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SEMA Spotlight: BBI Autosport’s Type-99

In the world of high-performance Porsche builds, few names command the level of respect and admiration that BBI Autosport does. Based in Huntington Beach, California, BBI Autosport has carved a reputation as one of the premier Porsche builders and tuners, known for their meticulous engineering and innovative approach to performance. With roots in motorsport and a relentless drive for perfection, BBI has been behind some of the most ambitious Porsche builds in recent years, including their record-setting runs at the infamous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

BBI’s expertise was further showcased in their collaboration with the late Ken Block for his “Hoonipigasus” project. This outrageous 1,400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 was specially designed for Pikes Peak, combining Porsche’s legacy with Ken Block’s unique vision and BBI’s engineering prowess. The Hoonipigasus shows BBI’s ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Porsche platforms, creating machines as impressive in design as they are in performance.

And now, BBI has unveiled their latest masterpiece: the Type-99. A limited-run, high-performance, modernized Porsche built with the precision and passion that has come to define BBI Autosport. The Type-99 is a love letter to Porsche’s heritage, fused with the best of modern engineering to create a car that transcends time and technology.

The Type-99: The Resto Mod for the Track Rat

The Type-99 is BBI Autosport’s foray into the world of bespoke, modernized Porsche builds at scale. Unlike typical restomods, the Type-99 isn’t about focusing on the past—it’s about honoring it while pushing forward. Built on the Porsche 993 platform, the Type-99 maintains the aesthetic charm and classic lines of the original air-cooled 911 while incorporating cutting-edge technology and engineering that elevate the driving experience to an entirely new level.

From a mechanical perspective, the Type-99 is a marvel. Each car is meticulously crafted to meet the individual specifications of the client, blending BBI’s expertise with Porsche’s iconic design. The engine, transmission, and suspension have all been reengineered to deliver unparalleled performance, but it’s the attention to detail that truly sets the Type-99 apart. Every component has been carefully selected, tested, and refined, ensuring that the car not only performs at the highest level but also offers an authentic and thrilling driving experience.

The Type-99 is equipped with a custom 800-hp 3.8L air-cooled flat-six engine that has been enhanced to produce more than modern levels of power without sacrificing the raw, visceral feel that air-cooled Porsche enthusiasts love. Paired with advanced suspension tuning and braking systems from a more modern 992, the Type-99 is built to handle both spirited canyon drives and track days with ease. The exterior, while retaining the classic lines of the 993, incorporates striking modifications that give it a modernized cup car look without detracting from its heritage.

Inside, the Type-99 won’t necessarily combine luxury with function, instead offering a raw driver-focused cabin that merges vintage Porsche design with modern safety structures and materials. It won’t be a stripped-down track build, but function over form where needed giving touches of high-end street car interior where applicable. Carbon fiber, Alcantara, and hand-stitched leather give the interior a refined yet purposeful feel, reminding the driver that this is a machine built for those who demand both track-level performance and street-able applications. See more in Larry Chen’s deep dive with BBI founder Betim Berisha in the video below.

Standing Among Giants in the Porsche Resto-Mod Arena

The Type-99 enters an elite market of modernized Porsche builds, a segment that has grown rapidly in popularity as enthusiasts seek to own bespoke vehicles that combine vintage appeal with modern engineering. In this space, names like Singer Vehicle Design, Gunther Werks, and Emory Motorsports are already renowned for their high-quality restorations and custom builds. Each of these companies brings a unique approach to modernizing classic Porsches, creating a competitive but highly distinct landscape.

Singer Vehicle Design is perhaps the most well-known in this niche, having set the standard for reimagined Porsche 911s. Singer’s approach focuses on meticulous attention to detail and a blend of luxury and performance that appeals to purists and collectors alike. Their 911s, often referred to as “Singerized,” are known for their obsessive craftsmanship and redefined aesthetics, turning classic 911s into works of art.

Gunther Werks, on the other hand, specializes in reimagining the Porsche 993 chassis. Their approach is focused on raw performance and lightweight engineering, pushing the limits of what’s possible with the 993 platform. Gunther Werks builds are designed with track enthusiasts in mind, offering high-powered, lightweight machines that retain the essence of the 993 while delivering a level of performance that modern Porsche fans crave.

Emory Motorsports takes a different route altogether, focusing on vintage Porsche 356 models with their “Outlaw” builds. Emory’s cars are known for their rugged, minimalist aesthetic and powerful yet understated performance upgrades. These builds capture the spirit of classic Porsche racing, offering a unique alternative for those who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of the 356.

While Singer, Gunther Werks, and Emory Motorsports each bring something distinct to the table, BBI’s Type-99 is carving its own path within the Porsche modernization market. Unlike its competitors, BBI Autosport has a deep motorsport pedigree that infuses their builds with a race-bred performance ethos. The Type-99 is designed not only for the collector but for the driver who wants to feel the thrill of high-performance engineering every time they get behind the wheel. These cars are made with a level of meticulousness that makes them at home in a show garage or at redline on a circuit, it’s a true enthusiast piece for anyone that can afford it.

The Type-99, A New Future For Vintage Cars

BBI Autosport’s Type-99 is more than just a reimagined Porsche—it’s an engineering marvel that encapsulates the brand’s motorsport DNA while honoring Porsche’s legacy. With its custom-built engine, advanced suspension tuning, and spartan interior design, the Type-99 is a modern tribute to the air-cooled era of 911s. BBI’s attention to detail and relentless pursuit of performance have resulted in a vehicle that is as thrilling to drive as it is purposefull.

In a market crowded with high-end Porsche restorations and “reimaginings”, the Type-99 stands out as a unique offering. It combines the elegance and purity of a vintage Porsche with the kind of performance upgrades that usually reserved for Pikes Peak type competition cars. For enthusiasts seeking a modernized Porsche that’s built for both the track but road capable road, the Type-99 represents the perfect blend of history, performance, and motorsport.

As BBI continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Porsche platforms, the Type-99 serves as a reminder of why this brand has become one of the most respected names in the Porsche world. This limited-run masterpiece is not just a car; it’s a symbol of automotive passion and engineering excellence, a dream machine for those who appreciate the art of driving, wherever that may be.

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