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Gunther Werks Speedster: A Timeless Driving Experience
One of the world's most exclusive cars, the 1995 Porsche 911 Speedster, has been recreated for the modern age. It could be yours for just under $1 million, but is it worth the price tag?
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 26 May 2023 | 0 min read
The 1995 Porsche 911 Speedster is so exclusive that only two individuals own one: Ferdinand Porsche himself and the comedian (and total Porsche fanboy) Jerry Seinfeld.
But for just under $1 million, California-based Gunther Werks will build you a perfectly reimagined Speedster - painstakingly transformed from a 911 Cabriolet or Targa and crafted for the modern age. With a mission to elevate classic Porsches, Gunther Werks offers an opportunity to own one of Porsche’s stand out productions. Is its Speedster as good as the original? Rory Reid hops aboard Gunther Werks’ version of the classic Porsche 993 Speedster to find out.
But for just under $1 million, California-based Gunther Werks will build you a perfectly reimagined Speedster - painstakingly transformed from a 911 Cabriolet or Targa and crafted for the modern age. With a mission to elevate classic Porsches, Gunther Werks offers an opportunity to own one of Porsche’s stand out productions. Is its Speedster as good as the original? Rory Reid hops aboard Gunther Werks’ version of the classic Porsche 993 Speedster to find out.
How did Gunther Werks recreate the Porsche 993 Speedster?
The Porsche 911 is renowned for its various iterations, winning generations of fans across a range of body styles and endless remixes on the same basic formula and distinguished by the super fans by the model codes applied to each generation ranging from 930, 964 and the like all the way up to the current 992. While everyone has their personal favourite, the 993 Speedster remains one of Porsche’s most exclusive and coveted.
Gunther Werks start by reworking the vehicle from the ground up, making substantial modifications to enhance performance and aesthetics. Notable changes include a striking wide body kit, a redesigned front bumper, carbon fibre body panels, and aluminium mirrors inspired by the 991 Speedster concept. At the rear, 3D-printed Inconel exhaust tips are attached to a lightweight valved exhaust from a 997-era GT3. The Speedster doesn’t come with a roof, so Gunther Werks replaced it with a bespoke rear deck and twin buttresses for a distinctive appearance. The interior features newly developed carbon bucket seats, an aluminium shifter, and updated dials. These create an environment that emphasises both luxury and purpose, reflecting the car's heritage and performance-oriented nature. Underneath the rear ducktail spoiler lies a naturally-aspirated, air-cooled, 4.0-litre flat-six engine (capable of 440 horsepower and 455 Newton meters of torque), while the power steering pump and air conditioning unit have been moved to the front for improved weight distribution. In reimagining the 993 Speedster, Gunther Werks set out to build a time machine – one that brings a bygone era of car into the modern day, while building on that legacy to create something fresh. Has it succeeded? Watch what Rory has to say, and subscribe for more new and exclusive content.
Gunther Werks start by reworking the vehicle from the ground up, making substantial modifications to enhance performance and aesthetics. Notable changes include a striking wide body kit, a redesigned front bumper, carbon fibre body panels, and aluminium mirrors inspired by the 991 Speedster concept. At the rear, 3D-printed Inconel exhaust tips are attached to a lightweight valved exhaust from a 997-era GT3. The Speedster doesn’t come with a roof, so Gunther Werks replaced it with a bespoke rear deck and twin buttresses for a distinctive appearance. The interior features newly developed carbon bucket seats, an aluminium shifter, and updated dials. These create an environment that emphasises both luxury and purpose, reflecting the car's heritage and performance-oriented nature. Underneath the rear ducktail spoiler lies a naturally-aspirated, air-cooled, 4.0-litre flat-six engine (capable of 440 horsepower and 455 Newton meters of torque), while the power steering pump and air conditioning unit have been moved to the front for improved weight distribution. In reimagining the 993 Speedster, Gunther Werks set out to build a time machine – one that brings a bygone era of car into the modern day, while building on that legacy to create something fresh. Has it succeeded? Watch what Rory has to say, and subscribe for more new and exclusive content.