Tuthill Porsche has become synonymous with excellence in the Porsche community, particularly for its dedication to the art of resto-modding classic 911s. Founded by Francis Tuthill in 1993 following a victory in the London-Sydney rally, the company is now directed by Richard Tuthill, son to Francis Tuthill. The company originally gained recognition in the world of historic rallying, but over time, their focus expanded to include the restoration and modification of Porsche 911s, blending historical accuracy with modern performance. This combination has earned them a stellar reputation, making Tuthill Porsche a revered name among Porsche enthusiasts. Their work is characterized by an obsessive attention to detail, a deep understanding of Porsche engineering, and a passion for creating vehicles that not only look stunning but perform at the highest levels.
One of the most intriguing restomods that has come from Tuthill Porsche, the 911K, is a testament to the company’s philosophy of pushing the boundaries of what a Porsche 911 can be. The “K” in 911K stands for “Kurz,” the German word for “short,” a nod to the car’s short-stroke engine capable of revving up to an astonishing 11,000 RPM. This rev limit is nearly unheard of in the world of air-cooled Porsches and is one of the key elements that sets the 911K apart from other resto-mods. The engine is a 3.1-liter, four-valve unit that produces a thrilling amount of power, though exact horsepower and torque figures are not specified by the company. However, it’s safe to say that with such high-revving capabilities, the 911K is designed for both exhilarating performance on the track and an engaging driving experience on the road.
Source: Tuthill Porsche
One of the standout features of the 911K is its commitment to lightweight design, which is a core principle in both Tuthill Porsche’s ethos and the 911K’s performance philosophy. The car is equipped with carbon body panels, including the roof, doors, rear quarters, front wings, bonnet, and engine lid, contributing to a significant reduction in overall weight. This focus on weight reduction doesn’t stop at the bodywork; Tuthill Porsche has incorporated a magnesium 6-speed 915 K gearbox, carbon ceramic discs, and titanium components like the rear roll cage and suspension parts. Even the windows are bespoke lightweight units, underscoring the meticulous approach to making the 911K as light and nimble as possible.
Source: Tuthill Porsche
The interior of the 911K is just as impressive as its mechanical components. Tuthill Porsche has used a mix of high-tech materials and bespoke craftsmanship to create a cockpit that is both functional and luxurious. The car features bespoke carbon seats, a carbon RS steering wheel, and a carbon hydraulic hand brake. The dash panel, door cards, and other interior elements are also crafted from carbon, while the titanium gear knob and embroidered details add a touch of elegance. The use of Ultra Fabric and Ventile in the upholstery provides a durable yet comfortable environment, ensuring that the driver is fully immersed in the driving experience.
Source: Tuthill Porsche
The Tuthill Porsche 911K represents far more than a mere resto mod; it is a masterful tribute to the enduring legacy of the Porsche 911, reimagined with modern innovation and a relentless pursuit of performance. Tuthill Porsche has seamlessly merged the iconic design language of the classic 911 with cutting-edge engineering, resulting in a vehicle that not only honors its heritage but also pushes the boundaries of what a Porsche 911 can be in today’s world. The 911K’s lightweight construction is a testament to the company’s commitment to enhancing driving dynamics, ensuring that every ounce of weight is purposefully reduced to amplify agility and responsiveness on the road.