We are now over three decades away from the mid-1990s and accelerating. Not to make you feel old, but if you remember Mark McGwire's home-run record setting of the era, then that's like someone of the same period fondly recounting how good a slugger Roger Maris was in the 1960s. The '90s seem like just yesterday, but it was a different time. Here's a heavy hitter from that era, which is sure to get the Porsche purists all riled up.
This 1994 Porsche Speedster has modifications from Strosek Design, a prolific Porsche tuner of the era, and it's up for sale right now on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver , is part of Hearst Autos). None other than Barry Bonds, who broke McGwire's record, owned a car nearly identical to this one, and it's a time capsule of 1990s-style excess.
Immediately, the replacement of that friendly Porsche round-headlight face with beady little headlamps in a new fascia seems like complete madness. The Strosek kit also includes wider bodywork, different side mirrors, and side-sill nacelles.
The thing is, this look was all the rage in the '90s—smoothed-out aero design and organic shapes. Really, the treatment is not that much different from Porsche's own pointy-nosed flachbau 911s of the 1980s, just with a bit of Nickelodeon cartoon mixed in.
Things could easily be crazier. Vittorio Strosek was a disciple of Luigi Colani, a German-born stylist who is essentially the Salvador Dali of car design. Seriously, go look up his creations. They are completely bonkers.
Underneath, the car retains its 3.6-liter flat-six engine, good for 247 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, fed through a five-speed manual transmission. The suspension was modified by Strosek.
The mileage is extremely low, at just 6K miles, but happily, the seller has replaced the tires. Fresh Michelin rubber on those 17-inch Oz racing wheels means that this modified 911 is ready to get out there and run the bases. The days of performance-enhanced baseball sluggers are long past (probably), but this car's swollen bodywork will have you time-traveling right back there.
The auction ends on January 30.
This modified Porsche Speedster has been a subject of interest for many enthusiasts due to its unique appearance, which may raise some eyebrows among Porsche purists. The modifications made by Strosek Design include the replacement of the original round headlights with beady little headlamps and wider bodywork.
While these changes may seem radical at first glance, they were actually a trend in 1990s car design, characterized by smoothed-out aerodynamics and organic shapes. This style was also seen in Porsche's own flachbau 911 models from the 1980s.
Vittorio Strosek, the designer behind these modifications, was influenced by Luigi Colani, a renowned German-born stylist known for his unconventional designs. The resulting cars are certainly eye-catching and may appeal to those who appreciate bold styling.
The car's engine and transmission remain largely unchanged from its original form, with a 3.6-liter flat-six producing 247 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The low mileage of just 6K miles makes this modified Speedster an attractive option for those looking for a unique driving experience.
In conclusion, the Strosek-modified 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster is a rare opportunity to own a piece of 1990s car culture. With its bold styling and impressive performance capabilities, it's sure to generate interest among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
As we look back on the 1990s, it's clear that this era was marked by a unique blend of style and excess. The Strosek-modified Porsche Speedster is a testament to this era's flair for the dramatic and its willingness to push boundaries in car design.
The auction ends on January 30, providing interested buyers with a chance to own this iconic piece of automotive history.
This modified 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster is a true reflection of the era's love for bold styling and performance. While it may raise some eyebrows among Porsche purists, its unique design and impressive capabilities make it an attractive option for enthusiasts and collectors. For those who appreciate the drama and flair of 1990s car culture, this Speedster is sure to be a hit.
