Backdating a Cayman to 1973....!

[Buzzfan]

"Backdating a Cayman" - this isn't an april fool, nor have I been at the Xmas party today!

I've read so many articles eulogising the feel of classic cars, not just the early 911's, but Dino's, Elans etc al, and have spent the last few months testing 993, 997 & 964 etc. I haven't driven any of the older 911's, but found the later cars perform so well that they there really wasn't much opportunity to drive them anywhere near their limit legally & safely on UK A roads.

After reading up too on backdated 3.2's, Sc etc, I guess a Singer-type 911 would suit me most - but I really cant justify the price. I need something a bit less precious, to keep on the road, which hopefully wont rust as much. The modern trappings of a/c, comfortable seats, reduced NVH & better crash resistance also appeal.

So I'm back to modern cars - possible a £ 15/20k Cayman - it's a bit slab sided - not quite as curvy as a modern Dino, and not as delicate as a long nose 911, but perhaps uniquely I do like the looks.

My million-dollar questions are " a) How could I recreate the feel of an early 911 though, and b) make it "exciting" at legal limits - the idiotic yet logical answer might be to put it on narrow tyres, and lighten the flywheel.

I'm not a 911 geek, nor that experienced a driver, or engineer, and realise that it's a daft, non-serious suggestion, but any constructive comments or suggestions on another good looking, easily maintained, semi-exotic car for UK road use would be much appreciated.

Edited by Buzzfan on Friday 19th December 18:29

[mollytherocker]

2.7 with no options
Bright colour
16" wheels
Average tyres like kumho or hankook
Remove as much sound deadening as you dare
Induction kit for sound but keep the standard exhaust
Furry dice

[FarQue]

If the OP wants a70's style drive, methinks HID lights would be off the shopping list. Old cars have old lights and they ain't good! Same with leather, the OP needs swathes of black vinyl.

[kel176506]

This would be a really interesting project on a Cayman (914 inspired?) but the backdating of a modern Porsche could be done with the 997 or Boxster (550 inspired?) to achieve a classic look on a modern vehicle. I'm not sure you'd recreate the driving experience though because what i think your actually looking for is something that is more fun at a lower threshold of performance i.e. involving at 30mph not needing 130mph to come alive.

Your onto something though, I think the 911 is loved because of it's duality, it can be a sports car, track car, family car, everyday car or your only car. I believe the Singer 911 represents the perfect Porsche for many because of it's classic looks & proportions mixed with modern technology and the high level of bespoke details. If you start with mollytherocker's list i don't think you'll go far wrong:

mollytherocker said:

2.7 with no options
Bright colour
16" wheels
Average tyres like kumho or hankook
Remove as much sound deadening as you dare
Induction kit for sound but keep the standard exhaust
Furry dice

Add some Chrome though, wing mirrors, glass surround etc!

[shoestring7]

I've got a 1973 911. Based on my experience of that and a '56 Cayman I suggest you:

- chuck out the Motronic and slap on some nice carbs, a dizzy and a Petronix for cold start pumping/fiddling/pops&bangs
- dispose of that brake servo and ABS system for low speed wet road lock ups
- who needs power steering? Lob that in the bin too - and fit a 380mm wheel with a thin rim while you're at it
- aircon and heaters are for wimps, remove it, open the windows and keep a shammy for wiping the screen
- take out any sound proofing; road noise over 60mph is living
- strip out the rust proofing; real 911s go crusty in the winter

HTH

SS7

[V8 FOU]

shoestring7 said:

I've got a 1973 911. Based on my experience of that and a '56 Cayman I suggest you:

- chuck out the Motronic and slap on some nice carbs, a dizzy and a Petronix for cold start pumping/fiddling/pops&bangs
- dispose of that brake servo and ABS system for low speed wet road lock ups
- who needs power steering? Lob that in the bin too - and fit a 380mm wheel with a thin rim while you're at it
- aircon and heaters are for wimps, remove it, open the windows and keep a shammy for wiping the screen
- take out any sound proofing; road noise over 60mph is living
- strip out the rust proofing; real 911s go crusty in the winter

HTH

SS7

You forgot some nice 560 x 15 crossplies too!

[NJH]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

This seems to be the main problem for me with pretty much every modern car, in particular Mazda wrecked the last model MX-5 with wheels to big, rubber band tyres and suspension far to soft to keep the thing nailed on rough roads. Porsche don't make such mistakes but still they seem trapped by the same marketing men/fashion obsession with big wheels.

[993kimbo]

Great idea and I've been thinking along the same lines. Cayman 2.7 is the boy to do it, with MTR's little list. A nice matt orange or yellow wrap and black wheels.

I personally find the 'old school 911' driving experience as a car you drive more than just at weekends, over-rated. Too loud, too smelly, scary in the wet, drafty and damp, under-powered. They look great but I wouldn't want to own one unless I lived in California.

CMoose, your car looks great.

This has got me thinking again. I like the way my 993 is holding its value but it's a bit... Heavy.

Agree with the MX5 Comments. Big wheels and thin tyres are the work of the devil. So is Bilstein suspension.

If you could put a 70's pre impact bumper 911 body on top of an MX5 or Cayman you could be in Heaven.