Short-wheelbase Porsche 911
New dedicated race series set to make early 2.0-litre 911s even more attractive
There are plenty of reasons to race an early 2.0-litre, short-wheelbase Porsche 911. And with an all-new 2.0L Cup for 2018, now could be the time to take the plunge.
Organised by Peter Auto, three rounds have been confirmed – at Spa Classic, the Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or at Dijon and Paul Ricard’s Dix Mille Tours – with a fourth at a ‘major international event’ to be announced.
The input of British-based Porsche specialists like Lee Maxted-Page, Tuthill Porsche, Historika and the 2L Racing Group will hopefully lead to a British round being added for 2019.
“The inspiration came partially from the John Aldington Trophy race for pre-1967 911s at Goodwood, but probably more from Porsche’s own fantastic Supercup races that have been entertaining Grand Prix crowds for almost 25 years,” says James Turner of the 2L Racing Group. “I often talk with friends about what would make an ideal international race series for enthusiasts. The technical regulations will be an evolution of those that Peter Auto already uses in its Sixties Endurance series. Our aim is to a create events that every Porsche racer will want to compete in, on equal terms, and a series that is above all about the driver.”
Whether starting with a road car to restore and convert into race trim, or buying a pre-prepared competition machine, the costs aren’t to be sniffed at. Richard Tuthill says a donor car will now be a six-figure purchase – and you’ll need the same again as a baseline to get the restoration and prep done properly.
Earlier versions and examples with matching-numbers provenance command premiums and might find it easier to get grid slots in popular series. But any car built up to the introduction of the 1968, long-wheelbase B-series can be built to comply with pre-66 regulations, these or less fashionable four-cylinder 912s potentially saving some money at point of purchase.
As Tuthill points out though, the more ‘correct’ the car is to begin with the more it’ll be worth as and when you come to sell it on, upfront savings potentially a false economy if you’re playing the long game.
With the hope for packed grids and enjoyable, closely matched racing throughout the field, the 2.0L Cup could well be the dream ticket for racing an old 911.
https://peterauto.peter.fr/en/peter-auto-launches-the-2l-cup/
http://www.tuthillporsche.com/product/custom-porsche-911-built-order/
Price new: £3438 1s 1d Price now (racer): £150-£200,000 Rivals: Alfa GTA, AC Cobra, Jaguar E-type, Healey 3000 Heritage: Iconic, nimble, tough – ideal for the track
SPEAKING TO RICHARD TUTHILL
Oxfordshire-based Porsche race and rally specialist on the enduring appeal of early 911s
The idea of seeing 30 to 40 identical 911s on track is pretty hard to beat – the short-wheelbase car is still the most fantastic thing to drive. They’re not that complicated, either. We’re now able to deliver quick and dependable cars that are totally legal – the FIA inspects our engines before the heads go on. We’ve been working away on them gently over the years and they go really well. I’m also adamant that cars should be the right weight and have the correct engine – it actually makes them much more special to drive.