In this video from Autotopia LA, host Shawn Davis introduces us to Derek Whitacre and his one-of-a-kind 1982 Porsche 911 SC. It’s not just any restomod—it’s a rolling theatre of noise, grip, and boost, blending vintage feel with modern performance upgrades.
Built over nearly two decades, Derek’s 911 started life as a clean, low-mile SC. It’s since been transformed into a 500-horsepower turbocharged street machine that’s just as happy ripping through canyon roads as it is tearing up track days or Targa Baja rallies. The drivetrain is now based on a 3.2L case with GT2 cams, a massive Garrett turbo, modern engine management via Haltech, and a four-speed 930 gearbox with custom gearing.
Despite the upgrades—brakes from a 993 Turbo, suspension dialed with huge torsion bars, fiberglass body panels, and Kinesis wheels—the car retains the soul of a classic 911. It’s twitchy, mechanical, and full of character. The cabin is stripped and functional: Recaro buckets, RS carpets, metal floorboards, and even an anti-lag switch.
