Tag Archives: convertible

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010149

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010149

What we are actually looking at is a base Porsche 987 Boxster after many hours of work, to make it look like an original 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster. Making a replica of a highly sought-after classic vehicle is a bit of a social no-no, among certain circles, but considering the rarity of the 356 Speedster and the average asking price of around $1 million, suddenly it starts making sense.

To put things in perspective, this 987 conversion costs about £58,000, which equates to almost $79,000 in today’s money. This does not include the donor vehicle, which in this case, is a 2.7-liter Porsche 987 Boxster, with a manual gearbox.

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010145

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010145

This means 240 horsepower (177 kilowatts) and 199 pound-feet (270 Nm). This is enough for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of around 6.0 seconds, and a top speed of 159 mph (256 km/h).

That said, we don’t know how the redesigned body affects the aerodynamic and performance aspects of the car. As for how it drives, JayEmm provides a 12-minute video, in which he shares his experience with the Autobody 387.

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010137

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010137

This particular car is finished in a nice “Melting Silver” paint, complimented by the 19-inch split-rim alloy wheels. Unlike most Speedsters, the Iconic Autobody 387 has retained the original car’s electric convertible soft-top. The 987 Boxster’s active rear spoiler has also been retained.

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010138

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010138

Inside, you get a mildly-revised brown leather interior, with heated seats and climate control. You don’t get that in a 1955 356 Speedster. The interior is completed by new wool carpets, as well as the Porsche-specific “Pepita” fabric inserts. That said, the car can be personalized in every possible way.

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010146

The Porsche 356 Speedster-Inspired Iconic Autobody 387 Is Actually A 987 Boxster In a Classic Suit - image 1010146

Mark Harrison, co-founder of Total Headturners, shared with Robb Report that the idea of a modern 356 Speedster replica came from clients who had bought 356 Replicas, but didn’t mind the modern amenities. According to him, this is the perfect blend of classic looks and usability that comes with a more modern drivetrain. And if you think, this is a lot of money for a replica, just remember that the original 356 Speedster is slower, doesn’t drive as well, and is less usable, for nearly $1.0 million.

Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series

Lamborghini Seoul unveils the Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series: the two V12 super sports cars in an ultra-limited edition only for Lamborghini enthusiasts in Korea.

The Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series are jointly developed by Automobili Lamborghini and Lamborghini Seoul, dedicated to Korean customers for their enthusiastic support all this while.

Centro Stile, the design center of the Automobile Lamborghini, has led the design of the limited edition V12 model with the aim of creating a symbolic model that connects the spirit of Korea and Italy, and completed a design that are inspired by the rich Korean tradition and unique beauty.

The exterior distinctively showcases the primary two colours of Korea. The Green Ocno symbolizes ‘warm Korean sentiment’ and the Blue Emera symbolizes ‘intelligence and wisdom’. The interior colour of Bianco Leda, which symbolizes ‘the white-clad race’ – meaning the national spirit of Korea. Thanks to the white interior, the Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series stands out in contrast between the exterior and interior.

On the front bonnet, left and right door panels, and rear fender, feature the patterns of the Korean traditional windows – criss-cross of both vertical and horizontal lines. Furthermore, the engine room features the two trigrams of the Korean flag – Geon and Gam – instilling a sense of patriotism among Koreans.

The Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series is combined with the charm of the naturally-aspirated V12 engine and the open-air driving pleasure. Accelerating 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, while 0-200km/h acceleration in just 9.0 second with a top speed equal to that of Aventador S Coupé at 350 km/h. It can also brake 100-0 km/h in just 31m. Its 6.5 liter V12 engine outputs the same 740 hp as the coupé, with 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Its power to weight ratio is 2.2kg/hp.

Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director for Automobili Lamborghini in Asia Pacific said: “We are excited to introduce the highly-exclusive Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series to Lamborghini enthusiasts in Korea. This special series further highlights the importance of the Korean super sports car market for Lamborghini. Featuring design elements that symbolizes the rich Korean culture and heritage, it definitely stands out and inculcates a strong sense of national pride when it’s on the Korean roads.”

Frank Steinleitner, Representative Director of Lamborghini Seoul, said: “Together with Automobili Lamborghini Centro Stile, we have uniquely developed the Aventador S Roadster Korean Special Series that are made exclusively available only for Korea. The entire development process from conceptualisation to production has been an enriching one and we look forward to introduce more special edition to our discerning clients in Korea.”

Porsche’s Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game

The Porsche Boxster EV Is Just the Start of Electric Sports Cars

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game High Resolution Exterior - image 663430

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game High Resolution Exterior - image 663430


Shortly following news that the fate of the next-gen Porsche 718 was officially on the table, a new report came to say that Porsche was working on a “Boxster EV” and that a concept is coming soon. And, even though there’s a strong case for a Porsche 911 EV – if you factor out the consideration of battery weight – going electric with the 718 makes even more sense. Especially when it’s said that an ICE version of the 718 will be sold alongside the electric model, much like Porsche is planning to do with the Macan EV. Of course, I should tell you that the Macan EV might not be a Macan, but that’s a conversation for another time. The point is that the news of the Boxster EV got me thinking, and the bottom line is that it’s going to spearhead the shift of the entire small sportscar segment.

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game - image 810785

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game - image 810785


As of now, BMW isn’t planning to follow-up on the current BMW Z4 – once it goes out of production, that’s supposed to be it. And last we heard, Audi was completely unsure of what to do with the Audi R8 and the Audi TT, meaning neither may survive beyond their current generations or the next generation at best. With the Toyota Supra being based on the Z4, there’s a good chance it’ll be a one-and-done ordeal too, and Mazda hasn’t exactly been open about electrification plans for the MX-5, either.

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game - image 810788

Porsche's Boxster EV Will Force Audi And BMW To Step Up Their Game - image 810788


So what happens later this year when Porsche unveils a Boxster EV concept that is, reportedly, near-production ready? Will it take less than the five years it took the Mission E to morph into the Taycan and MX-5 electric too. Perhaps a couple of automakers are secretly working on their own electric compact sports cars or maybe they aren’t. If they are, then all the better for us, and if they aren’t, expect to watch them all scatter like roaches when the lights come on as they start scrambling to take their rightful pieces of the pie before Porsche comes to dominate a lightly touched segment.

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This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag

Hand-built extravaganza

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942786

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942786


Each Formula One car will be hand-built using original drawings and blueprints from the 1950s.

Vanwall Group stresses that each example “will be painstakingly built over thousands of hours by historic racing and vehicle restoration experts.” The continuation VW5 will be powered by replicas of the original 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 270 horsepower.

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Drivetrain - image 942784

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Drivetrain - image 942784


Details are still slim as of this writing, but the photos released by Vanwall suggest that the continuation cars will feature the company’s historic livery. Like most British racing stables from the era, Vanwall had its cars painted in British Racing Green. The cars will also include yellow accents on the nose and racing numbers on the front deck and rear hump. It’s not clear whether customers will be allowed to choose a different color, but it’s unlikely.

The continuation Vanwall VW5 doesn’t come cheap

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942787

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942787


Just like Jaguar and Shelby, Vanwall is charging a lot of money for its continuation cars. Each VW5 will cost £1.65 million, which converts to around $2.16 million as of October 2020. The sticker doesn’t include VAT, so the price will be higher depending on where you live.

In Britain, where Vanwall operates, VAT is 20 percent, so this mean that the actual price of the racer comes in at £1.98 million. That’s $2.6 million or as much as a modern hypercar.

Vanwall will build six continuation cars, but only five will be offered for private sale. The sixth car will remain with the company to form the core of a Historic Racing Team. There’s no word as to when deliveries will begin, but the first car will probably be ready sometime in 2021.

Formula One success

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942788

This Reborn Vanwall Formula 1 Car Has a Seizure-Inducing Price Tag Exterior - image 942788


Vanwall debuted in Formula One in 1954, competing against Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Lancia, and Cooper. The British racing team scored modest results in its first three seasons, with the first win arriving in 1957. Vanwall took the checkered flag for the first time at 1957 British Grand Prix with Sir Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks sharing driving duties in a VW5. Vanwall scored two more wins by the end of the season, but Stirling Moss lost the driver’s championship to Juan Manuel Fangio. Formula One did not offer a manufacturer’s championship back then, but Vanwall would have finished in second place, behind Maserati.

Vanwall reached its performance peak in 1958, also with the VW5. The Brits won six of the nine races they entered and won the manufacturer’s title ahead of Ferrari and Cooper. Despite winning four races (three with Vanwall and one with Cooper), Stirling Moss narrowly lost the driver’s championship to Scuderia Ferrari’s Mike Hawthorn. The latter scored just a win, but took the second position in five races, thus gathering more points than Moss, which retired four times throughout the season.

Led by engineers Colin Chapman and Frank Costin, Vanwall pioneered the use of disc brakes in Formula One. With Tony Vandervell’s health failing, Vanwall entered only a few races in 1959 and 1960. The new VW59 and VW11 designs proved unsuccessful against the new mid-engined Coopers and Vanwall abandoned racing after one final attempt in the 1961 Intercontinental Formula.

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