1984 Rinspeed 969 Turbo

Frank Rinderknecht founded Rinspeed AG in 1979 and early projects included turbocharged Volkswagen Golf concepts with exotic gullwing doors and a Porsche 928 interior. Since then, the Swiss-based company has built many concepts and special vehicles that have been displayed at numerous influential shows including CES in Las Vegas and the Geneva Motor Show. Their creativity and unique style have gained them an enviable reputation, renowned for their international designs and innovative creations.

Rinspeed applied its concept designs to the Porsche 930, known as the Rinspeed 969, and later renamed the R69. The Flat 6-cylinder engine equipped with a KKK turbocharger developed around 300 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and was backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Ventilated disc brakes provided the stopping power. Rinspeed's unique touch was applied to the exterior and interior design, complete with a slant nose, pop-up headlights, and taillights from a 944 fitted to a mid-1980s model. Large rear flares and side strakes resided on the body sides and were reminiscent of the Ferrari Testarossa. Adjustable Recaro seats were fitted to the interior along with a Pioneer stereo system with a remote set into the steering wheel. Either 16-inch 5-spoke Gotti or BBS RS wheels were installed. As these were bespoke, hand-crafted creations, designs varied from vehicle to vehicle. Both coupe and convertible body styles could be given these upgrades.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021