FYI: Enthusiast Iso-san has transformed a 1984 Porsche 911 into a tribute to Porsche’s renowned ST model, showcasing simplicity and timeless design.
When it comes to Porsches, less is often more.
The German automaker has a storied history of stripped-down, homologation, and anniversary models tailored for the track, and this Japanese-built, European-market 1984 Porsche 911 pays homage to those cars.
A Vision for Perfection
Iso-san, a prototype car builder by profession, began his journey during Japan’s COVID-19 lockdown. With extra free time, he sought a project and contacted Honda at Garage J, a Porsche dealership known for customizing cars to clients’ specifications. During their conversations, one special car repeatedly surfaced.
Honda, who holds each car dearly, advised Iso-san, "This car will choose its owner. Please come see it for yourself."
Upon visiting Garage J, Iso-san discovered a worn-out 1973 Carrera RS backdated replica tucked away in a dusty corner. Despite its potential, the questionable modifications deterred him, emphasizing his discerning taste for quality.
A Collaborative Redesign
Iso-san, being an experienced project manager at one of Japan’s major automakers, brought his expertise to the table. He worked closely with Honda to redesign his 1984 Carrera 3.2, focusing on simplicity and understatement. Gone were the ducktail spoiler, poorly painted blue 930 Turbo wheels, and superficial Carrera decals.
Instead, Iso-san drew inspiration from pre-RS Porsche lineage, specifically the 911 ST, a track-only, FIA-homologated model produced between 1969 and 1971. The ST models combined the 2.2-liter engine from the 911 S with the lightweight interior of the 911 T. They featured more powerful engines, polycarbonate windows, aluminum and fiberglass body panels, and a tachometer reading up to 10,000 rpm.
Crafting the Perfect Tribute
While Iso-san’s build didn’t mimic the ST perfectly, it paid homage to the spirit of the originals. His Porsche benefitted from Porsche’s "light body" approach and featured modern upgrades. Notable modifications included:
- RS Door Panels
- 300 km/h speedometer
- 928 S4 Calipers
- Custom Roll Cage
- ATS Carbon LSD
- Clubsport Engine Mounts
- Race-spec Manifolds and Mufflers
These enhancements evoke the nostalgic roar of Porsche race cars from the 1970s, while the aesthetic maintains the understated elegance that defines the model.
Subtle Yet Significant Changes
One notable alteration was the lack of the 1970s ST Works’ exaggerated features. Iso-san’s tribute captures the essence through subtle touches – the minimalist coloring, stripped-down interior, and rear Plexiglas.
Additionally, the wheel arches of Iso-san’s car are flared two inches wider than the standard racer, making this build more of a homage than an exact replica.
Conclusion
Iso-san’s 1984 Porsche 911 is a testament to the timeless appeal of Porsche’s simpler, track-focused designs. His ST-inspired Carrera blends modern precision with vintage aesthetics, reflecting both his professional expertise and passionate dedication to quality craftsmanship.
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Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
