Luftauto - going once, going twice, GONE!
Good things happen when good people do good things for a good cause!
The feature act of Sunday's Luftgekühlt at Modernica was the RM Sotheby's auction benefiting the Autumn Leaves Project, a charity dedicated to pancreatic cancer research run by musician Butch Walker who lost his dad to the devastating illness.
A set of 4 Luftkekühlt Shell Chairs and an Aircooled Arm Shell made by Modernica and signed by everyone associated with the project were put under the hammer first to warm up the bidding floor for the main attraction, the LuftAuto. The rally-style 911, designed in form and function to be both a daily driver as well as a capable off-roader, in the spirit of the Baja-style desert races that are such a part of the racing history in California. Excitement mounted as the bids increased passed the $200,000, ultimately landing on a winning bid of $275,000, a huge win for pancreatic cancer research and far exceeding everyone's expectations. It was a wonderful feeling for all involved who put countless hours and passion into the project, not to mention the new owner of the very capable Porsche 911 who helped raise money for a meaningful cause!
It was a dream team of collaborators with big hearts who were involved in this project, all helping to execute the vision that Patrick Long and Howie Idelson had for the car. Joey Seely at E-motion Engineering led the way on the overall build, mechanical upgrades and suspension overhaul, while Rod Emory of Emory Motorsports headed up the design, fabrication and fitment of the rally-style bumpers and underbody skidplates. Modernica made special one-off wooden floor mats and a unique layered-hardwood gearshift knob. John Benton and the team at Benton Performance led the charge on electronics and wiring, with Carby Tuckwell of Deus Ex Machina on point for custom details. Pelican Parts lent their DIY expertise, knowledge and resources for all things Porsche parts, and special thanks are due to Tom Ridings for transportation and champion rally driver Jeff Zwart for help in development and testing.
An amazing list of suppliers is involved too donating their expertise to the cause, including KW Suspension, Pirelli, BRAIDusa, Recaro, ERP Suspension, WEVO, Rothsport, Tarett Engineering, SWEPCO and Rennline.
SPECIFICATIONS
BASE CAR
1985 911 Carrera Coupe
Production Completion Date: 11/12/1984
Engine Number/Type: 64F00572 (M930/21)
Transmission Number/Type: 74F00252 (G915/68)
Exterior Paint Color/Code: Grand Prix White/P5
Mileage 79,000
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
3.2L numbers-matching motor
Recent major engine service as part of build, including all gaskets and seals, valve adjustment, all filters and fluid, new wires, plugs, cap and rotor, coil, starter motor, ignition switch, sensors and relays, cleaned and balanced injectors Sachs clutch.
SSi headers and sport exhaust
Stock transmission with Guard Transmission limited-slip differential
WEVO engine and transmission mounts
WEVO precision shift joint
Rebuilt axles
Rennline Engine Mount Cross Bar
Rennline alternator strap
Clewett ignition wires
SWEPCO 201 gear lube
SUSPENSION
KW Suspension custom-designed and hand-built long-travel dampers
ERP Suspension control arms, subframes, tie rods, spring plates and monoballs
Tarrett Engineering suspension components
SWEPCO 101 Moly Grease
EXTERIOR
Custom lights and grilles by Emory Motorsports
Custom, powder coated front and rear bumpers, designed by Emory Motorsports and fabricated by Brian Coats Motorsports
Custom front and rear skid plates by Emory Motorsports
Auto Foreign Services roof rack
Ducktail and mirrors by Getty Design
INTERIOR
Custom roll bar, fabricated by Brian Coats Motorsports
Recaro lightweight sport buckets
RS door panels
Schroth Rallye 4 belts
Rennline floorboards
WEVO shift lever, gate and coupler, powder-coated
CNC-milled custom American Walnut / Hard Rock Maple shift knob, by Modernica
CNC-milled custom Walnut veneer sub-floors, by Modernica
OMP Rally steering wheel
WHEELS, TIRES, BRAKES AND FITMENTS
BRAID Winrace competition monoblock wheels – 15”
Pirelli P-Zero Rally 195/70-15
PMB restored calipers with slotted rotors
Porterfield brake pads
Rennline strut tower brace
Goodridge brake lines
Custom-designed hydraulic handbrake by Emotion Engineering and Emory Motorsport 
