- Kalmar’s 7-97 Classic blends retro 911 charm with lightweight carbon fiber construction.
- A naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six delivers 411 horsepower and revs to 7,500 rpm.
- This Sunoco blue Kalmar 911 was custom-built for retired race car driver Bruce Canepa.
Another Porsche 911 restomod has made its way to U.S. soil, and yes, it’s as eye-catching as you’d expect. This one goes by the name 7-97 Classic and comes from Kalmar Automotive, the same folks behind the bonkers, 993-based 9X9.. The concept here sticks to a tried-and-true restomod formula: retain the looks of the original, then sprinkle in lightweight materials, modern tech, and an overhauled engine. But what sets the 7-97 Classic apart are the thoughtful, standout features that make it more than just another entry in the growing restomod crowd.
This marks the second 7-97 Classic that Kalmar has delivered to the US, and it starts life as a 993-generation Porsche 911. On the outside, you’ll find completely new body panels crafted from carbon fiber. Of course, you’d never know there’s high-tech carbon weave lurking underneath unless someone told you—it’s been painted in a vibrant Sunoco Blue that feels both retro and fresh.
Read: Kalmar’s Porsche 959-Inspired 9X9 Breaks Down During Nurburgring Testing
Several modern touches elevate the 7-97’s exterior without straying too far from its classic roots.It now boasts a set of updated headlights and sits on a set of black Fuchs-style wheels with matching blue accents. There’s also a new black engine cover and matching matte black wing mirrors.
Things get even more interesting when you peek beneath the surface. One of the most important upgrades made is the fitment of carbon ceramic brakes developed in-house by Kalmar – a feature you won’t find in many other restomods. That’s not all. Kalmar has also equipped the 7-97 Classic with adaptive suspension that includes a front axle lift system. There’s also several different driving modes, traction control, and a smooth underbody to air in aerodynamics.
Power to Match the Personality
Under the hood lies a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that delivers 411 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, screaming all the way up to 7,500 rpm. Sure, a factory-fresh Porsche GT3 will easily outgun it with an extra 100 hp, but Kalmar’s creation tips the scales at under 2,645 lbs (1,200 kg). With that kind of weight savings, the 7-97 Classic promises plenty of thrills without needing GT3-level numbers.
The cabin is just as spectacular as the exterior. A pair of Recaro Sportster CS seats have been fitted and trimmed in black leather with blue contrast stitching. The black leather and blue stitching continues across the door panels, steering wheel, and dashboard. Bright blue Alcantara is found on other parts of the dash, the pillars, and the headliner.
Interestingly, Kalmar’s 7-97 was originally underpinned by the platform of a 964. However, after testing a prototype, the outfit decided it wasn’t up to its standards and switched to the 993. This particular 7-97 Classic was ordered by none other than Bruce Canepa, so you can be assured it’ll be driven and won’t be locked away in a garage for the rest of its life.
