- Project Gravette is an updated 993-generation 911
- It’s got 500 hp and modern tech features
- ECD also does Land Rover, Ford Mustang, Jaguar E-Type, and Toyota FJ builds
Established Restoration Company Branches Out
If you’ve got an air-cooled Porsche 911 and a lot of money, there’s no shortage of companies waiting to turn it into something unique. From Singer Vehicle Design to Gunther Werks, older 911s have inspired a cottage industry. And now we can add one more name to the list, one that to date has focused on other classics.
Florida-based ECD Automotive Design has customized Jaguar E-Types and Toyota Land Cruiser FJs, as well as vintage Ford Mustangs and Land Rovers. But this 993-generation 911, known as Project Gravette, is the company’s first Porsche. Like those other builds, it features a host of upgrades that don’t mess with the 993’s classic design.
Ice-Cold Looks
ECD Automotive Design
A combination of Icy White paint, gray 18-inch RS-style wheels (8.5 inches wide in front, 11 inches wide at the back), and clear turn signal lenses gives Project Gravette a desaturated appearance. The car wasn’t meant to represent a specific factory 911 model, but the wide-body design and tall rear wing are definitely 911 Turbo-like.
That sporty appearance is backed up by a rebuilt version of the M64 flat-six engine that would’ve originally powered a car like this. ECD says the engine delivers about 500 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Other upgrades include a sport exhaust system and new brakes and suspension with components from Brembo and Bilstein, respectively.
Inside, the factory look is enhanced with new leather upholstery, a black suede headliner, and billet metal trim. Modern conveniences like a touchscreen, digital rearview mirror, power connections, heated seats, and automatic headlights are incorporated into the otherwise period-correct cabin as well.
How Many 911 Builders Do We Need?
ECD Automotive Design
Project Gravette appears to check all the boxes for tastefully-upgraded 993, but with so many other builders offering their own interpretations of air-cooled 911s, is there really room for one more? In a press release, ECD mentioned strong demand from its current customers as one reason for throwing its hat into the 911 ring. The company also claims it will offer customers “a faster build time relative to incumbent providers of this service.” Customized Porsches aren’t exactly an assembly-line affair, so build time is something worth considering when ordering one.
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