Porsche 911 Cabrio Backdated!

[jaymcminn]

One of the most popular trends in the Porsche world right now is to take a later-model first-generation 911 and modify it to represent one of the earlier-model cars before the big impact bumpers that started in 1974. The early-model (1965-73) cars are called "long-hood" cars because the 1974 impact bumpers necessitated a shorter hood and changes to the front fenders. This conversion is usually done with coupes and occasionally targas. Once in a while, however, somebody converts a Cabrio. Since Porsche didn't make a factory Cabrio until 1983, this represents a phantom body style. The idea is to take this...

and modify it to look like this.

The changes are subtle but they do make a big difference in cleaning up the 911's shape. I started with two Fujimi/Testors 911s, a '73 Carrera and the '85 Cabrio. The Carrera was a parts kit with a badly mangled bodyshell, but all the parts I needed were intact.

Here's the stock Cabrio body...

and the modifications done to backdate it to '73 Carrera spec.

[jaymcminn]

I decided to remove the oil cooler box from the '73 front fascia. Here's the stock part...

after cutting out the box...

and after being repaired with sheet styrene.

Plans for this build include light blue paint with red Carrera stripes and wheel centers. The interior will be black with red plaid seat inserts and a scratchbuilt roll bar. I'm a little torn on going with the ducktail spoiler or the smooth engine cover... I might do both so I can swap them out!

[Chromecop]

Looking forward to see more of this build !

[ferrari87]

so far, so awesome! I love watching these types of builds! I'm going to follow closely.

[GeeBee]

Interesting build, look forward to seeing more ....

[afx]

Interesting. Are using planning on Fuchs for the wheels?

[jaymcminn]

Interesting. Are using planning on Fuchs for the wheels?

Definitely. Not sure if I'm using the 14" big n' littles from the '73 or the 15" from the Cabrio. They'll either be red centers or the whole wheel painted red.

[afx]

How about red recesses? I brush painted the Fuchs on my 914/6 GT by thinning Tamiya semi-gloss black (5 parts thinner to 1 part paint). I loaded up a small brush and touched it near each side of the spoke and let capillary action pull the paint along the spoke. It took three coats to get coverage but I like how they came out.

Edited November 5, 2014 by afx