Porsche 911 Restorer Calls Classic Models "A Piece of S***" — Here’s Why

Jan Kalmar: Classic Porsche 911s Are "A Piece of S***" in Stock Form

Jan Kalmar, founder of Kalmar Automotive, has built his reputation restoring and rebuilding vintage Porsches. His business began with early 911s but has since expanded to include rally-ready cars and custom restomods that push these classics far beyond their original specifications.

In a candid interview with Evo, Kalmar shared his unfiltered opinions on classic 911s—particularly the 964 generation—arguing that they don’t live up to the hype. His blunt assessment? "The Classic 911 Is a Piece Of S***."

Why Kalmar Says Classic 911s Disappoint

"When my generation was young, we all dreamt about owning a 911," says Kalmar. "We couldn’t afford one then, but now more and more can. But when they buy the car they used to dream about, they drive it, and realize it’s a piece of s***. It drives like a broken bone. A Golf drives better, and the 911’s headlight costs the same as a Golf."

Kalmar’s criticism stems from his hands-on experience modernizing these classics. He argues that nostalgia often blinds enthusiasts to the shortcomings of early 911s, which lack the balanced driving experience of modern cars. His perspective is shaped by years of restoring and re-engineering these vehicles to meet contemporary standards.

Kalmar’s 911 Restomods: A Different Approach

Kalmar’s first major commission was a 964 for legendary endurance racer Tom Kristensen. The result, the 7-97, was a 964-inspired supercar that quickly revealed the limitations of the original chassis. Undeterred, Kalmar took drastic measures to improve the car’s performance and drivability.

His latest project involves re-engineering a 993-chassis as a homage to the iconic Porsche 959. This restomod aims to address the flaws of the original while preserving its heritage. Kalmar’s work highlights the challenges of modernizing classic 911s, a process he describes as both frustrating and rewarding.

Modernizing the 911: Kalmar’s Vision

• 964-based 7-97 supercar: Built for Tom Kristensen, this restomod pushed the boundaries of the original 964 chassis.
• 993-chassis 959 homage: Currently in development, this project aims to blend classic 911 styling with modern engineering.
• Rally-ready 911s: Kalmar’s company also specializes in transforming vintage 911s into high-performance rally cars.

Kalmar’s work underscores a growing trend in the automotive world: the desire to preserve classic 911s while making them more enjoyable and capable for modern drivers. His blunt critique serves as a reminder that even iconic cars have their flaws—and that restomods may be the key to unlocking their full potential.