Restomods are all over the place and it is perhaps the best expression of classic design meets new engineering. The latest one is KALMAR Automotive which has just delivered its first 7-97 to the USA. The KALMAR 7-97 Classic is also now available at leading collector car specialist, Canepa, in California. KALMAR Automotive is all about bespoke automotive commissions and the 7-97 is exactly that being based on the 993-based C1 along with the donor car’s coupe shell benefiting from the removal of the donor 911’s rain gutters. A re-engineered decklid, in conjunction with KALMAR Automotive’s bonded glass solution, reduces lift, drag, and wind noise. 

Designed to pay tribute to the Porsche 911 ST of the 1970s, the 7-97 uses an air-cooled 964 or 993 generation of 911 as its base, currently available in three different body styles – coupé, cabriolet or targa – plus the RS-R. Each 7-97 can be completely customizable both inside and out. Plus, every 7-97 features lightweight carbon fiber body panels, electric air conditioning, and power steering systems.

Weight is a keyword of the KALMAR 7-97, as a rear wheel drive it weighs in at close to 1150 Kg. (2500 pounds) and the C1 as all-wheel drive comes in just under 1215 Kg. (2675 pounds) ready to go with aircon and hi-fi system. Even lighter versions are available on demand. The arrival of 7-97 C1 comes with the partnership of KALMAR Automotive and Canepa, with founder, Bruce Canepa.

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Its range-topping ‘Triple 4’ specification is led by a 4.0-litre engine producing 401 horsepower and 426 Nm of torque. The finer technical details include a 997 GT3 4.0-litre crankshaft, drive-by-wire individual throttle bodies, mechanical lifters, an enhanced exhaust system, with dual oil coolers and a Motec M150 ECU (with OBDII interface) and a bespoke air filtration system being further highlights. Other details include adaptive active suspension, a multi-link rear axle, a six-speed gearbox, ultra-lightweight lithium battery, and lightweight three-piece split rims. Optional includes a traction control system with Sport mode functionality plus a lightweight ceramic braking system and a front axle lift system. 

Inside, it screams the past but is decked up with modern conveniences. There is a full leather interior with supportive Recaro sports seats and optional twin airbags plus modern convenience features such as remote central locking, a concealed Bluetooth audio system, and rain-sensing wipers are standard. Even the car’s key has been designed especially for KALMAR Automotive as it incorporates buttons to open and close the front luggage compartment and rear deck lid. This electronic “frunk” release is just like the one found on the very latest Porsche 911s.

KALMAR Automotive will build no more than 12 7-97s during a calendar year with prices depending on specification.

Canepa Group will act as KALMAR Automotive’s sole representative in North America, while it will also have dealers across Europe and Asia.