Russell Built Porsche 911 Baja
I photographed this absolutely bonkers Porsche 911 Baja resto-mod when I visited the 2023 Artmobilia Porsche event in Carmel Arts District on the North side of Indianapolis.
The event hosted over 100 modern and classic Porsches featuring dozens of makes and project cars. This unbelievably road legal off-roader attracted more attention and double takes than any other car at the sprawling event that day.
Maniacal masterpiece.
Historically, the Porsche 911 is no stranger to dirt roads. Porsche competed in individual WRC rally events throughout the 70s and 80s. Enter, Russell Build Fabrication. Russel says their goal of their 911 project was to pay homage those glory years of rallying 911s, but envisioned as a would-be 90s comeback. Nostalgia with a serving of nostalgia, I like it.
In person, the car’s stance is impressive. Standing tall with huge wheel gaps, it looks a little comical from the rear but the front end works so well visually. Both upper and lower control arms can be seen under the front bumper, the hood above adorned by a set of 7 LED cluster trail lights… very rally indeed!
Russell bases their monstrosity on a donor 964 body 911, and takes it to eleven. This Baja focused car is 911 in some ways, but the level of engineering it took to transform a 964 into the final vehicle should not be underestimated. Wheel travel has been extended to over 13 inches and the suspension has been designed for a wider more planted stance. Under the classic ducktail rear hood is an upgraded factory engine, with far lighter components to give the quick revving characteristics needed for fast throttle application and fluctuations/response needed off road.
The body is entirely Russell’s, while still appearing at first glance like it could have come from Porsche. Composite panels keep things light, and for easy replacement if… no WHEN you damage them off road.
Thank you to Artmobilia for hosting the event, and check out more info on Russell Build Fabrication and their Baja creations here.
