Ultimate celebration of Stefan Johansson to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 with Lanzante and O’Gara Coach
Unveiled at Rennsport in 2018, the 930 TAG Turbo by Lanzante is a modern engineering showcase, coupling a Formula 1 engine with genuine race history, to one of the most iconic bodyshapes in the automotive world. The end result delivers a usable, road-legal example of the Porsche 911, powered by one of the most successful engines in motorsport.
Each of the 11 examples to be built will be as unique as the race engine installed beneath the carbon fibre engine cover. No two cars will be finished in the same colour, or with the same specification. However, build number #8, takes the bespoke nature of the TAG Turbo programme to a new level. It has been developed from initial discussions with O’Gara Coach luxury group; curators of extraordinary cars, based out of Beverly Hills. This latest model – known as ‘SJ87’ – celebrates the achievements of former Formula 1 driver-turned artist, Stefan Johansson.
Fittingly announced on the eve of this year’s Austrian Grand Prix, ‘SJ87’ is fitted with Stefan’s very own race engine from the McLaren MP4/3 Formula 1 race car, which he drove at the 1987 Austrian round. Beyond this, ‘SJ87’ is finished in a truly one-off design over the gleaming white bodywork. The final design has been painstakingly hand painted by Stefan, in his trademark style, to produce a striking end result, combining his past and present passions.
Using the colour palette recognised from his McLaren racing days, the design includes the green shades from his iconic helmet design, inspired by his father’s nickname for him as a child, ‘Little Leaf’. Blues and yellow are a nod to his Swedish heritage, while red and white tie back to the livery of his McLaren racer, which has donated its special 1.5-litre V6 twin turbo powerplant.
A true art car, it is also a genuine piece of Formula 1 history, and Stefan recalls the race with this engine as though it was yesterday: “The Austrian GP race weekend was a memorable one, but not for the best reasons, that’s for sure! I totalled the primary car after hitting a deer in free practice, so the team had to build me a new car for qualifying. We were compromised for the whole weekend from there, and then, in the race, I lost a wheel after a pitstop, so had to limp back to the pits.
“However, the engine itself was probably the strongest part of the whole package we had that year. It already had great heritage, with several titles under its belt, and it was the last year of development when I ran it in 1987. I remember it was fantastic in terms of driveability, and the electronics were developing extremely quickly at that stage, so it was a great overall package. I can’t wait to be in the car at Goodwood, and hear that engine noise again.”
Adding about the 930 TAG Turbo ‘SJ87’ project, he continued: “I absolutely loved the whole concept from the first discussions with the guys at O’Gara and Dean at Lanzante. It is, without doubt, one of the coolest 911 projects out there, and brings together two amazing pieces of engineering. It is really exciting to now be able to combine them, along with my other great passion. It is the first time my art has been painted on anything other than canvas!”
This truly bespoke model will be unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the Lanzante display, before Stefan is once again reunited with his race engine, as he takes to the famous Goodwood hillclimb course for one last drive.
| Engine | TAG TTE P01 1.5-litre V6 twin turbo |
| Race Activity | 7th place, Austria (1987) |
| Power | 510PS |
| Transmission | Porsche 993 six-speed gearbox with bespoke ratios |
| Electronics | Cosworth ECU, Raychem Formula 1 wiring loom |
| Chassis | Porsche 930 Turbo with bespoke rollcage |
| Suspension | Ohlins four-way adjustable dampers |
| Brakes | Four-pot calipers with carbon ceramic discs, 330mm front / 330mm rear |
| Fuel Tank | Motorsport bag tank, 70 litres |
| Lighting | New lighting throughout, including LED headlamps |
| Weight | 1,020kg, not including fuel and driver |
More details about Lanzante can be found at lanzante.com.