We Bought the World's Cheapest Porsche 911: Can It Be Saved?

The $850 Porsche 911 Acquisition

• 🚗 The team purchased the world's cheapest Porsche 911 for $850, described as a mangled husk with no engine, interior, or usable body panels.
• 🚚 The car was located in Texas and required a 1,500-mile tow back to the office.
• 💰 The seller, Dennis Collins, acquired the Porsche from a concrete batch plant where it was buried under sand and concrete, and sold it hoping to capitalize on the booming Porsche market.

Initial Assessment and Expert Opinions

• 🔍 Upon arrival, the car's condition was confirmed to be dire, with significant damage including a bent roof and separating body panels.
• 🛠️ John Benton of Benson Performance, a vintage Porsche restorer, assessed the car, noting it was "tumbled" and bent all over, but that much of the damage was external and it hadn't caught fire, which would have been worse.
• 💥 It was discovered that the drivetrain was removed with plasma cutters, and a forklift had been driven into the car, causing significant damage.

Potential for Restoration and Parts Value

• 💡 Despite the extensive damage, some valuable original parts were identified, including an OE hood, smuggler's box, original four-wheel brakes, an alloy caliper, and a steering rack, collectively worth a few thousand dollars.
• 📈 John Benton estimated that a full restoration could cost around $200,000.

Inspiration from Magnus Walker

• 🌟 The team visited Magnus Walker, a renowned Porsche modifier, for inspiration.
• 💡 Magnus suggested that with a solid foundation and the right approach, the car could be transformed into a widebody with a big turbo motor, emphasizing that early Porsches have interchangeable parts.
• 🛠️ He advised starting by stripping the car down to the frame, straightening it, and then rebuilding with new suspension and body panels.

Public Reception and Future Outlook

• 🎪 At the Air & Water Porsche show, the $850 Porsche attracted significant attention, with many attendees expressing optimism about its potential despite the monumental task ahead.
• 🤔 Opinions ranged from suggesting an EV swap to saving as much of the original car as possible and taking off the "cancer."
• ✅ The team acknowledges the immense work required but is hopeful, with the goal of having the car running and driving by the next year, embracing their new status as Porsche owners.