It’s amazing how much Porsche tuning has changed within the last two decades. Twenty years ago cars like the Ruf CTR2 were at the forefront of Porsche tuning. TechArt wheels and aerokits were popular. Gemballa was making flatnose kits for 993s. While aggressive, modern looking air-cooled cars remain popular, backdating is very much in vogue. The aesthetic void between cars like the Gunther Werks 400R and Singer’s creation is massive, even if the end goal is ultimately similar. These super high-dollar creations rely on a wide array of bespoke parts, fine interior materials and unique powerplants. When Roger Kaege decided to build his own backdated 911, he took a different approach.
To Roger, many of Singer’s decisions were illogical. For instance, why did they use a 964 as a base car rather than a 993? The 964 was the final 911 to use semi-trailing arm rear suspension, which Singer’s cars retain. By basing his car on a 993 Roger is able to use the 993’s stiffer body structure and multi-link rear suspension. Wherever possible Roger used series-production Porsche components, making his car both cheaper to build and servicable by Porsche dealers.
But in appearance, Kaege Retro couldn’t be further from a 993. The bodywork has been backdated front and rear, including a custom-designed front bumper with a deep chin spoiler. The aggressively flared fenders have squared lips, further divorcing the car from the base car’s rounded look. Much of the bodywork is carbon fiber. Brushed stainless window trims replace the stock black finished items. Geyser Grey Metallic paintwork is shared with the 50th Anniversary 911 from 2014, allowing a vintage look from a modern lacquer.
While Roger relied on series-production parts wherever possible, custom touches and rare parts are still apparent throughout the car. The early-style rear decklid includes a retractable 993-style spoiler with custom carbon fiber uprights. A set of factory 993 sport seats are fitted, and are trimmed in green leather. The dash fascia is finished in body color, and vintage style VDO-gauges round out the cabin.
Roger’s company is building these cars to order, though pricing information has not been released. With Roger’s goal of improving on servicability and reducing price when compared to Singers, it’s reasonable to expect that these Porsches will remain costly compared to most 993s.