Prost finished third at the 1987 Hungarian Grand Prix using this very engine
59 minutes ago
- Features the exact 1.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from Prost’s 1986 F1 car.
- One of only 11 examples built, with a mere 311 miles on the odometer.
- It’s expected to fetch $1.8 to $2.1 million at Monterey Car Week.
Several years ago, Lanzante put the Porsche 911 restomodding world on notice when it unveiled a modernized 1988 911 Turbo with a historic Formula 1 engine, creating what became known as the TAG Turbo. Only 11 of these extraordinary cars were ever built, and one example, with just 311 miles (500 km) on the clock, is now heading to auction.
Read: Lanzante Has Turned The Porsche 935 Into A Street Legal Monster
The auction house selling the car predicts it will fetch between $1.8 million and $2.1 million at the Monterey Car Week auction this weekend. It is the sole example painted in Mintgrün and was delivered new to the US before returning to the UK and being upgraded and serviced by Lanzante in March.
Formula 1 pedigree on the road
Each of the TAG Turbo models built features an engine that was actually used in the F1 world championship. This car has been fitted with the 1.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that Porsche developed for the McLaren MP4/2 and MP4/3 and was branded as TAG, which owned a share of the British racing team at that time.
It was used to power Alain Prost’s car at the 1986 German Grand Prix and 1987 Hungarian and Japanese Grands Prix. During the Hungarian race, Prost finished 3rd, meaning this very engine has powered an F1 podium finisher.
The turbocharged V6 delivers 510 hp through the rear wheels thanks to a six-speed manual transmission. Cosworth also fitted new pistons, connecting rods, valves, valve springs, turbochargers, and oil heat exchangers to ensure the engine is up for the rigors of street driving.
Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby’s
Beyond a genuine race car engine, the TAG Turbo rocks lightweight carbon fiber body panels. It also features two radiators behind the front grille and a bespoke engine cover housing custom intercoolers, while the cabin has been freshened up with new black leather, green and blue cloth inserts, and one of Porsche’s updated stereo systems.
For anyone seeking a 911 restomod with a story as compelling as its performance, RM Sotheby’s listing may be worth a close look. This is not just a rare Porsche, but one that bridges the gap between the racetrack and the road in a way few cars ever have. Check out the listing here.