RWB Swiss X Design911 Rare Porsche 964 RWB Build

RWB builds always gets attention. There is just something about them.

The wide arches, the stance, the noise, the attitude – they are not subtle cars, and they are not meant to be. For Porsche fans, RWB has become one of those names that instantly starts a conversation.

This time, Design911 had the chance to be involved with an RWB Swiss project based on a Porsche 964. We supplied a selection of parts for the build and later travelled out to Switzerland to see the car being worked on in person.

It was a special thing to witness. Seeing Akira Nakai cutting, fitting, shaping, and adjusting the panels by hand gives you a very different appreciation for what goes into these cars.

A Porsche 964 Ready for the RWB Treatment

The Porsche 964 has always been a favourite among air-cooled 911 enthusiasts. It has the classic shape, the unmistakable rear-engined feel, and enough modern refinement to make it a brilliant base for a serious custom build.

That is probably why the 964 works so well as an RWB car. The original lines are still there, but once the arches, stance, wheels, and aero are added, the car takes on a completely different personality.

For this RWB Swiss project, Design911 supplied several Porsche 964 parts to support the build. Some were visual details. Some were engine bay components. Some were the sort of practical parts that make a big difference to how a finished car feels and functions.

That balance matters. A proper Porsche build is never just about how it looks in photos. It is about the finish, the details, and the quality of the parts used along the way.

You can explore the full range of Porsche parts available from Design911, including parts for the 964, 993, classic 911 models, and later water-cooled cars.

Visiting RWB Swiss

Seeing an RWB car online is one thing. Watching one come together in a workshop is completely different.

The Design911 team travelled to Switzerland to visit RWB Swiss and see Akira Nakai working on the Porsche 964 first-hand. There was a real sense of focus around the car. Nothing felt rushed, but everything had purpose.

Every cut changed the car. Every test fit moved it closer to the final shape.

Nakai’s way of working is part of what makes RWB builds so well known. He does not just bolt parts on and walk away. He works with the car in front of him, making adjustments as he goes. The result feels personal to that build.

The wide arches, deep wheels, low stance, and the raw RWB look all came together step by step.

For us, being there was more than just a visit. It was a reminder of why the Porsche community is so strong. People care about the details. They care about the history of the cars. They care about making something that feels right.

Porsche Parts Supplied by Design911 for the RWB Swiss Build

For this RWB Swiss Porsche 964 build, Design911 supplied a carefully selected range of parts used throughout the project.

At the front of the car, one of the standout items was the set of headlamps with built-in LED internals for Porsche 911 964 Black Edition. These give the car a sharper look without losing the classic 964 identity. On an RWB build, the front end carries a lot of attitude, so lighting is a detail you really notice.

To go with them, Design911 also supplied the headlamp seal to wing for Porsche 911 and 964. It may not be the most dramatic part on the list, but anyone who has built or restored a Porsche will know how important seals are. Good fitment and clean finishing details are what separate a proper build from a rushed one.

In the engine bay, the project used an engine cover for Porsche 964 1989-94, along with the right-side engine cover for Porsche 964 1989-94. These parts help keep the rear of the car looking tidy and correct, especially important on a build where every area of the car is likely to be inspected, photographed, and appreciated.

Design911 also supplied an air induction pipe for the right-side air box on Porsche 964. Air-cooled Porsche builds are always about more than appearance, and the induction system plays its part in how the car breathes and responds.

Another useful component was the heating pipe for Porsche 964 and 993. It is a popular part for owners looking at improvements around airflow, performance response, and engine bay efficiency.

Engine mounting was also covered. For this build, Design911 supplied an engine mount for Porsche 964 and 993, as well as the more focused HD RS engine mount kit for Porsche 964 RS and 993 RS. Uprated engine mounts can make a noticeable difference to the way a 964 feels, helping sharpen the connection between the drivetrain and chassis.

Individually, these parts each have a job to do. Together, they supported a Porsche 964 build with serious presence.

Why RWB Builds Connect with People

RWB cars are not for everyone, and that is probably part of the appeal.

They have a strong look. They divide opinion. They feel personal. No two cars are exactly the same, and each one has its own character.

For many Porsche enthusiasts, that is what makes them interesting. A Porsche 964 is already an iconic car, but an RWB build takes it in a different direction. It keeps the core 911 identity, but adds a much more aggressive and individual style.

This RWB Swiss build stood out because it brought together the right car, the right people, and the right parts.

It also showed how wide the Porsche world really is. Some owners want originality. Some want performance. Some want something completely individual. All of those approaches are part of the same culture.

Supporting Porsche Projects

At Design911, we work with Porsche owners, workshops, restorers, and builders around the world.

Some customers are bringing older cars back to factory condition. Others are building track cars, fast-road cars, backdates, or custom projects like this RWB Swiss 964.

Our role is to supply the parts that help make those builds possible.

For this project, it was great to see the parts go from our side into a real build, and then see the finished car taking shape in Switzerland. Supplying the parts was important, but watching Akira Nakai work on the car made the project feel even more memorable.

From the first cut to the final stance, the Porsche 964 became something with real presence.

Final Thoughts

This Design911 x RWB Swiss project was a proud one for the team.

It brought together air-cooled Porsche heritage, specialist parts, hands-on craftsmanship, and one of the most recognisable names in the modified Porsche world.

The finished Porsche 964 was not just another wide-body build. It had character, purpose, and the unmistakable RWB look.

Whether you are restoring a Porsche 964, upgrading your 911, or planning a more individual build, Design911 is here to help with the parts you need.

Explore our full range of Porsche parts online and start building your vision today.

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