997 Gets a Flachbau Slantnose Conversion by Old&New
British aftermarket builder Reflex Auto Design has turned an ordinary 997 Carrera into a jaw-dropping Slantnose widebody 911 race car.
Flachbau
Porsche captured the imagination of auto enthusiasts across the globe when it unveiled the first 'slantnose' in 1981. The striking style was offered as an option for the SE-spec 930 Turbo. The outrageously expensive option became an instant classic, not only for its unusual character, but also because of its exclusivity. 'Flachbau,' which translates to flat construction, was offered on subsequent iterations of the 911 into the 90s.
Photos: Fast Car
Reflex Auto Design
The popularity of the Slantnose 911 never waivered, as is evident from the existence of amazing tributes such as the 997 featured in this slideshow. This particular Porsche was built by highly-touted UK-based shop Reflex Auto Design. The builder is known for their high-quality restorations, and recently, for their massive aftermarket presence, offering Liberty Walk and Pandem body kits.
Old&New Slantnose Kit
After bouncing ideas around for this 997 build, the guys at Reflex chose to go with the Slantnose kit that is offered by Japanese aftermarket brand Old&New. Having obtained the kit, it was time to decide on a livery. And the choice in this department was the Rothmans livery from the 956 racer. The connection there is that both the Flachbau and the 956 were created in 1981.
Beautifully Built
The Flachbau body kit, consisting of front and rear bumpers, rear decklid and rear wing, front wing, wide fenders, side skirts, headlights, and DRLs, was installed. Putting their renowned expertise to use on this project, Reflex Auto Design went to work painting on the amazing livery, designed by conceptual artist Khyzyl Saleem. The paintwork is a testament to the level of quality that Flex Auto Design is capable of.
Carrera 3.6 Donor
The donor for this project was a Carrera 3.6. The owner, Matt Clifford knew that there was no need to chop up a Turbo for the project. The wow factor here comes courtesy of the body kit application and the builders' amazing craftsmanship. So the 3.6-liter flat-6 remains in the back of this 997. The only enhancement to the motor is a custom EMP Performance exhaust system.
Race Car Interior
The interior has also received a thorough race car treatment with the addition of Recaro bucket seats, Sparco racing harness, and new upholstery with Alcantara and red stitching. A roll cage, painted in white to match the exterior, sits behind the Rercaros as well. An Air Lift suspension system has been installed as well, giving the Porsche an even more aggressive stance.
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