Tuthill Porsche 912 with a Twist
Over a decade ago, Mat set out on an ambitious automotive adventure. Inspired by a friend who had purchased and toured the United States in a classic Volkswagen, Mat envisioned a similar journey—only this time behind the wheel of something a little different. After considering a range of marques and models, he settled on a Porsche, thanks in part to a friend based in California with a background in collecting and trading the iconic brand.
The vision was clear early on: a road-going Porsche that evoked the spirit of the early 911 race cars, particularly the 911 R and T/R from the late 1960s and early ’70s. Mat was drawn to their minimalist aesthetics and race-bred engineering. He aimed to recreate that feel—not just visually, but structurally—with a lightweight, seam-welded, and reinforced shell reminiscent of a factory race car.
To bring the project to life, Mat turned to Tuthill Porsche, renowned for their expertise in building lightweight, performance-focused Porsches. His initial visit to the workshop revealed a white car that perfectly captured the understated style he was after. It became a touchstone for the build, shaping both the look and engineering direction of the final product.
As the concept evolved, compromises were made in the name of road usability. More radical ideas gave way to practical choices. One example was the use of glass instead of the initially proposed plastic windows. While lighter alternatives were considered—especially for the large rear glass—Tuthill’s experience guided the decision toward green-tint glass. The result was a car that retained its aesthetic goals without sacrificing comfort or balance.
Despite weight-saving opportunities left on the table, the final car remains impressively light and rigid. The result is a machine that communicates beautifully through its suspension and tyres, making it as enjoyable on a spirited road drive as it is on the occasional track outing.
One choice that raised eyebrows was Mat’s decision to base the build on a Porsche 912 rather than the more commonly celebrated 911. While it lacks the visceral soundtrack of a flat-six engine, the 912 offers advantages in weight distribution and handling. At its launch, the 912 was often praised for being more balanced and almost as quick as its more powerful sibling. That legacy continues to resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate its driving purity.
Adding further intrigue is the engine: a Dean Polopolus "Polo" 930/4. This rare powerplant combines the architecture of the iconic flat-six with a four-cylinder layout. While most Polo engines end up in Porsche 356s, a few—like Mat’s—find their home in 912s, where their characteristics shine. The 930/4 provides power and torque on par with early 911s, while maintaining the lighter, better-balanced feel of the 912.
The engine itself is a technical marvel, blending a 930 bottom end with top-end components from the 964 and 993. Fitted with twin-plug ignition and modern electronic fuel injection, it benefits enormously from the inclusion of the DTAFast T Series ECU—a sophisticated engine control unit known for its versatility in managing high-performance builds. The T Series ECU enables fine-tuning of ignition timing, fuelling, and driveability parameters, allowing the engine to perform with modern responsiveness while preserving the classic driving feel. Its real-time logging and robust tuning capabilities helped extract the full potential of the 2.4-litre engine, which produces slightly more power per cylinder than the standard M64/01 unit from the 964.
Ultimately, Mat’s Porsche isn’t just a tribute to a golden era of motorsport—it’s a personal expression of taste, engineering appreciation, and a love for the road. The journey from idea to finished car took time, patience, and expert collaboration, but the result is a unique Tuthill-built 912 that delivers both on the road and in the heart—helped in no small part by modern electronics like the DTAFast T Series ECU, which quietly ensures the classic keeps up with the times.