{"id":7659,"date":"2024-04-17T16:30:18","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T15:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.design911.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7659"},"modified":"2025-06-18T09:42:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T08:42:26","slug":"996-turbo-a-fab-collab-with-autofarm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.design911.co.uk\/blog\/996-turbo-a-fab-collab-with-autofarm\/","title":{"rendered":"Porsche 996 Turbo: A Fab Collab with Autofarm."},"content":{"rendered":"

For the Porsche perfectionist, it\u2019s as much about the detail as the big picture stuff. Because when you know, you know, Porsche probably attracts more expert commentary than any other marque. This 996 Turbo project is a great case in point\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to set parameters on a labour of love. It takes as long as it takes and costs what it costs to realise the dream. In specialist Porsche independents Autofarm<\/a> we have the vision to imagine the possibility, and with Design911 on board there\u2019s the expertise and supply to deliver the parts that make this a reality. So, what have you got, fellas?<\/p>\n

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Less is more. Discuss.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This video is as much about what you don\u2019t see, and the details that the non-purist might miss as the touches that are visible to the naked eye. After all, with the Porsche 996 Turbo as the base model, it\u2019s not as though a complete makeover is needed. It\u2019s a beautiful car, and restraint is key. This is more about tweaks and touches than an up-on-the-ramp, socket-sets-to-the ready project.<\/p>\n

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A 996 for 2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Launched in 1998 and fitted with a water-cooled six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine, a more powerful version of the earlier air-cooled mill, it prompted debate by heralding the end of the air-cooled concept. It also turned heads with a bulked-up body and chassis. It outsold every previous incarnation of the iconic 911. So, whether you\u2019re an air-cooled purist or water-cooled innovator, this is a landmark car. Respect is due.<\/p>\n

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Great minds\u2026.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

And it is indisputably shown by all parties as this video handsomely proves<\/a>. As narrator Anthony Malone, Sales Strategy Head at Design911 and Autofarm MD, Mikey Wastie, discuss, the client\u2019s wish list became an actionable brief enabling both parties to contribute their expertise in creating amazing from the merely special. The overall vibe was to have something \u2018OE plus\u2019, and to \u2018look as if Porsche made it\u2019, which makes plenty of sense. The colour, a smooth variant of the classic British Racing Green, as a given, and from thereon in the changes were both cosmetic and integral.<\/p>\n

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Bumper to bumper.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For example, the GT 2 bumper was swapped out<\/a>, one of many chassis reconstruction options<\/a>, while RSS upgrades<\/a> replaced the standard issue engine mounts. The already \u201cnicely specced interior\u201d was enhanced with an Alcantara roof lining<\/a>, and colour-matched seatbelts add a flourish of creativity. Headlights, bonnet badges<\/a>, all the trims \u2013 everything was considered and referred back to the original client list, and mapped to Design911s enormous parts list. As we mentioned from the outset, sometimes a refresh project is as much about what isn\u2019t visible as what\u2019s obvious. The headlight trays and adjusters are all brand new.<\/p>\n

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Where to start?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

So, where does the 996 owner who wants to get that bit more from their car begin? Mikey is clear: \u201cStart with the mechanicals\u201d, he advises. \u201cFocus on the driving experience first. You can have a car that looks pretty but it doesn\u2019t satisfy you behind the wheel. When the car\u2019s set up properly you just want to do more miles.\u201d And while the 996 is great \u201cout of the box\u201d he suggests starting at the end by switching out the exhaust<\/a>: \u201csometimes you just want something more in keeping with how Porsches used to sound in the 70s.\u201d<\/p>\n

The suspension is thrilling me!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While Mikey is quick to comment on Design911\u2019s \u201cvery good range<\/a>\u201d of suspension upgrade options, with each brand doing a slightly different thing depending on how \u2013 and where \u2013 the owner drives their car, sharpening up the ride on this project car didn\u2019t require root and branch replacement, though, with the in situ KWs supporting the faster road ride the client prefers. Replacing bushes and components with OE parts such as coffin arms, diagonal arms pays high dividends for considerably less outlay than a full rip and replace strategy.<\/p>\n

We all lose a little lustre as we age, and the calipers on the 996 are no different. The seals deteriorate, the lacquer flakes, creating a minor issue in both form and function. A rebuild was needed here, although straight replacements aren\u2019t hard to find<\/a> at Design911, and neither is any worldwide destination thanks to the installation of a super-modern satnav<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More here!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Want to finish the story? It\u2019s right here. Ready to realise your Porsche dream but not sure where to go for inspiration? The cars on Autofarm\u2019s<\/a> site is a thing of beauty, while Design911<\/a> has the nous \u2013 and nuts<\/a> \u2013 to make your dream car a road-holding reality.<\/p>\n