Maik Hahn for Bonnet Magazine - Oct 13 2024

Rebirth of a Classic: Olsen Motorsports' Porsche 964 3.3L Restoration

IIn the world of Porsche restorations, few names carry the weight and craftsmanship thatOlsen Motorsports does. The Chicago-based company has built a reputation for breathingnew life into Porsche’s most iconic models, and their latest project—a full nut and boltrestoration of a midnight blue metallic Porsche 964 3.3L—exemplifies their meticulousapproach to preserving history while enhancing performance.

This restoration, though largely OEM, incorporates subtle, refined upgrades that respect thecar’s heritage while optimizing its capabilities for modern driving standards. Let’s dive intowhat makes this 964 truly special.

Engine: Power, Precision, and Reliability - The heart of the 964 is its rebuilt 3.3L engine, restored to full OEM specifications with onekey distinction: the turbo and wastegate. Both were modernized with upgraded internals,eliminating the notorious turbo lag that characterized 90s-era Porsches. The result is afaster, more responsive drive without sacrificing the reliability and authenticity that Porscheenthusiasts cherish. This approach strikes the perfect balance between respecting theoriginal engineering and enhancing the driving experience.

Interior: Where Modern Luxury Meets Vintage Design - Step inside, and the 964’s cabin greets you with an elegant blend of luxury and period-correct details. Olsen Motorsports went above and beyond the original Porschespecifications by using superior-grade leather, elevating the tactile experience of theinterior. The smell and feel instantly communicate that this car is not just restored butupgraded for the discerning driver.

Further enhancing the driving experience is an audio system upgrade. The classic Porschehead unit remains, but it’s now paired with a custom subwoofer box and hidden amplifiers,ensuring that the audio system delivers crystal-clear sound without detracting from thecar’s authentic aesthetic. The steering wheel—a custom MOMO aftermarket model with aspecialized adapter—completes the interior’s subtle yet impactful transformation. It’s amodern take on a classic that still respects the original design ethos.

Exterior: Authenticity with a Modern Edge - The exterior of this Porsche 964 remains true to its roots, but with key updates that take itto the next level. Olsen Motorsports replaced the stock wheels with period-correctSpeedlines, paired with JRZ RS Pro coilovers, allowing the car to ride like a modernPorsche while maintaining its timeless look. Additionally, modified headlights were addedto ensure that night drives offer improved visibility without compromising the car’s originalstyle.

Every detail of this restoration—right down to the paintwork in its original midnight bluemetallic hue—shows a commitment to both authenticity and performance. The result is aPorsche that looks as if it’s been transported straight from the 90s, but drives like it’s freshoff the factory floor in 2024.

Olsen Motorsports: A Dedication to Excellence - At the core of this project is Olsen Motorsports’ dedication to delivering the highest level ofcraftsmanship. Specializing in OEM restorations with a modern twist, the company hasperfected the art of striking a balance between preserving the integrity of these iconic cars and subtly improving them for today’s driving standards.

Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using the best materials in bothrestoration and upgrades has earned them a place among the elite in the Porscherestoration world. Whether it’s a full custom build or an OEM restoration, OlsenMotorsports continues to set the standard for what a modern classic should be. For those who appreciate the timeless beauty of a Porsche 964 but desire modernperformance and luxury, this restored 964 by Olsen Motorsports represents the perfectmarriage of both worlds.

For more details about Olsen Motorsports and their stunning restorations, visit their websiteat Olsen Motorsports.