D'Ingianni Porsche 916
Est. 1992, Richardson, TX · 3.2 L flat-six

The D'Ingianni
Porsche 916

A RestoMod replica of Porsche's rarest 1970s prototype.

The restoration916 history

01The car

The D'Ingianni Porsche 916 is a RestoMod replica of the Porsche 916. This exotic supercar has all of the looks and style of the original 916 prototype, but sports some upgrades that can only be implemented with today's technology and 20 years of parts acquisition. While some Porsche 914 owners have strayed away from authenticity with radical body modifications or V-8 conversions, this car has maintained integrity by using only Porsche parts or aftermarket additions which complement the original 916 design and style.

To begin with, the original 4-cylinder 1.8 liter engine with the big-bore kit was not enough. Neither was the true-to-spec 2.2 or 2.7 liter 6-cylinder found in the original 916. This 916 powerhouse uses a 3.2 liter Porsche 6-cylinder with electronic fuel injection, a "flipped" 901 gearbox, and a hydraulic clutch.

All of this power is held in place with reinforcements for the chassis, longitudinals, and rear trailing arms, as well as, motor mounts designed for large 911 engine transplants. Stopping power is provided by 911 SC calipers and rotors in the front and 914-6 rotors in the rear.

Original-sized Fuchs alloy wheels, a double-grilled engine compartment lid, and a color-matched targa top are just a few of the tricks added to this looker. The modern R134a air conditioning keeps you cool during hot rides. Finally, a very rare clear Saratoga moon roof tops off this modern-day Porsche rarity.

D'Ingianni Porsche 916 logo

The white D'Ingianni Porsche 916 replica parked in front of Richard Johnson's yellow 914-6 "Old Yeller"
The D'Ingianni 916 (front) and "Old Yeller" (rear). Hero photo: full-resolution scan (JPG)

02At a glance

Engine916

  • 3.2 L Porsche flat-six, EFI

Gearbox916

  • Flipped 901 5-speed, Quaife LSD

Brakes916

  • 911 SC vented front, 914-6 rear

Wheels916

  • 15"x7" Fuchs style alloys

Roof916

  • Color-matched targa + Saratoga clear top

Base car916

  • 1974 Porsche 914

03Explore

White Porsche 916, front three-quarter view with flared fenders and Fuchs wheels
01 / Spec sheet

D'Ingianni Porsche 916 Specifications

Body, engine, gearbox ratios, brakes, suspension, wheels, interior and credits.

White Porsche 916 with a fixed roof, side view
02 / Guide

How to build a 916

Flares, bumpers, roof, brakes, engine and transmission choices for your own 916 conversion.

Right rear quarter panel removed, exposing the engine compartment
03 / Story

The Restoration Project

From a yellow 1974 914 in 1992 to a 3.2 liter 916: seven chapters, 100+ photos.

Original factory Porsche 916 in white, rear three-quarter view showing the welded steel roof and flared fenders
04 / History

Porsche 916 Info

The eleven factory 916 prototypes of 1971–72, their history and chassis registry.

Porsche crest

Only Porsche parts or aftermarket additions which complement the original 916 design and style. No V-8s, no radical bodywork, just the look of the 1971 prototype with a modern Porsche heart.

04The 3.2 liter heart

The power plant is a transplanted 1985 3.2 Liter 911 engine with electronic fuel injection. Read the transplant story.

Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, top-left view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, top-left view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, front view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, front view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, left side view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, left side view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, rear view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, rear view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, right side view
Porsche 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine, right side view
Porsche crest
Porsche 916

Porsche built only eleven 916s, the welded-roof, six-cylinder super-914 that was cancelled before it reached showrooms. Read the history and see the chassis registry.