SPORTEC FERDINAND S – The Backdate for tech-savvy individualists

Swiss Porsche specialists at SPORTEC are expanding their portfolio of uncompromisingly built 911 Backdates models with a very special driving machine: the FERDINAND S. The Backdate based on the Porsche 964 impresses with motorsport technology, lightweight construction and excellent quality in every detail. Its target group: “People who don’t see a vehicle as a possession, but as an expression of personality, attitude and driving passion.”

The 964 Classic, FERDINAND and SUB1000 are followed by the FERDINAND S

SPORTEC has been creating dream bodies near Zurich for many years. Thanks to their extremely high quality standards and extensive motorsport expertise, the Swiss company has quickly made a name for itself in the Porsche 911 backdate scene. Following the extremely sporty SUB1000, the company managed by Gregor Burkard is now completing the FERDINAND range with the FERDINAND S.

Based on the classic Porsche 964 platform, a vehicle is being created in Höri that combines the latest findings from motorsport with precision craftsmanship and classic elegance. A glance at the data sheet once again suggests magnificent performance. From an air-cooled 4.0-liter engine, the Swiss company draws 360 hp and promises a weight of just 1,180 kilograms – despite the complete absence of plastic controls in the interior.

The SPORTEC FERDINAND S – lightweight construction in a classic design

Anyone who has followed SPORTEC’s progress in recent years knows that Swiss precision is a top priority here. That is why every base for a FERDINAND S – in each case a 964 Carrera 2 – is first completely dismantled and stripped of paint. The chassis is then rewelded and reinforced before it is corrosion-treated and repainted in the desired color. Every part is refurbished down to the last nut and bolt or replaced with a new part. A genuine “nut & bolt” restoration.

SPORTEC uses only the finest carbon kevlar for the bumpers and front fenders. With a total of 60 millimeters wider track at the front and rear axle, the FERDINAND S looks well-trained rather than bulky – in keeping with the lightweight construction philosophy. In combination with side windows made of Makrolon and a rear window made of special thin glass, the Swiss save a lot of weight. To shed even more pounds, SPORTEC installed a heated windshield and a very light electric heating system. The 1,180 kilogram weight means a total of 170 kilograms less than in the base model.

The SPORTEC FERDINAND S weighs 170 kilograms less than the car it’s based on, a Porsche 964 Carrera 2.

Despite the commitment to consistent lightweight construction using state-of-the-art materials, the Swiss car refiners want to remain true to the classic heritage in terms of appearance “but set clear sporty accents”. This includes, for example, the motorsport fuel tank system with a filler cap in the middle of the hood. In future, there will also be a specially developed and manufactured carbon ducktail in the style of the first Carrera RS. This will not only save weight, but also provide noticeable downforce.

Porsche 911 Backdate

2025

Show listing

Racing technology for an even more direct driving experience

SPORTEC also sets standards under the hood. The air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 4.0 liters is a consistent further development of the FERDINAND’s engine. Its base unit was completely dismantled. Afterwards, SPORTEC fitted flow-optimized cylinder heads and sports camshafts. The increased compression and the use of larger valves enable even more performance in all situations. The engine is controlled via a drive-by-wire system. Its accelerator pedal and throttle valve are fully electronically controlled.

This allowed the Swiss engineers to get the most out of the completely newly developed intake system. Almost the entire intake system is made of the finest aluminum. The air from the revised air box with a sports air filter passes through the aluminum intake manifold, resonance tube and intake manifolds and flows into milled aluminum velocity stacks. From the 6-in-2 exhaust system with equal length headers, sports catalytic converters and center tailpipes, SPORTEC’s new Backdate sings a breathtaking six-cylinder symphony with 360 hp and 420 Nm.

Even more important to Gregor Burkard’s team than pure performance figures was perfect responsiveness and a very spontaneously revving engine. To achieve this, a system without air flow and mass air flow meters is used. These kind of setups are otherwise only used in motorsport. A short shifter and a limited slip differential for even more traction are of course a matter of honor at SPORTEC… In combination with a suitable dyno tune and a lightweight sports clutch, the FERDINAND S promises terrific performance and maximum driving pleasure.

The suspension and brakes of the SPORTEC FERDINAND S meet highest demands

At SPORTEC, only the best is good enough. A backdate from Höri must therefore provide precise feedback even in extreme driving situations and must not be (unintentionally) upset. That is why the Swiss entrusted none other than the three-time Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler with the final suspension set-up. The 2-way suspension from MCS is adjustable in rebound and compression and, in conjunction with the completely renewed axle components, bushings and sports stabilizers, guarantees the best performance on the mountain and on the race track as well.

Behind the 17-inch painted Fuchs wheels, there are also suitable stoppers to counteract the significantly increased longitudinal dynamics. The perforated brake discs ensure outstanding braking performance without any let-up – even at the highest temperatures after long downhill rides, there will be no fading.

“No plastic mentality” in the interior – milled aluminum parts as far as the eye can see

Another statement from the Porsche professionals is undoubtedly the interior. SPORTEC Head of Marketing Lukas Neyer speaks of a “no plastic mentality” – which means as much as: All controls are milled from aluminum and are real hand-pleasers. The interior, which is completely covered in leather, is given beautiful contrasts by the specially developed air-conditioning control panel, the speaker covers and even the aluminum air vents, which emphasize the Swiss company’s high visual standards. An aluminum badge with the inscription “FERDINAND S” is proudly enthroned on the dashboard.

Every SPORTEC FERDINAND S is unique for individualists

SPORTEC gives its customers a completely free hand in the design of the “handmade driving machines”. “Color, interior, setup and finish are individually coordinated”, says SPORTEC’s Lukas Neyer. There is only one restriction: no combination is built the same way twice. “This means that every FERDINAND S remains unique with maximum technical authenticity and emotional appeal”, the Head of Marketing emphasizes.

The Swiss company is primarily aiming at the demanding target group of “tech-savvy individualists” with a love of air-cooled Porsches, but who also have the highest expectations of modern driving dynamics. “People who don’t collect, but enjoy”. The base price is 571,911 Swiss francs.

People who don’t collect, but enjoy

SPORTEC Head of Marketing Lukas Neyer when asked about the target group of the FERDINAND S

If you want a FERDINAND S, you have to hurry and be patient

The fact that SPORTEC lives up to its own standards is also reflected in the demand. Four vehicles from the new FERDINAND series have already been sold before the presentation and are currently in production. No wonder with this looks and the exquisite ingredients… In any case, we are already looking forward to the first test drive in the new precision backdate from Switzerland!