When it comes to ultra-lightweight, classic sports cars, KAMManufaktur is redefining the benchmark. Renowned for its meticulous redesign and re-engineering of the iconic 912, the KAMM 912c has captured the admiration of drivers, critics, and collectors throughout Europe with its feather-light construction and powerful four-cylinder engine. Now KAMManufaktur has officially launched in the United States with the first production 912c having just been delivered to Miami, and the recent appointment of a US dealer.
The ultra-lightweight KAMM 912c captures all the magic of the classic 1960s design, further enhanced by the extensive use of carbon fiber to deliver a class-leading weight of 750kg (specification dependent). Combined with its extensively re-engineered, air-cooled four-cylinder engine, based on the famous ‘616’ powerplant, the KAMM 912c guarantees a fully analog, pure driving experience.
Founder Miklós “Miki” Kázmér and his team have a deep love for Porsche’s 912, often overshadowed by its famous sibling, the 911. Through careful attention to detail and a respect for tradition, Kázmér has brought the 912 back into the spotlight. For Kázmér, bringing the 912c to the US is a full-circle moment, as it was inspired by a visit to California’s famous Petersen Museum many years ago.
“I’ve always had a passion for the 912 and the 911,” he says. “But seeing the original 911R at the museum sparked my journey towards the 912c. I wanted to capture the same, designed-for-purpose attitude and bring it to life in what is now the 912c, a car created for drivers who appreciate the precision and classic style.”
Highlights
- KAMManufaktur 912c delivers its first US commission to the customer in Miami
- Carbon fiber bodywork contributes to a best-in-class weight of 750kg
- Re-engineered four-cylinder, ‘616’ engine delivers impressive 185hp
- 912c represents the very best in craftsmanship, driving dynamics, and comfort
- KAMM 912c to be joined by the open-top Targa in 2025
- KAMM 912c Semi-Carbon €355,000. KAMM 912c Full-Carbon €395,000. KAMM 912c Targa €375,000
Originally released in the US at the New York Auto Show in 1965, the Porsche 912 was known for being a usable and nimble sports car. Today, KAMManufaktur is taking that original character and elevating it, giving owners the same thrills with added craftsmanship, performance and everyday usability.
However, the 912c is more than an updated classic. Crafted in Budapest by a team of passionate experts whose experience includes Singer, Koenigsegg, and Porsche Motorsport, each 912c is based upon a classic 912 donor car, updated with lightweight carbon fiber panels that are designed and manufactured in-house, but retaining its original chassis.
Made by Hand
Every 912c is fully bespoke, created with modern essentials that are discretely hidden for everyday comfort behind authentic design and world-class craftsmanship. Partnerships with iconic names such as Fusina and TracTive ensure that every detail stays true to the original and exceeds expectations.
Weight, regarded by drivers as the enemy of driving enjoyment, has been a major focus for Kázmér. As well as carbon fiber extensively throughout the build, the windows are lightweight, scratch-proof Lexan polycarbonate and every component has been redesigned to save weight. The body is reinforced with 40mm Cro-Moly tubing to create a strong tub-like structure and an optional FIA-approved roll cage for track use. This attention to weight reduction has created one of the lightest sports cars in its class – in original 912c specification, as light as 750kg.
Plenty of Juice
Under the hood, KAMM has transformed the original 1.6-liter engine into a 2.0-liter powerhouse, delivering 185hp and 205Nm of torque. While it retains elements of the original 616 motor, every component has been re-engineered for power, strength and daily driver reliability. KAMM designed and engineered the short-shift transmission, which connects to a Porsche hydraulic racing clutch before power is sent to a ZF limited-slip differential. AP Racing provides impressive stopping power, while TracTive coil-over suspension balances road comfort with track-ready handling.
The interior features equally impressive attention to detail. An authentic Fusina steering wheel complements Electronic Smiths instruments. Fusina, famous for its seats in the 1960s and ‘70s, has returned to manufacture a brand-new signature seat designed specifically for the 912c. Modern touches like air conditioning, wireless phone charging, and heated seats are subtly included, but don’t expect a touchscreen as KAMM is all about keeping things pure.
Finally, no KAMM 912c would be complete without its stunning, custom wheels, with some designs inspired by the iconic Porsche 917 and even a carbon hybrid option. ”The KAMM 912c is so much more than a restomod,” says Kázmér. “We have taken many years to explore and re-engineer almost every element of the 912 to make it a truly bespoke product, crafted by Kamm. And while the changes are extensive, I insist upon retaining the classic looks of the original 60s car, along with a driving experience that mimics that of a 1960 thoroughbred racer.”
Full or Semi Carbon
Two coupe KAMM 912c models are available – the Semi-Carbon which retains some original steel bodywork, and the Full-Carbon which has full carbon fiber bodywork. A 912c Targa is also available. Each car is unique, tailored to the owner’s preferences and carefully built over 12 months, with only limited build slots available each year.
KAMM 912c Semi-Carbon €355,000. KAMM 912c Full-Carbon €395,000. KAMM 912c Targa €375,000. KAMM has designated ZWECK as a North American sales representative and service partner. ZWECK specializes in Porsche car sales, performance and service, operating from a large facility based in Miami, Florida.
”While remaining true to the 912 philosophy,” says Alvaro Rodriguez of ZWECK, “KAMM faithfully augments the original concept without compromise, using the best of modern technology. The 912c is a unique offering in the niche of resto-modified cars and has been engineered and executed to an extraordinary standard, equal in quality to the likes of Singer and Gunther Werks.”
KAMM 912c Production Specifications
Body:
- Original bodywork fully restored by KAMM expert craftspeople
- Body reinforced with hidden 40mm Cro-Moly tubing to create a tub-like structure
- Lightweight windows manufactured from hardened, scratchproof Lexan polycarbonate
- Carbon fiber wing mirrors created by KAMM based on the famous Talbot 3000
- Performance-oriented aerodynamic underfloor covering and front splitter
- Option of full bolt-in roll cage to FIA specifications
Engine:
- 2.0 liter air-cooled 616 4-cylinder engine
- Produces 185hp at 6,500rpm and 205Nm at 5,200rpm with a 7,200rpm redline
- Torque of 170Nm available as low as 2,000rpm
- JPS air-cooled cylinder heads and pistons further modified by KAMM
- Individual throttle bodies created by KAMM
- Bespoke intake and exhaust primaries engineered by BDN for KAMM
- Reduced friction from revised cooling blades developed by Fuhrmann, Carrera, and KAMM
- Airbox created by BDN and KAMM with active valve connections
- Over 200 versions of the new engine tested in simulation by KAMM and BDN
Exhaust:
- Bespoke performance exhaust designed by KAMM and BDN and produced by REEF
- Exhaust engineered to allow full flow or operate in quiet mode
Gearbox:
- Original 901 5-speed dogleg gearbox upgraded by KAMM to provide a reassuringly precise shift feel.
- Three gearing patterns: short, long, and touring
- Linkage and short shifter developed by KAMM
- ZF limited slip differential
- Porsche hydraulic racing clutch
Electrics:
- Wire harness and connectors developed to motorsport specification
- Electronic control unit by SCS with two modes for daily driving or performance and track
- Power Distribution Module by range specialist AIM Technologies
- Smiths gauges produced to KAMM specification by Caerbont Automotive
- 175 amp alternator developed by WOS Performance
Interior:
- Choice of racing or touring carbon fiber seats developed by Fusina Racing and KAMM
- Range of FIA specification belts and harnesses available
- Fusina Racing steering wheel
- Comfort features include electric air-conditioning, lightweight carpeting and a sound system with Morel speakers.
- Comfort options include heated seats.
Suspension and brakes:
- TracTive semi-active front and rear coil-over suspension
- AP Racing braking system with ventilated discs and hydraulic handbrake
Wheel options:
- Classic design with steel-look aluminum wheels in R15/R16 J6 size
- Replica 917 style carbon 360 wheels in R15/6.5
- Iconic three-piece 917 style wheels in R15 J7
Additional Information
Go HERE for more information.
Above content © 2024 Kamm Manufaktur, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee
