Lightspeed Classic, a division of Autoaktiv Motorsport, located and operated outside of Munich, Germany, established their business with a singular goal - to build custom fabricated 911 Porsches integrating the latest in technology while leveraging legacy 911 design characteristics. Conceived by Porsche enthusiast and long-time Porsche motorsports in-house expert, Ralf Skatulla, his team elected to work exclusively with the 964 platform. The Lightspeed team tapped their combined Rennsport experience and re-engineered the entire car to create a blend of new and traditional features while balancing the demands of added power with refined brakes and updated suspension.
Blending artistry and engineering, the Lightspeed build team combines experience spanning more than 25 years of Porsche racing expertise. This mechanical expertise coupled with design sensitivity is embodied in each of their individually commissioned cars. Beginning with a fully functional 964 and disassembling the entire car, the exterior metal body panels are removed, and the remaining steel roof, platform, and door structure are galvanized. The steel rear wheel arches are widened for the new rear profile while the exterior body is built up with weight saving carbon fiber hood and front/rear fenders and carbon fiber front and rear bumpers each of which are designed to feature traditional 911 design traits. The engines are comprehensively rebuilt including titanium parts and a beautifully formed 993 RS injector holder assembly featuring 996 injectors adapted for the 993 ECU. An assortment of six-speed manual transmissions can be selected to pair with a 997 GT3 RS clutch. The beautifully machined cable-driven CAE milled aluminum shifter completes the vintage connection to contemporary power. For stopping power, a 996 GT3 Cup system is used including six-piston/four-piston calipers over ventilated drilled discs. The interiors are also fully reimagined blending new features and vintage elements combining modern technology, premium audio, and special features per individual commissions.
Each car is unique and expertly crafted to the highest standards and, unlike Singer, Singer DLS, or Guntherworks examples with year-long wait lists and million-dollar price tags, this titled and registered North American Lightspeed Classic is a highly appealing alternative, especially considering the exclusivity and rarity of these uniquely built cars.
This Lightspeed Carrera 2 is the 8th example constructed by Lightspeed Classics and is believed to be the only one currently available for purchase in North America. The car was commissioned by the first owner who purchased a 1990 Porsche 964 Carrera 2 for $28,500 in 2012, then indicating 148k miles on the odometer. In 2016, the car was delivered to Lightspeed Classic. The owner specified both mechanical and aesthetic options and features, and the subsequent commissioned work was performed over the course of approximately two years totaling more than 175k Euros. Export costs, build costs and donor vehicle costs totaled over $220k when this car was imported back to North America in April 2018 where it has remained since.
Features of this build include a fully rebuilt Porsche 964 engine with sport camshafts, 3.8-liter pistons/cylinders, uprated intake, and a Lightspeed custom exhaust which also features a damper system to control sound. For the gearbox, the owner selected a GT3 gearbox. Additional features included LED headlights, air conditioning, power steering, ABS, rear third brake light, European emissions, carbon fiber fenders, hood, front and rear bumpers, performance suspension with Bilstein coilovers, Classic 911 engine lid, Classic rear bumper uprights, Lightspeed Classic interior door panel design, radio and speakers, folding seats, Porsche side stripes, and the interior finished in Porsche Nappalleder (leather) black for front and rear seats. Though originally equipped with a factory sunroof, this was removed for weight savings and the roof filled with a welded steel insert.
In 2023, the commissioning owner sold the car through dealer representation to the current owner. The current owner updated the seatbelts and installed a Porsche classic radio with an integrated smartphone auxiliary plugin. Recent services and mechanical work include the installation of two rear 275/40 ZR 17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires (2022) the installation of a Numeric Racing shifter assembly, service to one of the Bilstein shocks, wheel alignment, and wheel rim repair (2020).
Vehicle Overview
Today this Lightspeed Classic Porsche 911 presents with stunning visual and mechanical features throughout. Beautifully finished in Signal Yellow, the finishes are vivid and beautifully prepared while cleverly blending the best of 911 legacy features and contemporary design. The striking color presents beautifully over the 911 profile accented by carbon fiber front and rear bumpers, wide rear fenders, and large diameter central exit dual exhausts. Exterior accents continue the vintage 911 themes including front and rear lighting (headlights with LED internals), chrome door handles, and satin silver treatments for the window surrounds, engine grille, Porsche engine lid lettering, and a pair of Lightspeed Classic design alloy mirrors. A set of 17” three-piece Fuchs style satin silver and black alloy wheels are mated to BBS lips measuring 17x11 rear and 17x9 front wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45R17 front and 275/40R17 rear tires. Porsche branded red multi-piston brake calipers with ventilated discs are mounted at each corner.
The lightened interior is functionally elegant delivering a purposeful feel with a focus on performance and uncluttered aesthetics. A factory dashboard and Porsche instrumentation are cleanly arrayed and properly finished in handsome black materials and finishes. A pair of Lightspeed Classic design fixed position front seats feature race-derived lightweight construction with hardshell seatbacks that pivot forward for easy rear access. The seats are covered in black leather with houndstooth inserts, embossed Lightspeed logo, and custom Lightspeed branded aluminum seat supports. The seats and surrounding black interior are trimmed in silver seat stitching. A pair of adjustable headrests are fitted to the front seats while the foldable rear seats and interior door panels are trimmed in matching materials. Delightful details continue throughout the interior including a Lightspeed Classic dashboard emblem depicting the #8 build, lightweight fabric door pulls, a beautifully crafted exposed mechanical shifter with satin silver shift knob, Momo “Prototipo” steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, and a smartphone compatible audio system.
The engine compartment continues the themes of exceptional preparation, visual delight, and design excellence. The polished alloy risers that form the induction system in particular stand out as a striking feature of the engine compartment. Paint quality in the engine compartment is beautifully presented, backed by excellent finishes to the exposed air-cooling fan, hoses, lines, and wiring all of which have been efficiently laid out including premium components and properly finished castings. The front storage compartment is also finished with the same level of refinement and quality reflective of Porsche factory excellence reimagined in this Lightspeed Classic 911. The underside is exemplary in presentation showing beautifully maintained castings, excellent finishes, and minor evidence of use since completion.
As one might expect the driving manners are fantastic, rewarding, and visceral. The rebuilt engine is rated by Lightspeed Classic at 320 hp which is more than enough power to deliver eye-watering jaunts to freeway speeds. The GT3 gearbox is fantastic with perfect gear spacing for canyon road carving, backed by the confidence of modern Porsche brakes. Everything about the combination of engineering excellence and legacy 911 design come together seamlessly in this captivating Lightspeed Carrera 2.
This car is accompanied by a book of photos documenting the Lightspeed build process, selected service records since completion, import documentation, and two sets of keys. Please note that this Porsche is no longer equipped with the necessary emissions equipment for California testing. The car is offered as a 49-State vehicle available to out of State residents or licensed California dealers.
This Lightspeed Classic Porsche 911 is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the most exciting and dynamic combinations of the Porsche 911 driving experience - reimagined by premier German Porsche enthusiasts. Commissioned as the eighth example, licensed and titled in North America, this exceptional and unique Porsche 911 is ready to be driven and shown as a bold and compelling combination of legacy sporting excellence and contemporary German engineering.