Porsche 911 Modified

The vehicle in detail

Founded by Frank M. Rinderknecht in 1979, Swiss firm Rinspeed Inc. has long maintained a reputation as a premier creator of concept vehicles, with its yearly attendance at the Geneva Motor Show eagerly anticipated by showgoers.

In 1981, Rinspeed gained prominence at the Geneva Motor Show with the debut of the Aliporta, a heavily modified Volkswagen Golf with gullwing doors, six headlights, and an aggressive body kit. Looking to outdo themselves, the company would return to the show over the next several years with wild new versions of the Porsche 911 Turbo, ultimately culminating in the car offered here, the 969 Turbo (later known as the R69.)

Drawing heavy inspiration from the Ferrari Testarossa, the 969 Turbo adopted the dramatic side intakes with strakes running the length of the door along with a flat-nose front end complete with Porsche 944 pop-up head lamps. The rear end also drew homage from the Ferrari with a squared-off design that housed the taillights (also sourced from the 944). A roof-mounted spoiler and five-spoke Gotti wheels complete a comprehensive presentation fit for a decade defined by its excesses.

Matching the stylized exterior, the cabin presents like a museum to 1980s aftermarket automotive componentry: Power-adjustable Recaro seats, a Pioneer audio stack, plenty of speakers, and a steering wheel-mounted remote control for the sound system are housed in a luxurious space swathed in gray and white leather hides. It is truly a fantastic site to behold.