"Why I built the world's lightest Porsche 911"

'Why I built the world's lightest Porsche 911'. Richard King's 1968 911 is the lightest 911 ever. The stat you are wanting to know is 627kg.
And yes, it’s road legal.
This project car started as a 1968 911 that was bought as a badly modified (stripped) US import with no drivetrain.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Originally the plan was to turn this cheap butchered bodyshell has turned into a 911 R replica. 911 Rs were the race special made in-house in 1967, and tipped the scales at a smidge over 800kg. Light. Bonkers basic. Richard started to plan his own version of this, but then got a bit carried away with the drill bits. Every hole was indeed his goal, because every component was analysed for its strength and purpose, then weighed, then onto a diet of grinding, drilling or sometimes replaced with a lighter custom part. Some for aesthetics, some for dietary reasons.
If it doesn't need to be there, it isn't there. Just enough to fully function not fold like origami, but also pass an MoT. It looks akin to a skeletal mechanical wristwatch, doesn't it?
To read more about the story of this car and why Jonny wanted to feature it, then head over and join our Patreon gang: / thelatebrakeshow
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SUBSCRIBE for a broad-church of automotive appreciation spanning EV, classic, modified and future tech.
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Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughn Pritchard www.philvfilms.com
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:00 Who is Richard King?
3:40 Workshop tour
4:13 356 Carrera
5:13 Porsche 914
6:27 Backstory to 911 R replica
7:31 Donor shell
8:27 A bet for sub 700kg was made
8:49 Another diet for sub 600kg
9:44 Inspired by Lotus
10:46 DRIVING
13:00 Front end details
15:24 Holes under the bonnet
18:12 DRIVING
19:23 Interior details
22:22 DRIVING
24:02 Custom wheels
25:00 Rear end details
25:44 Engine details
26:14 Engine tech spec
28:01 Bodyshell and paint details
28:52 Verdict and thanks
#lightestporsche911 #911r #porsche911outlaw #project911 #worldslightestcar #thelatebrakeshow #aircooled911 #4k

[@mattbuckley392]

This episode was hypnotically good. Totally absorbing stuff .... the best way to chill after a looong day. Cracking stuff.

[@zensmylie5393]

“So no sound proofing?” “Sorry?” “No sound proofing?” “No” I could not stop laughing at the perfection of that exchange!

[@NitrousVolvo]

LOL was just about to comment exactly this

[@kristian5821]

damn i was about to comment that haha

[@davevernon4993]

Almost like being slapped with a stick

[@michaelj8582]

i was looking for this comment. This is the kind of dry humor i would make only to hear crickets chirping! shoulda been born in the UK!

[@middleclassthrash]

Sometimes, the comments are better than the video...

[@Surestick88]

There was a period in the 70's and 80's when drilling parts to lighten them was popular in cycling. The resultant parts became known to be made of "drillium". They also became known for failing, sometimes catastrophically.

[@oneeleven9832]

Did you spot the bikes and jersey’s as they walked through the shop 👍i bet he was drilling those back in the day.

[@MrOvershoot]

Yes I was thinking that with all the bikes suspended from the ceiling & then thought if he knows fellow Londoner Alf Engers who set the trend for drilling most bike components. I was guilty myself of doing just that in the late 70's 😳

[@buttguy]

My thoughts exactly. Wasn't surprised to see the bicycles in his front room.

[@MB-rn6gh]

very popular with bmx riders, early 2010's aswell.. we drilled holes in everything

[@scottlehuray7062]

Lotus

[@ryanhoffmann9341]

Using Porsche's current mindset of charging more to remove things this car would cost about $20 million!

[@Mart77]

Absolutely mindblowing work there! Also this guy must be gold-member of local hardware store in drill bits section

[@nitroustommy3668]

😂 Real fabricators know how to sharpen drill bits.

[@Mart77]

@@nitroustommy3668 yah but sometimes they break and you still need a new one

[@davidtheking341]

He said he only destroyed 4 bits but sharpened over 150x

[@nitroustommy3668]

What I would like to know is if he hollowed-out or used titanium fasteners? Better yet hollowed-out titanium fasteners. If he sees this comment his other project my never get finished 😂

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

Hahaha

[@ElBison126]

Although almost empty, the interior is Mesmerising. What an insanely cool car, excellent craftsmanship!

[@sierraecho884]

It is cool until you hot something with it and well....die instantly

[@LS-uv9gg]

Absolutely enthralled with this episode! Totally a man after my own heart. I remember happily drilling out every part within reach of a drill bit on my motorcycle, prepping for race weekend back in the mid 80's. To this day, I have on my keychain, drilled out house and car keys, lol. That was one of the very first things that caught my eye. Loved this, thank you!

[@jameskingston]

This thing is amazing! What a guy

[@Sinnistral]

287hp/tonne - lovely. A real passion project. Awesome vid as always Johnny.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It certainly felt responsive.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@DankensteinsNooner If thought about adding a turbo he'd probably have a heart attack once he weighed it.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

@@DankensteinsNooner 👍

[@swecreations]

That is a higher power/weight then a Tesla Model S Performance

[@j.3854]

In other words, a SRT Hellcat. The right way.

[@phenomanII]

Didn't expect this to capture my attention as much as it did. I love the fact that drilling things to lighten them is so universal - from bicycles and Porsches to computer mice and airsoft blowback pistols. Also, after making a DIY drill bit holder (1-10mm in 0.2-0.5mm steps, 4-8 holes per size) I can't even imagine starting a project like this.

[@ChrisBWelch]

Absolutely fascinating! I loved this episode so much, the attention to detail with the aim of lightness is enthralling! Ritchie is a genius and this was fantastic to watch. Great job Jonny and team 🙂

[@buttguy]

I followed this build on Instagram and then completely forgot about it. So happy to see it again. Amazing car.

[@beetooex]

That was the cheekiest 'welcome to the late break show' I think you've ever done

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I was channelling my inner daytime TV presenter...

[@paulgaish4918]

Wow. Just wow. What a passion! Can’t decide if it’s crazy/brilliant or just a piece of art. Great video as always.

[@BigKrisMorris]

I think it’s all of them lol

[@stuartd9741]

Agree.. It's All of them....

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

OMG! this was incredible , i loved this episode , nice to get more left-field car stories , keep em coming quality viewing !

[@joshbrailsford]

I have to say, as someone who doesn't consider themselves much of a Volkswagen or Porsche fan, nor is into modifying cars much, I never fail to be astounded by the creativity and attention to detail that people in the VW/Porsche scene put into modifying their cars. Like you say Jonny, they can be as much art as a car. Thanks for sharing this one with us.

[@robin_marriott]

What an absolute legend. I’m not an air cooled guy at all so the fact I’ve heard of him says something. Cracking video Jonny.

[@vintageexcellence]

Wow missing out on life 😆

[@robin_marriott]

@@vintageexcellence I grew up 3 miles from Santa Pod so most of my childhood, my only interaction with aircooled VWs was the broken down ones littering the village on a Bug Jam weekend 😂.

[@joeblow1942]

@@robin_marriott Oh man, NOTHING beats the beautiful whine of an early revved up air cooled 911.

[@garyhalkon8749]

If meccano made cars in life size this would be genesis! Always loved the early Porsches, something about them just turns heads, this one ticks all the boxes! Loved this episode, so many interesting parts throughout. As you mention, Ritchie treats them as pieces of art and I totally agree. Some cars don't have to be moving to enjoy them. Thank you for all these episodes Jonny and team!

[@euphoric5172]

I cant believe this weighs HALF of what a current model boxter does, thats insane, and what a work of art inside too, absolutely incredible i love it

[@fruhlingsbilder]

Comfort, safety, fuel economy, emissions and reliability come with a price

[@startedtech]

@@fruhlingsbilder Especially the safety part lol

[@williamforbes7156]

I've heard of this car but to be this close and sit to listen to all of the detail is just awesome thanks so much for sharing with us!

[@jessta21]

I used to go to that pub in the 90s! Didn't realise that it had become this. The little gems that are hidden away locally are wonderful

[@lunabouch]

WOW! I just want to see that car in person. Of course driving it would be a HOLE lot of fun.

[@markgambrill]

"There's no soundproofing" "sorry?" Best unintentional pun!!

[@that_biker_boy5550]

This is borderline ‘INSANE’, but I absolutely LOVE IT! 😍👌 If I lived locally, I’m sure this would become my second home. Haha. I could listen to this guy all day and learn so much about this car craft knowledge. What an absolute hero! 🏁✌️

[@Sir-Prizse]

At the beginning of the video I thought "oh my god, why do you do that" and with every minute I could understand it better and the beauty of it. The result is stunning and it reminds me of classic road bikes from the 60s that were trimmed to lightweight in exactly the same way by drilling holes in the components. My ''99 Mazda MX-5 NB 1.6 in comparison is fat cow at 990 kg.

[@davidp7414]

Holy moly, LBS goes from strength to strength. Fantastic content, makes me smile. So happy to know these people are out there. I want to know more about his vintage bicycles.

[@garywgilkey8267]

There is a 1972 911 in Conifer Colorado USA that may be a competitor for the lightest. The owner replicated ALL of the external steel body panels including the roof in carbon fiber. The owner did all the work in his home garage over a period of many years. Very spartan interior. Total emphasis of the build focused on lightening. It is red with bold yellow stripes.

[@cabshots8739]

Do you know where I can find some information about this Porsche?

[@protocetid]

INB4 Richard buys it and turns it into Swiss cheese

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

When I read Colorado 911 and lightest I envisioned rust

[@stevet47]

@@rustedratchetgarage6788 Colorado is dry; very little rust

[@darrylmac6150]

Having watched you on the telly growing up Jonny, I have to say I am very glad you are creating your own content. You have such an interest in anything automotive, its always a joy to see what you're going to showcase next. With that said, I have to applaud Ritchie and the guys for their effort on this machine. I have never been a massive lover of Porsche, however now all I want to do is look through his collection of cars/ parts in that beautiful building he has. That 911 is just stunning, I love a car that's built to purpose. Even if it sets my trypophobia off 😅

[@ijustfelldown]

Can I just say, I love the juxtaposition of beginning a video about one of the most iconic piston cars with an establishing shot of one of the most beautiful modern EVs.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Well, that has always been the mantra of The Late Brake Show. We like eclectic automotive variety. Thanks for watching.

[@kentbeitel9966]

I couldn’t imagine having such an eclectic collection. I love old Porsches. All those holes and gussets is so crazy! I couldn’t imagine all the time, effort and planning. 🔥🤯

[@michaelcuellar5889]

Johnny, this is quickly becoming my favourite show (not just because it's car related). Fascinating and entertaining as always. Keep em coming 🤜🤛

[@tz6414]

Bit of a death trap with no seatbelts, fibreglass etc. Rather him than me

[@hollyandtheev6519]

Utterly bonkers but completely brilliant! The dedication to create this is INSANE!

[@johntanner5712]

loved seeing some of his posts while this was going on and enjoyed the vision he had. the finished results are fantastic, love seeing someone's vision and then seeing the finished car.. well done!

[@csiga79]

What an amazing car! On the other hand, I do get reminded of my friend's 2CV that he used to periodically daily drive to work with me...the sparse metalwork and intricacies of the internal shapes. But then the noise in this Porsche! Fantastic!

[@djcrossie]

Love love love this, great video Jonny. What a master Richie is, the sound of that engine is amazing. Who cares what bhp it has

[@robmcdonald992]

Great vid. It’s not quite for me, but you have to appreciate the dedication and attention to detail. More like this please Jonny.

[@_Makanko_]

Oozes passion and extreme perverseness for lightweight, what a project. So very impressive. Another great story and video, thanks for sharing

[@MrWallybones]

Excellent video Johnny. 2000 hours of painstaking work but what a result. This is a museum piece! The color is very striking indeed.

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

That thing looks lethal...

[@simonwoodward438]

Drillium at its finest, my life that is STUNNING, great video as ever, going to watch again!!!!!!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

👊🏻

[@jasonblair4057]

Once again awesome content and great video quality. I enjoyed this episode very much. The dedication to making this such a stunning piece of art that can be driven is mind blowing. 👍👍

[@limitedignition]

Awesome review, awesome car, the amount of work put into this is just crazy. Richard seems to be quite a cool guy who knows what he is doing!!

[@notchboy]

Being in the VW scene heavily over here in States, I liked this one a lot. Cheers and thanks for posting!

[@trampman454]

This is absolutely incredible. Engineering on another level.

[@Rob_Dekker]

All those calculated drilled holes make it into a nice piece of art. What a machine. I love it. Thanks for sharing it with us, Jonny!

[@stuartd9741]

Love the dash...so symmetrical...

[@power0fdreams438]

That is absolutely stunning, perfect functional automotive artwork. Great video 🙏

[@dankrafted]

another cracking video Jonny and team, always with the quality and interesting content

[@318iSpoons]

I have been a customer of theirs for the last couple of years - awesome place for anything air-cooled. Nice video as well!👍👍👍

[@shughes911]

Just so rad! The orange and gold wheels is so bold ! Great job man!!! I would love if this guy had a channel!!! Very talented

[@knobstar67]

Great vid, and your contacts just keep on giving - long may that continue

[@James-semaJ]

Loved it! What an interesting cool man and amazing car collection. Great video again Jonny.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers James.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

As always a great video, the passion is strong in Mr King, Shame the insurance companies have killed most custom work, all my usual car parts and custom parts places have all gone.

[@joeleonard9965]

I didn't know that was a thing. Are you in the UK or US? Hagerty insures in the UK as well if I remember right and we get in loads of custom classic cars.

[@jonntischnabel]

Simply fantastic. The best form of tuning there is. Makes the car faster for "free", and improves the dynamics. This video has made me seriously consider stripping my 205 down and start drilling. 👍👍🤣

[@justingolia6249]

I just stumbled on your channel today. I absolutely love it. From New Jersey USA. I'm a late braker myself I will definitely be spreading the word about the late braker show.

[@roostah]

Phenomenal work by Richard, thank you Jonny for this insight into his work. As much as every ounce counts, I'd be tempted to 3D print some in fillers to those missing front indicators to finish the form. I wonder how many hours calculating drill bit sizes and spacing measurements went into this alone.

[@NewZeroland]

That is so beautiful and inspiring and I loved every minute of this episode!

[@simonmurfin1910]

Another amazing find. Love the quirky cars you feature on the channel

[@pgr3290]

It is truly wonderful, looks amazing and you feel the passion. You also feel that if it was hit by anything heavier than a pine needle it would fold up into something the size of a shoe box.

[@dinolino3313]

With the driver in it...

[@eriklarson9137]

it 100% will. It's neat for about a minute. Then you realize you can't even toss it in a corner anymore. What a fun car.

[@tommytwotone81]

Awesome episode. I've watched a few of your videos previously but after watching this one I had to subscribe. It wasn't really a choice anymore for me after seeing how your well chosen and well done your content is. Thank you for that.

[@doctormccarty4137]

Brilliant! Thanks for all the wonderfully skilled inspiration creating this masterful Porsche work of Art! =)

[@hockdg]

No seatbelts is perhaps going a touch too far…

[@playwme3]

Apparently they didn’t wan’t to drill extra holes in the body to fit the seatbelt bolts.

[@AlienLivesMatter]

500g of webbing is worthwhile in my opinion.

[@markm0000]

It’s more of a showpiece anyways.

[@nauthizzz]

If you hit something in that hard enough for a seat belt to have mattered, you're probably going to have bigger issues to deal with, like the car being one giant crumple zone.

[@philipclausen3259]

Great car from a great Gent, love his passion.

[@kaygeebee]

Beautiful work. When I look at the interior, it reminds me of my Dad’s soaring glider and how he had built it out of aluminum with holes drilled for lightness. Reminds me of aircraft construction.

[@alexhampton2802]

Brilliant episode, one of my favorites. Thanks again Jonny.

[@dcallan812]

Great car, great inverview. I remember going to lots of VW Porsche events Especially camping at Stoneleigh with my 1964 VW Beatle. With a 2.2 turbo VW engine.

[@thegentlemanshredder4105]

When an air cooled owner spells Beetle wrong. For everything else, there's Mastercard! 😬

[@dcallan812]

@@thegentlemanshredder4105 dsylexic

[@simonzebu3563]

Definitely a contender for The Drilled-Out Tea Strainer Award!

[@gavinwyllie7855]

Every vid you post is an utter highlight of my day. You always do stuff that's different from the KZbin car guy norm which is enjoyably pleasurable. Keep these coming and hope to see your Allegro sleeper soon buddy. I also hope you attain a huge amount of subscribers as you should do. Take care mate.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Gavin, thank you so much for your message - really means a lot. Allegro progress coming soon!

[@AlexanderQuinn1]

Fascinating stuff. Thanks so much. Wonderful cars. Drove a new Boxster GTS recently and its a really fun little car. Much Love.

[@tallblokesam]

What a cool car, very nicely done. 👌

[@R8_Jake]

What an amazing little car. Love vids like this! Anyone else looked up what the heaviest 911 is? 911 992 Turbo S cabriolet. 1710kg!

[@maxmeier532]

you can drive that without earplugs though and i am pretty sure it has seatbelts.

[@eddominiczak669]

@@maxmeier532 I’m unsure if they’re hearing aids tho

[@freddiejones4598]

Makes you realise what a masterpiece Gordon’s new car is. A v12 and circa 900 kg. Mental

[@r129r16pfl]

@@freddiejones4598 Agree? Nothing comes close. Weight is everything.

[@TestarossaF110]

@@freddiejones4598 carbon fiber, composites and the best of the best of Great Britain's automotive designers and engineers. Cosworth has done it again and so has Mr. Murray, however I do wonder how she compares to Adrian Newey's Aston Martin Valkyrie and Mercedes-AMG's One. Hope we ever see them together (racing) at Le-mans or at the very least at Goodwood.

[@Bd-ox4mi]

This is awesome 👏🏽 I would be happy for the rest of my life owning this beautiful car …congratulations

[@mwh3227]

Such an amazing collection! I'm drooling!

[@KLUTCHdot58]

Holey Porsche, Batman. That's a lot of lightness! I remember my old man drilling holes in his pro street cars then sticking the swarf on a scale to see how much he'd saved!

[@tupolev141]

Amazing project, and he sounds a bit like Michael Caine! On the car itself, I would think that the lighter it gets, the less rigidity it needs because there's less mass trying to warp it?

[@robertchubb1518]

Having watched the Alfaholics 105 GTAR with those drilled bonnet hinges etc..this Porker takes “drilliam” to a totally stratospheric level...great car..great presentation and as always great show..keep them coming Jonny...

[@robertchubb1518]

Oh...and very grateful to receive your reply...the sign of someone that considers their audience..very touched

[@georgebrown8757]

Would not like to have a shunt in that!

[@mroctarine]

I'm sure he could go further if the stresses were computer modelled, some nice organic shapes cut out.

[@tlniec]

That is beautiful, both from an aesthetic standpoint and for the sheer singularity of purpose!

[@tomasteckavesely]

THE BEST LATE BRAKE SHOW EPISODE EVER.. such a cool dude, house, car, bikes.. dream!

[@takeabloodychillpill]

This is a trypophobic nightmare 😂 not my cup of tea but I respect the time and effort put into it!

[@scott8919]

What an amazing car. I love the Ioniq 5.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ioniq 5 made the perfect filming car too.

[@rideshareog]

Triples, sixes and twelves always have the very sweetest note. Amazing work.

[@timpullen9784]

This is brilliant, It's so refreshing to see someone do something different

[@KevinJohnson-gs6xn]

That was just great. Love this guy but wouldn't want to get stuck in a lift with him

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ritchie is a proper character. I thought he'd tire of car customising by now, but he always has a 'vision'.

[@jondonnelly4831]

wdym?

[@KevinJohnson-gs6xn]

@@jondonnelly4831 He'd start drilling holes in it..

[@kyle_c936]

I wouldn't mind at all, quite sure I could listen to him all day long.

[@MrAdopado]

Well, not if he's got his drill with him!

[@freddiejones4598]

Weight ruins everything. It’s much harder than you realise to build a light car. Look at everyone’s favourite car. It’s always e46 M3s or something similar as you can’t replicate that lightness. You ask Chris Harris what his favourite car is and he’ll tell you some variation of the Peugeot 205. Why do you think that is?

[@sky173]

10:47 - what a beautiful sound. It reminds me of my dads 1972 911 Targa. He bought it in the late 70's when I was just a young boy. I'd do anything to find it once again. Almost chokes me up listening to it purrr..

[@scottlehuray7062]

Sounds as good as it looks. Never heard a beetle sound as good as that. Beautifully drilled holes, thats an interesting machine.

[@ForeverNeverwhere1]

Richie had way too much of my money in the mid to late 80s, early 90s, mostly via German Car Company, but upstairs he had so many cool retro bits at Karman Konnection, never cheap, always cool. I also remember an immaculate looking 959 replica he had, you could buy a body kit from a company in the back of Exchange and Mart. I always fancied doing my own, luckily I never did. He always seemed to have way more money than anyone else into VW's back then, most of ours we thought were flash if the primer patches were the same shade of grey. I got into VW's the same way, VW trends and hot VW's. I still have some original french made Simili glass parts, a W decklid and on oval panel, which my dad found funny as he converted his 51 splitty into an oval from parts supplied by the VW dealer.

[@tedpalmer1537]

I'd rather have some seat belts, chassis rigidity and roll protection.

[@glynharper1066]

We visited the pub a couple of years ago, it was undergoing drilling at the time, we spoke to Richard about that project and others, he has an amazing collection.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Brings new meaning and significance to 'passion project' - Kudos to Mr. King

[@alexeimscruz2893]

yes indeed the car looks incredibly light... but is it safe to drive? it's one thing to make it light but with all that hole drilling around, one bump might crumple the car to half its size...

[@Djpaul-lo1px]

Undoubtedly cool but somewhat of a death trap. Would fold up like a Starbucks cup.

[@MrWilfreda]

A great video, didn't want it to end Johnny. I think this car is genius and made by a total obsessive! I Can't wait to see in the flesh or at a Porsche show. I'm sharpening my drill bits later!

[@cheetoMV]

Absolutely stunning congrats on such a creative build and execution.

[@alexmills6086]

I wish EV car designers were paid in champagne cases for weight savings....

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Quote of the year

[@allinaday3526]

Hard to win with batterys

[@Scoots1994]

Headlights and wheels could be lighter. And carbon fiber bodywork could be lighter but crazy money.

[@noelclark693]

Carbon and epoxy is more expensive, yes. But he must already have the moulds, and the work is similar for glass and polyester.

[@tommcintyre5608]

Love this episode. Vote yes on the seatbelts to pass tech for a track day. Would still drive with care as I would hate to wreck it. Love the thought and care that went into this. Beautiful work.

[@Abandon7d]

Consequent. And I thought I was mad drilling 700 holes in my bicycle frame... :-) Please more videos like this 👍👍