At the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson unveiled a unique and modified Porsche 911. This particular car, code-named SJ87, is the eighth model out of the 11 Porsche 930 TAG Turbos created by Lanzante. Lanzante is a renowned British motorsports and engineering company that has also gained fame for producing road-legal versions of track cars like the McLaren P1 GTR.
The Porsche 930 TAG Turbo combines the body shell of a Porsche 930 with actual Formula 1 engines. Specifically, it utilizes the 1.5-liter V6 TAG Turbo units that were developed by Porsche and used by McLaren in the 1980s. Johansson, who was a driver for McLaren during that period, chose to equip his SJ87 with the engine that powered his MP4/3 F1 car in the 1987 Austrian Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, Johansson had a turbulent time during the Austrian Grand Prix that year. He had a collision with a deer during practice, resulting in the destruction of his primary car. Later during the race, he encountered another setback when he lost a wheel during a pit stop. Despite these challenges, the engine in his car had undergone extensive development, making it an exceptional choice for the SJ87.
The engine itself boasts impressive power, estimated to produce approximately 750 horsepower in race trim. However, for use in the 930 road car, Lanzante has detuned the turbo V6 to a more manageable 503 horsepower. The power from the engine is transmitted through a 6-speed manual transmission taken from a 993-generation 911, which directs power exclusively to the rear wheels. With an estimated curb weight of 2,248 lbs, the SJ87 is expected to offer remarkable performance while maintaining agility.
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What truly sets the SJ87 apart is the livery designed and painted by Johansson himself. Following his F1 career, Johansson pursued a career as an artist, and his artistic talent is evident in the unique design he created for the SJ87. The car showcases streaks of vibrant colors that include green, representing Johansson’s helmet design and childhood nickname “Little Leaf,” as well as the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag. The livery also features red and white, symbolizing the iconic Marlboro colors that adorned Johansson’s McLaren MP4/3 race car.
During the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the completed SJ87 was proudly displayed alongside other notable vehicles from Lanzante. These included the road-legal Pagani Zonda Revolución and a couple of Lanzante’s McLaren F1 GTR road-legal conversions. The presence of these remarkable cars further exemplified Lanzante’s expertise and commitment to producing extraordinary road-legal versions of iconic track cars.
In conclusion, the SJ87 is a truly one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 that combines the power of a Formula 1 engine with the artistry of a former F1 driver. This vehicle exemplifies the passion for motorsports and extraordinary craftsmanship that Lanzante is famous for. By bringing together a standout design, powerful performance, and an iconic racing heritage, the SJ87 stands as a testament to the innovation and creativity that continue to shape the world of automotive engineering and design.
