Porsche's Overlooked Flat-Eight Icon Makes a Comeback With a Contemporary Twist | Carscoops

      Dutch startup Aerfal Automotive is reintroducing the classic sports car with a contemporary restomod based on the basic Porsche 914 platform.

      Aerfal Automotive has presented a new version of the Porsche 904 from the 1960s.

      This restomod will utilize a Porsche 914 chassis enhanced with modern features.

      It will be powered by a modified air-cooled 4.0-liter flat-eight engine producing 400 hp.

      Few vehicles embody the essence of motorsport’s golden age as well as Porsche’s lightweight racers from the 1960s, which combined elegant design with a competitive edge. The Carrera GTS, commonly referred to by its internal codename 904, is one of the most coveted homologated sports cars from that time.

      Now, after six decades, the Dutch company Aerfal Automotive aims to reimagine this iconic model as a restomod that merges classic aesthetics with contemporary engineering and Porsche heritage.

      The revived classic is designed by French automotive designer Alan Derosier, recognized for projects such as the Stratos-inspired Kiska APG-1 supercar and the Dakar-ready Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien. The modeling was done by CGI expert Antoine Brigot, a 3D artist for Avatr.

      Retaining the traditional Shape, with Modern Enhancements

      The exterior remains faithful to the mid-engined proportions and alluring curves of the original, featuring some tasteful modifications in the cooling intakes, LED lights, and retro alloy wheels. The doors open alongside large sections of the roof, allowing for easier entry into the two-seater cabin. Inside, fans of the analogue era will appreciate the minimalist dashboard, vintage gauges, and a blend of leather and titanium.

      Porsche produced 106 road-going versions of the 904 between 1964 and 1965 as part of a homologation special. Thus, sourcing an authentic chassis would be prohibitively expensive. Aerfal founder Daniel Robledo informed Motor1 that their restomod will instead use the more accessible Porsche 914. This mid-engined sports car developed by Porsche and VW was produced in significantly larger numbers, with 118,978 units manufactured between 1969 and 1974.

      Constructing on a Different Base

      However, simply re-skinning a 914 was not sufficient for Aerfal’s goals. To explore how Porsche’s engineers from the 1960s might have designed the 904 using today's tools, the team collaborated with modern experts. Multimatic will strengthen the chassis, while Tuthill will handle the suspension and setup. Components from Brembo, Michelin, and BBS will also be included, ensuring that performance and reliability meet contemporary standards.

      More importantly, the revived 904 will feature an updated version of the legendary flat-eight engine from the original racecar, with rumored contributions from Cosworth. The air-cooled, naturally aspirated engine will be increased from 2.0 to 4.0 liters, aiming for an output of 400 horsepower.

      “This endeavor is not about chasing numbers, but about creating an engine that embodies character, producing a sound and feel that connects the driver to Porsche's primal racing legacy,” emphasizes Aerfal.

      At present, the reborn 904 exists only in digital designs. Aerfal plans to create a prototype and will soon start accepting pre-orders. Pricing, production quantities, and delivery schedules remain undisclosed, but enthusiasm is building for this modern reinterpretation of a 1960s classic.