Magnus Walker builds first-generation Porsche 911’s with an artist’s eye and a racer’s sensibility. Parts that can be lightened without compromising strength are drilled, while details that allow an aero advantage (like integrated turn signals) are built into the design. If a part from one year or one model looks good, Walker will incorporate that into other cars under construction.
While Porsche purists may cry “foul,” we support Walker 100-percent. In our eyes, the man is a mechanical and artistic genius, doing what he can to improve the handling, look and driveability of cars that were designed to be driven, not stored in hermetically-sealed environments awaiting appreciation.
The short film on Magnus Walker, entitled “Urban Outlaw,” caught Jay Leno’s eye, so the comedian and car guru invited Walker by for a visit with one of his favorite “streetable race cars,” a 1971 Porsche 911T. Updated with a 2.4-liter flat-six engine, good for around 180 horsepower, the car delivers the kind of performance you can use every time you get behind the wheel. Going fast means pushing the car hard, but isn’t that the point of a sports car in the first place?
The more complex and isolated new cars get, the more we’re drawn to cars like Walker builds. There’s beauty in their mechanical simplicity, and peace of mind in their lack of computers and sophisticated electronics. Sure, today’s sports cars are faster, but we can’t help wonder if they’re as enjoyable as Walker’s mechanical masterpieces.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
