When choosing a first car to feature, there was a lot of debate. We had quite a few cars in our own stable that we considered posting. However during the many discussions we had about what to feature, one car kept coming up. This rather wide, very loud, Porsche 997. We spent a couple days taking photos of it, both at the Garage 710 headquarters, and out and about. Although we approached this car hesitantly at first, it was hard not to fall in love with it over time. The blend of German restraint, with Japanese flair, the subtle changes in the custom body kit, and the shrieking exhaust note all captured us. So it was an easy decision to make it our first feature car.

Photo Credit: Jackalyn Divine

Now, if the internet is to be believed, anything with a riveted on widebody is completely played out. Each time a Liberty Walk supercar, or Rocket Bunny tuner car pops up, there seems to be equal parts admiration and hate. It can be easy to see why as well. Just a glance down any SEMA hall shows that this style is running rampant on builds these days. The complaint is simple, it sometimes feels as though they lack a lot of the heart and creativity that so many car enthusiasts put into their ride. It feels very cookie cutter at times. It’s a fair enough argument, but sometimes one of these builds slips through the cracks. While you might write it off as being a trend follower at first, it actually breaks the mould in it’s own ways. This incredibly wide 997 is one of those cars.

Photo Credit: Jackalyn Divine

On the surface of things, the argument doesn’t look good. It has a Liberty Walk widebody, filled with insanely wide Rotiform Wheels. The car can air out for a show, and then lift back up to drive safely on the streets. This is topped off with a massive wing on the decklid. To many, this car is guilty of many tuning sins.

Photo Credit: Oliver von Mizener

However a keen eye will notice that this 997 is a little different. There is a distinct lack of quarter panel air scoops. The body kit has no cut away for them, the quarter panel is completely solid. That’s because this car rolled off the production line in Stuttgart as a Carrera S. This is where the car comes into it’s own, because this is not a case of ‘all show-no go’.

Photo Credit: Jackalyn Divine

Under the decklid, every last square inch of space has been used to cram a supercharger in. The fitment was so tight, in fact, that the supercharger housing had to be shaved slightly to fit it under the hood. The result is simple, the car is extraordinarily fast, and has a unique exhaust note to it.

Photo Credit: Jackalyn Divine

This gives the car a great deal of character. This is not simply a case of a body kitted sports car. Instead, a great deal of time and effort went into making this 911 something special. While the trend has been to bolt on larger fenders and some wide wheels to super cars, many feel as though they lack some substance. Many feel as though these cars are half-hearted, or lack passion and creativity. While they are certainly show stopping, it doesn’t scratch the itch that so many gear heads have.

Photo Credit: Oliver von Mizener

But this Porsche is different, it was executed in a way that gives it character and substance. Although the differences might be subtle to the casual onlooker, it makes all the difference. It breaks the mould because of the care and effort put into the build. Certainly the owner could have started with a factory Turbo car. The body kit existed, the performance was there, and the result would have pulled in just as big of a crowd at any show. But starting with something that required that much more care and attention, and going that extra mile, makes it special.

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