We’re fans of huge engines here at Restomods. There’s a lot of pleasure to be found in pushing a huge displacement crate engine as far as it will go. Sometimes though, that’s not all you need (I’m aware that’s a controversial statement, but bear with me). Exhibit A is this Porsche 911 restomod by German firm DP Motorsport. It’s safe to say that the Germans know a fair bit about building a great car, and this particular car is testament to their Restomod scene. The base that the car builds upon is a 1989 Targa. The 911 Targa is something of a black sheep, not as loved by the fanatical 911 scene as other models, but its reputation is undeserved. They can be superb little cars, and when they’re modded, they’re taken to dizzying new heights.

Created for an owner in Berlin, the car was already in its new speedster body when he bought it in California. Since then, it’s gone through a lot of work. It’s been retrofied, with a bodykit reminiscent of a 1970s F-model 911 installed. Meanwhile, its front bumper has been dropped and the side sils have been modified to hide the oil lines. The color is obviously very different from what you’d usually see on a supercar, a deep, battleship grey (the Nardo Grey, usually seen on Audis) covers the exterior. There’s another, more subtle change to the 911’s aesthetics though, that really ties it all together. Have you spotted it? Check out the badges and rims. They’ve been blacked out, giving it a slightly Gothic, austere appearance.

The restraint continues in the engine department, but that’s not a bad thing. The Porsche’s engine has been upgraded with new camshafts, exhaust, and throttle body, giving it a final output of 260 horsepower. In a world where other restomods are regularly smashing the 1000 horsepower barrier, that may sound a little dull. What needs to be remembered is that the 911 was never about huge engines. Its a car built for twisting European roads, where it is king. The 911’s legendary handling has been made even sharper with adjustable KW Clubsport suspension supporting the Speedster. It’s a wonderfully retro car, that takes a wildly different approach to restomodding.