Paul Stephens Le Mans Classic Clubsport is a Minimalist Modified Porsche 911

From Road & Track

More than 10 years ago, somebody parked the PS 300R prototype in front of the house I was renting in London. Despite that modified air-cooled 911 languishing with a flat rear tire and unfortunate seatbelt situation, I instantly knew that Paul Stephens' Porsches were something different.

A decade on, PS AutoArt's recipe may have stayed the same, but the market has certainly changed. For starters, for a cool half-million dollars plus change, you can buy a 964-based Singer-modified Porsche, or even a 993-based Guntherwerks 400R. And if that feels a bit steep, startups in Europe Theon Design chase a similar audience at half the price.

Now, to celebrate the Le Mans Classic-a bi-annual running of vintage race cars at the Circuit de la Sarthe-Paul Stephens is throwing a $350,000 special-edition modified Porsche right in the middle of that scene. Here's everything you get, and everything you don't get, for your money:

You get a 300 horsepower 3.4 flat-six connected to a G50 manual gearbox, which allows this restomod to reach 62mph in 4.4 seconds, as well as a top speed 170mph. You also get a de-seamed roof panel (no more gawky rain gutters), an aluminum bonnet, composite bumpers and engine cover, a ducktail and aerodynamically optimized mirrors. All this totals to a weight figure of 2138 lbs as long as you choose the Lightweight spec (instead of Touring), which makes the Le Mans Classic Clubsport slightly lighter and noticeably more powerful than the highly collectible Carrera 2.7 RS Sport of the '70s. Oh, and contrasting stripes and details, as well as plaid bucket seats. Let's not forget about those.

However, you don't get rear seats, exterior color choices (the only paint available is Carrera white), a badge (the sticker is lighter), or a sunroof (duh!). And please don't hold your breath for an entertainment system. Your entertainment comes in the form of a fresh, air-cooled flat-six.

Deal? Well, it's a deal in my book.

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