This month, the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed will witness the transformation of a classic Porsche 911 by former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson. This unique masterpiece, however, stands out from other 911s as it is powered by one of Johansson’s previous F1 racing engines.
The car, known as SJ87, is the eighth in a series of 11 Porsche 930 TAG Turbo models crafted by Lanzante, a British motorsports and engineering firm. Recognized for their creation of road-legal renditions of the McLaren P1 GTR and other track vehicles, Lanzante announced this special Porsche project back in 2018. The project brings together a 930-generation 911 frame and genuine TAG Turbo F1 engines. The latter, turbocharged 1.5-liter V-6 engines, were devised by Porsche and utilized by McLaren in the 1980s.
Notably, SJ87 houses the same engine that powered Johansson’s McLaren MP4/3 during the 1987 Austrian Grand Prix. Despite the race not being successful for Johansson and McLaren — owing to a collision with a deer and a pit stop mishap — the engine was in its peak condition. 1988 marked the end of McLaren’s four-year stint with the TAG Turbo engine, transitioning to Honda power thereafter.
Adding an artistic touch, Johansson hand-painted the vehicle’s exterior. According to Lanzante, the paint scheme blends green, inspired by Johansson’s helmet design and childhood nickname “Little Leaf,” with the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag, and the red and white representing the Marlboro colors of Johansson’s McLaren MP4/3 F1 car.
The Lanzante 930 Porsche 911, powered by a Tag Turbo Formula 1 engine, delivers a more practical 503 hp compared to the 750 hp race car. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission from a 993-generation 911. Lanzante places the car’s curb weight at 2,248 lbs, exclusive of driver and fuel.
Attendees at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, kicking off in the U.K. on July 13, will get a glimpse of the completed car. It will be among a lineup of classic 911 builds, including Singer’s Dynamics and Lightweighting Study — Turbo, a 964 model reflecting the Porsche 934/5 race car from the 1970s.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stefan Johansson 930 TAG Turbo Transformation
Who is Stefan Johansson?
Stefan Johansson is a former Formula 1 driver who has transformed a Porsche 911 into a unique masterpiece, combining his passion for motorsports and art.
What is special about the Porsche 911 created by Stefan Johansson?
The car, known as SJ87, is not just any Porsche 911. It is powered by one of Johansson’s former F1 racing engines and is hand-painted by Johansson himself.
Who is Lanzante and what is their role in this project?
Lanzante is a British motorsports and engineering company recognized for crafting road-legal versions of track vehicles. They crafted the Porsche 930 TAG Turbo, which Johansson transformed.
What is the significance of the SJ87’s engine?
SJ87 is powered by the same engine that was in Johansson’s McLaren MP4/3 during the 1987 Austrian Grand Prix, marking a union of his racing history with his artistic pursuit.
Where and when will the car be unveiled?
The completed car will be unveiled at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., which begins on July 13.
What inspired the colors of the hand-painted car livery?
The paint scheme blends green, inspired by Johansson’s helmet design and childhood nickname “Little Leaf,” with the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag, and the red and white representing the Marlboro colors of Johansson’s McLaren MP4/3 F1 car.
More about Stefan Johansson 930 TAG Turbo Transformation
- Goodwood Festival of Speed
- Lanzante
- History of the McLaren MP4/3
- About Stefan Johansson
- History of Porsche TAG Turbo engines
6 comments
Always loved the classic 911, but this? This is on a whole new level! can’t wait to see it at the festival.
This is what I call a perfect blend of art n performance! Stefan is seriously talented.
Remember that 87′ Austrian Grand Prix, was a total mess for McLaren, but cool to see the engine still running… vroom vroom.
Whoa, an ex-F1 driver turning into an artist?! thats mad cool! Stefan’s got my respect.
dang only 503 hp for that beast, expected more but i guess it’s still a road car. Not like it’s gonna be racing around.
gosh i cant wait to see this baby at Goodwood, that hand painted design sounds sick, loving the personal touch Johansson put into it.