- Ruehle’s F97 puts a modern 997 twist on the backdated 911 formula.
- The 2005-based F97 looks like a ’73 RSR but runs a water-cooled heart.
- All-steel US-legal builds start at $400K, undercutting Singer’s prices.
Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen so many G-series 911 and 964 restomods that there must only be about three standard cars left in the world, which is why the backdated 911 you see here really caught our attention.
Because this one isn’t based on a 1980s or ’90s Porsche at all. It starts with a newer model that’s quietly slipped from the spotlight, despite being one of the most balanced 911s ever made.
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The reverse restomod is called the F97, built by German outfit called Reuhle, which now also operates an American branch in Montclair, California.
997 Bones Underneath
Like many other companies making backdated 911s, Reuhle’s car takes major inspiration from the classic 1973 Carrera RSR but gives it a modern twist. What really makes this one different is that the car underneath the dress-up kit is a 997.
For the benefit of non-Porsche geeks, the 997 was an evolution of the first water-cooled 911, the 996, and sold between late 2004 and 2012, when the much bigger, more GT-like 991 took over.
The 997 is probably best known for being the first 911 to offer a PDK transmission and adaptive dampers, and while it doesn’t have an air-cooled engine, it was the sports car’s last generation with a traditional hydraulic power steering (the 991 switched to lifeless e-PAS).
Engine Upgrades Available
Ruehle starts with the customer’s choice of donor car and replaces the stock bodywork with new wide-arch panels. They’re steel, just like the originals, and made for this project, not scavenged from early 911s.
Power outputs on the regular 997s ranged from 321 hp (325 PS) for a pre-facelift 3.6 Carrera to 380 hp (385 PS) on a 3.8-liter 997.2 Carrera S, so they’re not short of grunt as standard, but Reuhle can drop in a custom 4.3-liter flat-six if you feel the need for more.
Reuhle
The final price depends on the spec you choose, but builds start at $399,000, with the waiting list currently around six to eight months.
You’ll pay a lot more and wait a lot longer for a Singer, though Reuhle is quick to graciously praise the US company’s achievements and says it’s not trying to invite a comparison.
Starting On The Back Foot
The 964 and 993 backdates we’re familiar with work so well not only because the air-cooled engines and floor-mounted pedals deliver a classic-style 911 driving experience, but also because the proportions – including the upright windshield that’s only inches from your face – are authentic, too.
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The 996 and 997 don’t have that luxury (see below), but considering the limitations, Reuhle seems to have done a decent job. The modern console switchgear, however, spoils the interior, and we’ll reserve judgment on the exterior until we get a look at some pictures showing the full profile view.
American fans can also get in on the action. In that case Reuhle starts with US-registered 997 which is then shipped to Germany for conversion, then shipped back to the customer to ensure 50-state legality. Going for the engine upgrade would however cause smog issues.
The 997 is a great affordable used 911 that has most of the mod-cons of a modern Porsche, and now feels suitably ‘classic’ to drive versus an uber-polished 992.2.
They’re valid reasons to by a stock example, but what do you think of this conversion? Would you sink $400,000 or more into one, or would you buy this epic and more authentic air-cooled RSR for the same money? Leave a comment and let us know.
Reuhle
