Drew Hafner's 1968 Porsche 912 Special | 356 Inspired

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Drew Hafner was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where he learned the art of metal shaping and car restoration at a young age, working alongside his father in the garage. After years of working in body shops and attending metal shaping classes on the weekends, Drew finally landed his dream job at Emory Motorsports in California, a company that builds and restores custom vintage Porsches.
At Emory Motorsports, Drew works as a metal fabricator, specializing in rust repair, welding, and fabrication using traditional tools such as power hammers, planishing hammers, and English Wheels. For the past two years after work, he built a "Prototype" 1968 Porsche 912 Special.
Drew found the car at a shop in North Hollywood, covered in trash, animal droppings, and rust. He knew immediately that this was the car he had been waiting for and set to work stripping it down to the bare metal. From there, Drew began to rebuild the car from the ground up, using his skills in metal shaping to create a heavily modified 912 incorporating elements of the iconic 356 into the design.
But restoring a car is no easy feat, and Drew often found himself working through the night in the shop, sleeping on the cement floor for brief periods of time before waking up and continuing to work. His dedication to the project was unwavering, driven by his passion for vintage Porsches and the desire to create something truly special.
Finally, after countless hours of hard work and attention to detail, Drew's 1968 Porsche 912 Special was complete. The finished product is a beautiful, fully-functioning classic car that truly showcases Drew's skills and dedication to his craft. From rust to revival, this was a passion project that Drew will never forget.
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Emory Motorsports
1:37 - Origin Story
3:45 - Finding The Car
5:02 - Exterior Design
7:52 - Interior Design
9:17 - Engine
10:03 - Exhaust
10:20 - Behind The Wheel
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#fourspeedfilms #porsche #classiccars #filmmaking #cinematography
short film
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911 Porsche
Rod Emory
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[@tommychuckles7199]

That’s not a car.That’s art.Hats off young man.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@jeffsloane8628]

25 year old passes out from exhaustion while pulling an all nighter at work on his passion project. There is hope for our future yet! Beautiful and original build Drew. Hat tip to you sir.

[@kodadoge1559]

I’m a second generation car guy whose father had a car in Darryl Starbird’s Oklahoma museum. At Christmas we were talking about the younger generations bringing forward the Kustom culture, Hot Rods by Boyd, Lil John Buttera, Gene Winfield, Bill Cushenberry, the Alexander Brothers, Ron Fornier’s. . .The list goes on. This guy Drew Hafner gives us hope for the future of the craft. Props to Emory’s for the leap of faith to bring him in. I just built a dream facility on my property so I can continue building and restoring cars during retirement in a couple of years. I hope to hire a couple of local apprentices to teach the craft like gas welding aluminum and building station bucks, while leveraging 3d CAD, scanning and printing. Fun times! I’m so amped up right now that I’m going down to the shop.

[@JWsGarage]

Young man sure does an excellent job of filming a car story and catching the emotion and love for an automobile. Also the 912 is stunning.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@phuhoang4678]

Damn such talent at such a young age . The vision and the passion in him is great . I am in my 40s and I can't even fold a paper airplane and this guy here is creating awesomeness lol

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaeljohnson2922]

He put the work in

[@drewhafner]

Great work @FourSpeedFilms Thank you for the opportunity to share my build/story!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for making it happen👊

[@elitheelectronicsguy]

@drewhafner amazing work!

[@beandipss]

Man I can not articulate in words how much I appreciate every detail you've shown us about this car. I the vision to create an art piece like this paired with the execution make it one of the most unique and beautiful Porsches I've ever seen.

[@gregmills8869]

The Good Doctor would be proud of what you have done. Truely a piece of art.

[@SF_Native]

So impressed with this young man. At 25 I was completely lost and not sure what my future was. Really awesome to see a kid with passion and knowing what he wants to do with his life at such a young age!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@DericO-rz3be]

+100 ...I was lost as well... What I have observed over the decades is the incredible value of strong and supportive mentors for boys growing up. We see this in Drew Lafner's story that he apprenticed as a young boy at his father's shop, or in sporting legends... Without a environment to foster a passion and talent... men will drift and twist in confusion.. without a direction to focus... I digress... Cheers....

[@Matraka2000]

The sound and beauty is superb. You are an artist. Period.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrPhotodoc]

Good for him. That's what you do when you are young and live in California. Sounds like a dream come true.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@noverguy]

Absolutely fabulous story, guy, car, work ethic, cinematography, film making and editing. You do fantastic work. Thanks for all you do! USA-1

[@aaronkahan6188]

So we’ll done Ben! What a great story to document and tell through killer camera work and editing (etc., etc.) You can see all your hard work and hours spent to cover Drew’s passion and hours and years of hard work. Such a killer build Drew… such an impressive thought process on this build. Congrats!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@BrianMiller]

Great video. If this is his first ground-up Porsche build I can only imagine how stunning his cars will be after the next 10-20 builds. All the experimentation and refinement Drew Hafner will put into these cars could create an entirely fresh take on the outlaw Porsche experience. Having Rod Emory as a mentor doesn't hurt either 😅

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Yes!

[@jbbevan]

What a journey. OMG. I bought a new 912 from a factory store in Stuttgart in 1966. I imported it to the US through LA and it came into the country 3 months before the 912 was introduced into the US market. Unfortunately, I didn't have it very long because it was costing me too much to keep it tuned...but when it ran, man, did it run. The most exhilarating car of the 35 or more I have owned. I always wanted to buy an old one and restore it...or find a 912E...but they got older and scarcer while I was getting old enough to do it. So I think that dream is all but gone. But I certainly congratulate you on your achievement. Personally, I would have kept the original 912 back end...but that's just me...and mine was a five speed trans.

[@ryanwestlake6268]

The car is pure art. This film is pure art. Hats off to both.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@Fubeman]

Wow. Every detail that Drew has etched into this 912 feels just so . . . . right. There is absolutely nothing I would change on it. Nothing. Even the color is spot on for me. I can no longer look at an early stock 911 or 912 now without imagining Drew's touches on it. As a designer myself, I am in complete awe on his grasp and knowledge of design and workmanship.

[@shawnmann9491]

I am speechless. This IS art. The silver color evokes mechanism and speed even while standing still. You’ve got a lot to be proud of young man!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@matthewchandler2647]

Insane talent! Metal fabrication is the single hardest thing to get done in a custom project. If any young guy asked me for a suggested career path, this would be it!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Crazy talent!

[@ferrucciolamborghini7182]

Wow. Absolutely Incredible and Amazing Job. The car is pure and magical. He should consider doing a limited production run of these things. Seriously. Absolutely magical.

[@quig89GMC]

Great story of bringing the car back to life. Exciting to hear of a Columbus Ohio native doing well, yes, I too am from Columbus. The car looks amazing a job well done.

[@clubsobri]

What a beauty. And the silver color. Like the one El Santo owned back in the day :). Really nice!

[@obieandlaurie]

A great story and even better car. I could watch the film over and over. Coolest 912 ever. Enjoy,

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@dailydriven991]

Fantastic stuff. This channel is super underrated. Also, we’ll be hearing about this kid when he opens his own custom shop. That fab work and attention to detail is top notch and very rare. Well done.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@overbuiltlimited]

This is what I like to call a resume car.

[@obieoberstar]

beautiful 912. thank you for sharing your story. your craftsmanship is impressive.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

That is the best 911/912 ever IMO. A huge achievement.

[@ultrapaiva]

I remember that job ad in 2018. They couldn’t have given the opportunity to anybody else! Well done. Beautiful car.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Awesome!

[@davevan8864]

So great to see younger people so skilled and caring about automobiles. My 66 Mustang 2+2 (finished in 2019) took a similar path. Basic car, all manual and no radio.....just engine sounds! Ben your production is always so great too. Wish I could have you do a vid of my car.....wanna come to WV?!?!?!?!?! Thanks

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Cool!

[@jeremybarker672]

Utterly sensational, and the next Magnus Walker is born. The history in the detail on this cars is exceptional, what a talent.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@SpencerF6]

No disrespect to Magnus as he's great at what he does for Porsche, but this craftmanship is another level all together.

[@jeremybarker672]

@@SpencerF6 I agree, this young man has an incredibly bright future.

[@drstrangelove4998]

Inspirational! Watched the film two or three times!

[@1unsung971]

Beautiful, "elegant" certainly, brilliant and inspiring. Wow, what craftsmanship, what style. Stunning work.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lbrastaman]

I’m blown away by the next generation of creative young minds. First with Ben’s video. By far your best work and I’m super proud to have watched your evolution of making KZbin videos and now creating this perfect video. I can’t speak enough about the quality, content, style, imaging, just wow. Also, I amazed by Drew’s skill level and build of this 912. Talk about a skill level to make a successful career out of now with your relocation to Southern California. Incredible work by these two young souls! Can’t wait to see what’s next for these two young guys.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the support

[@MegaHekate]

Just wow! What a machine and what an owner! Kudos!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@red_fox_flareside]

That Porsche is incredible. Keep building and doing what you do! Beautiful car. And to Ben… amazing camera work and story!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@JURacing]

this is pure artwork. Hats off to Mr. Hafner for one of the best cars I have seen

[@shortylarson8997]

dude is on another level at such a young age. keep up the good work. Good job Dad and Mom!

[@darrenmurphy913]

Wow, the future is bright for this dude. What a car

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@MarkSmith-kz1mn]

I’ve seen a lot of Porsches, this one nails the essence more than all the rest.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@leangrypoulet7523]

Wow. What a car. And what talent and dedication from such a young man. He talks about his training and experience as if he started in the 70s not as someone of the iPhone generation. Good for him, but he’s a rare breed. His hand built skills will only become ever harder to find. All of these skills lost to robots and CAD. There’s not a new mass produced car out there where such hands-on passion and individuality is so evident. Retro mods or renovations and a handful of small indies are all that’s left of an industry that used to be full of skill, style, passion, dedication, and an innate sense and connection with what the artisans were building. Keep up the good work young man. 👍

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@dancinglizard3080]

I'm ready to lose a kidney, an arm and a leg to live this man's life. I'll literally be driving this and working his job with a bionic arm and leg and i'd still be the happiest man to ever walk this earth.

[@cben86]

You can do it. Just get started with the tools you have and you’ll get there

[@dancinglizard3080]

@@cben86 I'm taking the long way round since my current situation does not let me afford going in the short direction. However, i am grinding and committing really hard to this and i appreciate your words of motivation 🫡

[@stephenwebb9167]

WOW. The Porsche is the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion. About 36 years ago I missed an opportunity to acquire a early right hand steering, single grill 356 that was in a garage in Huntington beach. the owner was waiting to receive the paper work from Europe before he could sell it. I checked back a few times over the next 6 months but gave up and will always regret not being more patient and getting that car. I wonder what ever happened to it.

[@canyoncarver]

Outstanding car and film making/story telling. Thank you for sharing the stoke!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@stephenconway4976]

A thing of absolute beauty. Good design is pairing back to the absolute essentials. This is good design.❤

[@sullyjag]

Nothing short of a beautiful piece of art!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@Timescratch1]

This car is like a symphony. Well done, sir!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Yes!

[@philipstrydomstrydom1821]

This also gives hope that the art of building cars by hand will not get lost

[@beatweinmann2589]

Most beautiful Porsche I have ever seen!

[@chadbailey7038]

What a specimen. Gorgeous

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Yes!

[@travezripley]

Bravo, Gorgeous work Hafner! Your hard work and craftsmanship put into this vehicle Shine so brightly! Pure Class!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@joeblow1942]

What an amazing young man! When I was 25 my head was so far up my arse!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@dancinglizard3080]

I want a wallpaper of this car sitting at a corner in that shop so I can put it on my desktop and stare at it for hours

[@SimonatMac]

This is outstanding 😊. I’ve owned my 944 for 25 years and love it.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@jimohara4796]

Drew, it's clear you spent many hours bringing your vision into reality. Congratulations - it's a work of Porsche art. I imagine even Dr. Porsche would smile with approval.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@ssoundwaves]

I didn't blink for 11 minutes and 41 seconds because I didn't want to miss anything. Top tier talent and taste. Bravo!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@KevinFlory993]

That is the sweetest 912 I have ever seen. What a beautiful build.

[@Kokoroko9]

wow what a great 2023 start finding this brilliant film . thank you

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@objectpdfmov]

This guy is kind of freak! Beautiful car. If everyone had this kind of attention to detail we’d be living in 2060.

[@DericO-rz3be]

*BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTION AND STORY* Young men like Drew Hafner and Ben Kahan are the beacons we need for the future of American male talent, grit and character! Bravo.

[@dion9146]

As a previous owner of a really nice original 912, I completely approve! This is exactly what the 912 should have been to begin with.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@robinkoenig]

You give me faith in the younger generation. You have immense talent and a great work ethic which is so rare today.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@onzatroy999]

A young man devoted to his craft. Truly inspiring and motivational

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@carsandwhisky2002]

Amazing story and spectacular car. I have 67 and 69 - 912 project cars that I’m starting work on soon. I do all my own work and this video definitely is motivation to go the extra mile. What I love about the video is he talks about the tremendous amount time and effort it takes to build a car like this. Car shows gloss over this part but I can tell you my dad has put in over 2000 hours restoring his 67 912 - it’s all consuming if you do the work entirely yourself but so much more rewarding than simply writing a check to buy someone else’s restored car….

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks and cool

[@mattias6186]

Amazing, beautiful car and craftsmanship with an eye for design👌

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikkomaijala366]

This is magic. Two artists meet. A great documentary is born. I'll wait for the continuation. The future shines brightly for Drew and Ben. Thak You for bringing this joy to my old eyes!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Check out my merch here and use the code "FOURSPEED" (Buy two get one free) www.amfilmfest.com/marketplace?Collection=Four+Speed

[@ZER0_G]

So many unique elements brought together so harmoniously. What magnificent workmanship!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@genemullaney6751]

You have spectacular skills and have created a beautiful one of a kind piece of art. I remember cruising with my brother in his 912 back in 1974. Thanks for the vid.

[@odunhops7727]

hey man - the look of old Porshes is incredible - the sound is unique!

[@bluesky9093]

Absolutely wonderful video, I’m so happy that I stumbled on it. The quality is by far one of the best I’ve seen on KZbin, well done. As for Drew Hefner and his car, wow I’m truly impressed by this young man, a true craftsman who has years in front of him and I hope to hear more about him. I’m also glad he worked with a 912, a car that is just now becoming recognized by collectors. I just recently purchased an all original mint condition 912 that was owned by one family, he was a former concours judge and multiple award winning owner of early 911’s, 356 and other cars. This car has a special history which I hope to one day document in some way to honor the original owners, I can only hope to create a video of this quality. Thanks again for bringing this to us.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Awesome and thank you!

[@plancoofficial5080]

this build is unbelievable. The time you know how much work this really means, you are even more impressed. Awesome job!

[@akulahtinen6076]

It's really great to watch when old cars are given a new life. Craftsmanship is not cheap/easy. And not everyone is capable of that. I appreciate people who achieve something concrete with their hands. Thanx you guys.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching

[@D4VE26]

Amazing car, build, guy, story, film! ❤

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@Tony_SZ97]

Wow, such a talented young man! a true Master of his craft...Ferdinand Porsche would be proud of you! Beautiful, simple yet sophisticate, aggressively elegant, a piece of art in motion!

[@SpencerF6]

What a smoothly shot and documented film! Love the car too, shows you what dedication can result in.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@BuccaneerOverland]

What a fantastic job young man! Nice to know that the next generation of craftsmen are digging old Porsche’s.

[@davesclassicgaragetours]

What a spectacular build and great film. Loved them both

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@jarekandrzej]

Very impressive, serious inspiration for young duds who wants to achieve something in life. Good luck in your future project.😊

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@robinoconnor1203]

One of the best Porsche custom builds I have seen. Like you say, its the bridge between 356 and the 911. Maybe it should have a 901 badge on it!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@_autoverse]

This popped up in my suggested feed, firstly praise for video itself. There’s good pace to the shots used in conjunction with the owner talking about their car. The workshop footage helped to convey craftsmanship that’s gone into the car. Secondly the car itself is wonderful, the details really do draw you in. It’s the sort of car you’d have to spend time with to fully appreciate. You can tell that Drew Hafner has been building that car in his head for years before starting the project, certainly captures that early Outlaw Porsche vibe.

[@davidcoppock3017]

Outstanding...great to see younger generation passionate about old world technical skills and using them to make such a powerful statement. Hope your Porsche passion ignites the fire in others your age.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephennadworny8401]

Drew's Porsche is beautiful. Well done. Ben, great content. Keep it up.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks

[@Victor-Fusion]

Work of art this car is!

[@oceanbeliever681]

There is hope for the future. Young man is an old soul and I hope his parents are proud of him because I sure am.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@renenemj1]

A great story meets a great filmmaker. Congratulations to both the builder and the man behind the camera.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

I appreciate the support

[@americanpatriot2310]

This might be your finest work yet imo

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I'm not a Porsche fan by any means but can appreciate the personal touches and the blingless approach. Great job.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@garyseaton4619]

I saw this on a Magnus show. You are very special. Your skills and passion for the art of metal working are far beyond anything I've seen in years. You are destined to be a star in the automobile world. I'm so glad I've gotten to see what your passion creates. I'm anxiously awaiting your future creations...

[@Andrew-vx2ls]

It is really encouraging to see such a clean, low fuss customising job. Mr Hafner obviously has a great skill set and an eye for dropping the superfluous. Emory can certainly be proud of such a protégé. Excellent film.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@TheStevemcqueen68]

Its been done so well , without over doing it .well done Ben. enjoy

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks!

[@tobysettle8595]

Just stunning work and concept by Drew! And, another excellent film from Ben. Thank you both so much for what you do!

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thank you!

[@jimmymanan5997]

Drew you are such a well rounded person, everything is perfect! Did you also do the cinematography? Your Porsche is a dream car! 👍

[@therainforest4314]

I tip my hat in respect to you, your craftwork, skills, and determination, Drew Hefner. :)

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@timeout1569]

Very nice build by an obviously talented young man. He will go very far in the hobby. Great job! Thanks for posting Ben. 👍🏻

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Yes!

[@love.pugsss449]

Outstanding craftsmanship. I really enjoyed this video.

[@Compassarium]

What an exquisite film. Very tranquil. Really enjoyed it.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Many thanks!

[@FormulaWill]

Beautiful. Love it. Rob has some good men in his shop.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexharris2313]

Incredible, such attention to detail. I love his whole approach to his car. Amazing

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Glad you like it!

[@dahobi]

What a project! Love it. That car is a dream.

[@mike37mini]

Amazing work of art.

[@brianmillerthomas]

A genuinely pretty Porsche. Well done.

[@marino8034]

This has to be one of the nicest Porsche's I've ever seen. Beautiful.

[@FourSpeedFilms]

Thanks for watching!