If these sleek lines look familiar, that’s no accident. This is Dutch start-up Aerfal Automotive’s take on Porsche’s 1960s 904, created to go racing – with just 100 produced for lucky road users. The original used Formula One technology and just a few were fitted with an F1-derived flat eight engine. Tantalisingly, Aerfal say it’s a flat eight that will power this lightweight restomod. We’re already imagining the acceleration.
Ready for a road test? So far the Æ94 is not a running proposition, but you’ve got to agree these highly detailed digital renderings offer compelling views of what may well be a true great to add to your Sunday driver and track-day collection. The 1960s design was by Ferdinand Porsche himself, with clear echoes of the first 911 of the same period. Aerfal Automotive have one central question: “What if Porsche’s visionaries of the 1960s had access to the tools of today?” They’ve stayed true to that throughout this recreation.
Basis for the chassis is a rather more contemporary Porsche 914, the boxy so-called VW Porsche that achieved strong sales in the 1970s despite its controversial looks. Nothing controversial about the Æ94. Mid-mounted engine is naturally non-negotiable, so you’ll be able to hear the roaring thump of the flat eight behind you. Aerfal are aiming at a four-litre unit producing round 400 bhp, "creating an engine,” say the company, "that breathes character, a soundtrack and sensation that connects the driver directly to Porsche’s primal racing heritage”. It’ll be air cooled too, as every classic Porsche should be.
Aerfal Æ 94: A look inside
Distinctive long-faired headlamps on the low nose reference those on the original car, as does the flipped up tail, creating a stylish spoiler. The Æ94 is wider and lower than the slender original, but every reference point is respected. Renderings of the interior point to a utilitarian luxury, with what look like carbon-fibre racing seats faced in leather, with full competition harnesses. Three dial dash is another nod to classic Porsche style. Analogue set up is emphasised by prominent manual gear shift and do-it-yourself roll down windows. Sound system? That’ll be the engine behind you.
Back in 1964 you could have bought a street legal Porsche 904 for around £5,000, given you were able to secure a place on the waiting list. Safe to say prices of surviving examples, particularly those with a distinguished race history, reach rather more than £5,000 - plus inflation - at auction. A 904 GTS was sold by auctioneers Bonhams in 2022 for £614,200, for example, which indicates how sought after these sublime, rare vehicles are. No pricing has yet been released for Aerfal’s tribute, but these restomods have a habit of being aimed at the higher end of the market where Ferrari money is just small change. Budget £500,000? Given those auction prices, that’s, if not a bargain, at least fairly reasonable. See you at the next Porsche gathering? We’ll be in our Porsche-powered VW Beetle.
Next up: The 10 most expensive Porsche cars of all time.
