Reimagining an Icon: My Journey to Build a 1-of-1 Porsche 911
My Obsession with the 911
Project Gravette is a fully bespoke Porsche 993, restored through an immersive, one-of-one luxury design process that reflects unmatched craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know my two biggest obsessions: building companies that change lives and driving machines that stir the soul.
Today isn’t about business. It’s about passion, precision, and a machine so iconic it rewrote the rules of performance—the Porsche 911.
Back when I wrote “What Fast Feels Like” I shared how discovering my 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo Cabriolet changed everything. Grand Prix White over black leather, just 12,000 original miles, and powered by the legendary 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-six paired with Porsche’s iconic G50 five-speed transmission.
That car wasn’t just quick; it was alive! Every shift felt deliberate, every surge of boost a perfect harmony of power and precision. It was a dialogue between man and machine that lit a fire in me that’s never faded. The spool of the turbo, the curve of those wide rear arches catching the light, the scent of warm tires after a spirited drive—it’s a masterclass in balance and design, the ultimate meeting of art and engineering, and the one machine I’ll always stop to admire in my collection.
A 1-of-1 Porsche 911 Reimagined
For years, I’ve dreamed of creating a 911 that pushed boundaries; one that honored its heritage while redefining what’s possible for the future.
When the idea began to take shape, I reached out to my friends at ECD Automotive Design with the hope of bringing it to life. Having previously worked with them on a custom 9-seat Land Rover, I knew the kind of care, creativity, and craftsmanship their team puts into every detail.
ECD, based in Kissimmee, Florida, has built a reputation for transforming legendary vehicles into world-class works of art. I couldn’t imagine a better partner for this project.
Together, we set out to create something truly special. A reimagined modern expression of the legendary 993 generation, the final chapter of the air-cooled era.
The result is Project Gravette, a 1-of-1 Porsche 911 that reflects a shared vision between passion and precision. It represents everything I love about design, performance, and legacy, made possible through the incredible artistry of ECD.
Performance Meets Perfection
Powertrain
Built on the original 993 platform with an air-cooled M64 flat-six engine.
Turbocharged and tuned to deliver 500 horsepower.
Upgraded six-speed manual transmission for pure driver engagement.
Custom high-flow exhaust and advanced engine management for sharper throttle response and precision performance.
Chassis & Handling
Bilstein Sport suspension for exceptional balance, handling, and control.
Brembo high-performance brakes with slotted rotors for fade-free stopping power
18-inch RS-style wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires.
Exterior
Finished in Icy White Gloss with Agate Gray Metallic accents
Widebody stance with RS-inspired detailing and a re-sculpted rear wing for enhanced aerodynamics.
Polished billet trim and modern LED lighting that honor the classic 911 silhouette while embracing modern design
Interior
Recaro Cross Sportster CS seats in Hydes black leather with metal grommets
Matching rear seats, custom suede headliner, billet hardware, and hand-stitched detailing throughout.
Touchscreen infotainment, Focal premium audio, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and digital rear-view mirror.
The Legacy of the 993
The 993 generation holds a sacred place in Porsche history. Produced from 1994 to 1998, it marked the final evolution of the air-cooled 911 and the end of an era that defined the brand’s identity for more than three decades.
Under its sculpted bodywork, the 993 introduced major engineering advancements that transformed the 911’s performance and drivability. A redesigned multilink rear suspension brought sharper handling and greater stability, while refined aerodynamics gave the car its now-iconic wide stance and timeless silhouette.
Every element of the 993 was built with precision and purpose. Its engines were stronger and more responsive and its design so balanced that many still consider it the pinnacle of Porsche’s air-cooled lineage.
For purists, the 993 isn’t just another 911. It is the 911—the last to carry the unmistakable air-cooled sound and feel, bridging Porsche’s analog past with the precision of its modern future.
Why It Matters
In an age defined by technology and electric silence, this car brings me back to something real. It reminds me why we build, why we drive, and why machines like this still move us in ways no algorithm ever could.
The 911 has always been more than a car. It’s a bridge between innovation and heritage, emotion and engineering. This build is my way of honoring what made it timeless.
At sunrise, when the engine comes to life and the road opens ahead, there’s a brief moment when everything just feels right. The sound, the motion, the connection—it all comes together.
That’s what this project is about. Preserving the soul of driving, one turn of the key at a time.