twist and flex – something that older cars had even when new, but amplifies with age and use. The QuickChange is a modular solution that allows flexibly in being configured to provide more or less bracing depending on the level of access desired for the frunk:
Polybronze Control Arm & Trailing Arm Bushings represent the ideal compromise between streetability and performance. They bridge the gap between a predictable, but harsh racing suspension and a soft but imprecise stock rubber set-up.
The Racing Bump Steer Kit eliminates steering knuckle twist induced toe steer and can be used on raised spindles of any height. In short, it adds some welcome predictability into a classic 911’s handling when facing road surface irregularities under load.
The Von Shocks™ Coilover Conversion Front & Rear provides not only much improved suspension response over stock, but it also allows the height and alignment of the suspension to be dialed in exactly to the owner’s preferences – including corner balancing the car to account for the weight of the occupant(s) in the car
Providing more clean and complete oil changes and better heat dissipation, the Finned Oil Lines provide added peace-of-mind that the engine internals are well cared for:
Spring plates make fast work of torsion bar re-indexing and replacement. They represent an inexpensive investment against future headaches.
To bring precision back to steering response, a new set of ball joints ensures that the car steers as new, even more than 37 years after it was originally built
With all said and done, Straat has elevated this early 80s 911 while remaining true to its charm and original character. This particular example is now available from Straat as a finished car for $185,000 (click here to see), demonstrating that when you don’t cut corners, classic 911s can represent considerable value in the open market when properly refreshed.
Elephant Racing would like to thank and recognize Straat for their excellent work in building, and allowing us the privilege of showcasing ,this classic 911.
Do you have a Porsche build you would like to bring to our attention? We are happy to take feature submissions here: [email address]
Happy Motoring,
Elephant Racing