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With modern-embellishments, this carbon-clad 400 HP, '70s throwback is a showcase of what the 914 should have always been
by Amrit Balraj on August 30, 2024, 18:00Ben Mellors, M.D. of Fifteen Eleven Design, based out of the U.K. decided to do something completely different from the rest of the Porsche restomod world. While most shops are obsessed with building the next crazy iteration of the 911, Ben decided to create a modern redesign of the lesser-loved 914 instead. The result is a compact retro sportscar that looks like it was designed in the modern era, with the performance to match. It might not appeal to everyone, but it ticks all my boxes. The only parts retained from the donor car are the A and B pillars and the floor.
But when we think of the Porsche 914, the words fast or agile don’t probably come to mind. First introduced to the world back in the mid-1960s as a joint project between Volkswagen and Porsche, the 914 was meant to be Porsche’s entry model replacement for their 912. The 914 was originally offered with two powerplants - a flat-four or a larger flat-six mill. Even with the bigger 2.0-liter 6-cylinder, the most power the 914 ever made was just over 100 horsepower, but that is about to change with this modern-day makeover of the 914, as it now packs a Cayman S-derived 3.8-liter flat-six, that has been modified to pump out 400 horsepower.
- This 914 Restomod was created by U.K.-based Eleven Fifteen Design.
- It has been modified with modern Porsche parts including a 3.8-liter engine producing 400 horsepower
- Bookings are currently open and the starting price is $461,574 (£350,000)
A Bespoke 914 Where The Show Matches The Go
Fifteen Eleven Design, a subsidiary of the WRC-winning team Mellors Elliot, leveraged their extensive experience to create this custom 914. The 3.8-liter engine has been upgraded with forged pistons, a Life Racing ECU, a drive-by-wire throttle, and a stainless steel exhaust system, resulting in an output of 400 horsepower.
All that power is channeled to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. The suspension system, adapted from the Cayman and upgraded with three-way adjustable Reiger coilovers, also reflects the company’s rally racing expertise. The braking system features Porsche Brembo calipers with cross-drilled discs and an AP Racing pedal box, providing enhanced stopping power.
Each vehicle is a personalized masterpiece, tailored to the customer’s desired colors, material, and trim. The exterior of the 914 has been subtly altered with flared wheel arches and the front fascia is composed of a new hood and front fender to accommodate the modern engine’s liquid cooling system. Sadly the restomod misses out on the pop-up headlights from the stock 914, instead featuring a pair of slim LED headlights. The 914 also gets Porsche 935/78 ’Moby Dick’ style driving lights.
The body panels are crafted with carbon fiber, except for the doors which are made of steel. You still get a lift-off Targa roof, which can be quickly removed with a minimum fuss. The company has reinforced the 914 body with T45 tubular steel to improve driving engagement and structural integrity. The exterior appearance is rounded off with 18-inch Fuchs wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.
This Custom 914 Will Cost You A Pretty Penny.
The meticulously crafted interior of this 914 restomod features bespoke leather upholstery, Recaro seats, and a redesigned bulkhead providing ample legroom. There is a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB car radio that looks like it belongs in a car from the 90s, but with all the modern features like Bluetooth connectivity. Retro instrument gauges add to the vintage aesthetic.
If you are like me, and dig the old-school vibe, then you will love the work that this company has done with the interior. The interior also features an exposed gearbox with a wooden gear knob, which is a nice nod to 917 racecars.
Long-term owners rave about the car’s old-school charm and mid-engined layout. Even though I was on the fence regarding the 914, I have grown rather fond of this little sports car. A compact sports car that is daily driveable and looks like it’s a lot of fun on the twisties, sounds like my kind of car.
One of the car’s long-time fans is famed hillclimb legend and film director Jeff Zwart who has had his 914-6 for the past 45 years. His 914 is a heavily modified unit with around 200 horsepower which he has taken on hill climb races and transcontinental rallies.
Fifteen Eleven Design is confident about building up to five units per year, with a starting cost of $460,792 (£350,000). If you’re left wondering why anyone would spend nearly half a million dollars on a 914, apart from its spec sheet. Despite being one of the lesser-known Porsche models, the 914 has garnered something of an underground cult following over the years.
But the price might be something that puts it way out of my reach. I hope the Fifteen Eleven 914 inspires more Porsche restorers to look at the 914 as a viable choice for their builds. We might even see a million-dollar 914 from Singer or Gemballa soon.
The Fifteen Eleven 914 takes everything that is great about the model and turns it up to 11. This is what makes it so appealing in my eyes. While the company has not confirmed availability in the U.S., the 914 can be configured in left-hand or right-hand drive.
Amrit Balraj
When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio
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