KAMM 912c lands Stateside: expertly crafted ultra-lightweight sports car now available in the US [Photo Gallery]

In the world of ultra-lightweight, classic sports cars, KAMManufaktur is setting the standard. Known for its meticulous redesign and re-engineering of the classic 912, KAMM’s 912c has won the hearts of drivers, critics, and collectors across Europe, with its lightweight construction and high-performance four-cylinder engine.

Now KAMManufaktur has officially launched in the United States with the first production 912c having just been delivered to Miami, and the recent appointment of a US dealer.

The ultra-lightweight KAMM 912c captures all the magic of the classic 1960s design, further enhanced by the extensive use of carbon fibre to deliver a class leading weight of 750kg (specification dependent). Combined with its extensively re-engineered, air-cooled four-cylinder engine, based on the famous ‘616’ powerplant, the KAMM 912c guarantees a fully analog, pure driving experience.

Founder Miklós “Miki” Kázmér and his team have a deep love for Porsche’s 912, often overshadowed by its famous sibling, the 911. Through careful attention to detail and a respect for tradition, Kázmér has brought the 912 back into the spotlight.

For Kázmér, bringing the 912c to the US is a full-circle moment, as it was inspired by a visit to California’s famous Petersen Museum many years ago.

“I’ve always had a passion for the 912 and the 911,” he says. “But seeing the original 911R at the museum sparked my journey towards the 912c. I wanted to capture the same, designed for purpose attitude and bring it to life in, what is now, the 912c, a car created for drivers who appreciate precision and classic style.”

Originally released in the US at the New York Auto Show in 1965, the Porsche 912 was known for being a usable and nimble sports car. Today, KAMManufaktur is taking that original character and elevating it, giving owners the same thrills with added craftsmanship, performance and everyday usability.

However, the 912c is more than an updated classic. Crafted in Budapest by a team of passionate experts whose experience includes Singer, Koenigsegg, and Porsche Motorsport, each 912c is based upon a classic 912 donor car, updated with lightweight carbon fibre panels that are designed and manufactured in-house, but retaining its original chassis.

Every 912c is fully bespoke, created with modern essentials that are discretely hidden for everyday comfort, behind authentic design and world-class craftsmanship.

Partnerships with iconic names such as Fusina and TracTive ensure every detail not only stays true to the original but exceeds all expectations.

Weight, regarded by drivers as the enemy of driving enjoyment, has been a major focus for Kázmér. As well as the extensive use of carbon fibre throughout the build, the windows are lightweight, scratch-proof Lexan polycarbonate and every component has been redesigned to save weight. The body is reinforced with 40mm Cro-Moly tubing to create a strong tub-like structure and there is the option of an FIA-approved roll cage for track use. This attention to weight reduction has created one of the lightest sports cars in its class – in original 912c specification, as light as 750kg.

Under the hood, KAMM has transformed the original 1.6-litre engine into a 2.0-litre powerhouse, delivering 185hp and 205Nm of torque. While it retains elements of the original 616 motor, every component has been re-engineered for power, strength and daily driver reliability.

The short-shift transmission has been designed and engineered by KAMM and connects to a Porsche hydraulic racing clutch before power is sent to a ZF limited-slip differential. AP Racing provides the impressive stopping power, while TracTive coil-over suspension balances road comfort with track-ready handling.

The interior features equally impressive attention to detail. Electronic Smiths instruments are complemented by an authentic Fusina steering wheel. Fusina, famous for its seats in the 1960s and ‘70s, has returned to manufacture a brand new signature seat designed specifically for the 912c.

Modern touches like air conditioning, wireless phone charging, and heated seats are subtly included, but don’t expect a touchscreen as KAMM is all about keeping things pure.

Finally, no KAMM 912c would be complete without its stunning, custom wheels, with some designs inspired by the iconic Porsche 917 and even a carbon hybrid option.

”The KAMM 912c is so much more than a restomod,” says Kázmér. “We have taken many years to explore and re-engineer almost every element of the 912 to make it a truly bespoke product, crafted by Kamm. And while the changes are extensive, I insist upon retaining the classic looks of the original 60s car, along with a driving experience that mimics that of a 1960 thoroughbred racer.”

Two coupé KAMM 912c models are available – the Semi-Carbon which retains some original steel bodywork, and the Full-Carbon which has full carbon fibre bodywork. A 912c Targa is also available. Each car is unique, tailored to the owner’s preferences and carefully built over 12 months, with only limited build slots available each year.

KAMM 912c Semi-Carbon €355,000. KAMM 912c Full-Carbon €395,000. KAMM 912c Targa €375,000.

KAMM has designated ZWECK as a North American sales representative and service partner. ZWECK specialises in Porsche car sales, performance and service, operating from a large facility based in Miami, Florida.

“While remaining true to the 912 philosophy, KAMM faithfully augments the original concept, without compromise, using the best of modern technology” says Suneal Nandigam of ZWECK. “The 912c is a unique offering in the niche of resto-modified cars and has been engineered and executed to an extraordinary standard, equal in quality to the likes of Singer and Gunther Werks.” Added ZWECK’s Alvaro Rodriguez.