Kamm 912c gets new production spec
More power, new suspension and a (welcome) slightly softer edge for Kamm's four-cyl funster
In prototype form, the Kamm 912c was nothing if not memorable: loud, firm, busy and darty. Undoubtedly fun, but certainly a classic car built for the track rather than the journey to and from it. There was some room for improvement, in other words - an opportunity to make a top-end restomod that worked really well on the road and the circuit, which is what Kamm has aimed to achieve with the just-announced production version.
While the 2.0-litre, JPS-built flat-four remains, upgraded cylinder heads and conrods have freed another 20hp, for 190hp at 7,200rpm. It’s still only moving 750kg wet, too, so the best part of 200hp sounds plenty. The prototype carbs have been swapped for fuel injection and throttle bodies, furthermore, to keep performance consistent in all conditions and make startup simple. That more liveable side to the production 912c can also be seen in the revised gearing, now slightly longer to make cruising a bit more comfortable. Certainly, there was only so long you’d want to buzz along in the development car, so that sounds like a very welcome modification. Same for the new exhaust; it’s not often we call for more silencing, but it did feel like a better compromise between raucousness and refinement could be struck. Let’s hope this is it.
On the chassis side, the steering rack is now 2.5 turns lock-to-lock rather than 1.7, which ought to calm down the previously hyper nature of the development car. It kept you immersed in the experience, but steering that fast (and that heavy) could become a little wearing on imperfect roads. There’s also now TracTive-based Kamm semi-active coilovers; TracTive tech is used by Theon Design in their 911 builds, so let’s hope for more of the quality from Kamm’s 912c. It will be adjustable to five settings via a dial in the dash, though delivered to customers pre-set by Kamm ‘to offer the perfect balance for road and track’. New APC brakes are said to further reduce unsprung weight (which will have additional benefits for ride) as well as improve stopping power.
Some serious work in just a few months then, reflecting the change in approach from pure track project to a restomod Porsche for any occasion. Moreover, if this all sounds like a lightweight, revvy 912 gone soft, customers will be offered a full carbon body, a track tune of the engine and Yokohama semi-slicks on the options list. If you want hardcore, Kamm can certainly do it.
The rest of the 912c package is as it was at the end of last year, with that beautifully restored, semi-carbon body, an interior decked out in lovely materials and just enough period touches to keep it looking like a proper old Porsche. The Kamm was fascinating little car when we drove it; now it sounds like the full potential might have been realized. Kamm founder Miki Kazmer added: “To receive such high praise for our prototype was a proud moment for us, and we feel confident the production specification will be equally well received. The 912c is designed to be as usable as a modern car but retains the driving experience of a classic racing car. We provide reliability and performance with the analogue feel you would expect from a sports car of the sixties, and this makes it unique in the restomod sector.”
If you want one, best move fast, as only two build slots remain for 2023; a Kamm 912c will cost €360,000, or €320,000 if the buyer can provide a donor 912. And yes, we’ll be sure to drive the new version as soon as possible. Watch this space.
Why didn't Porsche bring back the 912 for a year or 2 for European market like they did in the States , or simply make.it a lot longer than 912 was more than adequate for the late 60s and into the 70s .
Certainly would be far cheaper to source 1 , Mike Brewer has a 912 in his 911 collection. That age of Porsche it's all about the looks not the power , well is for me.
When something so visible is so obviously wrong and dangerous it does make you wonder what else may have been overlooked.
I’ve heard the 912C prototype driving around Bicester Heritage, only slowly, but it sounds great to me.
The guys from Kamm are fascinating to listen to about what’s been done and the quality of the work is superb.
A cheap 912, with patina? Yes please! A €360k carbon 912? No thanks.
I can see where the money goes on with the Singer, but struggling here.
More importantly, just how many millionaires exist with a 911 fetish? I mean, how many options are there out there now?
I'm saying this a serial Porsche owner - it's getting to a point where it's just unimaginative. When I first saw the preview, I thought it was going to be a "built not bought" sort of car, but alas no.
For me, much rather an actual older 911, with all the patina, character and stories that go with it.
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