There’s not a lot going on here, as there’s not a lot of car here. That being said, everything about it is unusual. It’s proportional, and well-executed if you’re into that sort of thing, but it’s still just plain unusual.
It was built by a guy named Alexandre Danton of Danton Arts Kustoms, and this is typical of what he’s done in the past with cars like his Lamborghini Espada hot rod and many others. I can appreciate the art and the craftsmanship, but there’s more to it than just that, at least for me, anyway.
Nothing has made me happier over the years than seeing the newest Corvette kick the latest Porsche on the track year-after-year in magazine articles, yet I still retain a large amount of respect for Porsche. They’re a car that carries with them a pedigree, an image, a car that can turn nobody into somebody, or almost anybody into almost somebody, at least. They’re neither masculine nor feminine, not too sporty to be considered exotic, nor too exotic to be considered sporty. When you see one or hear one, you know it’s a Porsche, and that’s important. They’re such an iconic brand that most people would instantly recognize this as a Porsche 911 Targa, even after the whole reciprocating saw incident that made it into something that looks like it was created by the bad kid from the movie Toy Story. Rather than having the typical Porsche engine out back, it has a turbocharged 6.75 litre Bentley V8 up front, backed by an automatic, and finished off with a solid rear axle wedged between two massive protruding tires. Apparently, it tips the scales at roughly half of what the stock Porsche weighed, and it puts down 300 horsepower and 450 lb/ft torque, so I’m sure it’s a blast to drive, but that’s exactly where my criticism lies. This car can not be driven on public roads, as it is not able to be registered. I’m not saying that applies to all jurisdictions, but I am saying that it is being sold as such. The windshield is split, which isn’t my preferred way of doing business, but it is, however, popular for a bomber-style look. The windshield is also made of plexiglass, not automotive safety glass. Not only is plexiglass unattractive, with the weird glare and easily scratched surface, it’s also unsafe. If broken, the shards are sharp like razor blades, and at night, the glare of oncoming headlights light the whole windshield up, causing a blinding yellow glow that even Corey Hart can’t block. If it sounds like I’ve been there before, I have, and I don’t recommend it. As an art piece, however, it’s great. It’s eye-catching, shocking, and wildly different than anything else out there. Had it been built with road legalities in mind, I would like it a lot more. I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that, and I think you’d see the value estimate increase to reflect that.
Have a question or comment for Kelly? Post it at lmtimes.ca/kirk