Unveiling the Italian Magic Behind Lab Eleven's Stunning Porsche 911 Restomod

The world of Porsche 911 restomods has become increasingly vibrant and competitive, with elite names like Singer and Ruf leading the charge. As a car enthusiast seeking a restoration with a distinctive Italian flair, you might want to turn your gaze to Lab Eleven. Though headquartered in the scenic landscapes of Austria, this niche company channels its creativity and craftsmanship from a workshop just a stone's throw away from Milan. Here, the dedicated team focuses on reviving the storied 993-generation Porsche 911, weaving a tapestry of innovation that honors its heritage while infusing modern touches.

But what exactly goes into transforming a classic 911 into a masterpiece? Lab Eleven begins the process by locating an accident-free 911 with matching numbers—essentially, one with its original parts intact. Once acquired, this enthusiastic team ships the classic beauty to Modena, Italy, for a meticulous transformation. The 911 is taken apart, and under the careful hands of skilled craftspeople, body panels such as bumpers, front fenders, and hoods can be replaced with materials like aluminum, magnesium, or carbon fiber, all while adhering to stringent factory tolerances. This dedication ensures that the essence of the original vehicle is maintained throughout the customization process.

Craftsmanship Meets Artistry

Once the structural alterations are complete, the car is treated to a hand-sprayed finish in a selection of over 100 original Porsche colors. Some of these hues even hark back to the iconic Porsche 356 models, bridging the past and the present in perfect harmony. Additionally, for those seeking something more avant-garde, Lab Eleven provides more than 200 custom paint options, allowing clients to add their unique flair. The same workshop also boasts an impressive pedigree, having worked on limited-run Lamborghini models like the Aventador SVJ and the stunning Centenario.

The magic doesn't stop at the exterior. Step inside the cabin, and you're welcomed by a luxurious, retro-inspired interior crafted from high-quality materials such as wool fabrics, houndstooth, and European bull hides. The attention to detail is astounding; from intricate hand-woven patterns to a lovely mahogany gear knob evoking the classic Porsche 917 race cars, no stone is left unturned. On top of that, the modern infotainment system is neatly integrated into the 993’s dashboard, maintaining the car's classic aesthetic while delivering contemporary conveniences.

Precision Engineering Under the Hood

When it comes to mechanical upgrades, Lab Eleven sends the engines to Germany for precision machining, ensuring enhanced performance. Positioned near Stuttgart, their German partner expertly reconditions the engines to higher tolerances than what initially rolled off the assembly line. The six-speed manual gearbox also receives the same level of attention, allowing for various enhancements, including different gear ratios, a lightweight flywheel, and an impressive multi-plate clutch for ultra-smooth shifting.

The powertrain options are thrilling, with customers able to choose from engine displacements of 3.6, 3.8, or a powerful 4.0 liters, delivering an exhilarating range of horsepower between 300 to 400. Lab Eleven offers variants like the sporty SportTouren and the more robust Sportwagen—both available in either coupe or Targa configurations. For track enthusiasts, Lab Eleven also features Project Rennen, an agile and spirited variant inspired by the classic 1967 911 R, promising an adrenaline-inducing experience on the circuit.

Setting New Standards

In a marketplace crowded with talented builders and restomod specialists, Lab Eleven is poised to differentiate itself through its unique synthesis of Italian artistry and German engineering. Every project is a labor of love—collectively, nearly 4,000 hours go into crafting each car, ensuring that the result is nothing short of exceptional.

As enthusiasts and collectors progressively seek bespoke automotive solutions, Lab Eleven's philosophy of combining traditional charm with cutting-edge technology has solidified its position in the realm of high-end restorations. With each Porsche 911 they breathe new life into, Lab Eleven doesn't just restore—but elevates the classic to new, unprecedented heights.