Kalmar Automotive’s mission is to create the perfect Porsches for ‘nerds’ and push the limits, making 911s into everything from rally cars to hypercars.

Making it in the restomod business isn’t as easy as some may think. Everyone has had the same bright idea of rebuilding and upgrading a classic, usually a Porsche 911, and charging some ungodly sum of money for it. But, somehow, Jan Kalmar has found himself a space to squeeze into, and Kalmar Automotive is gathering steam and getting more ambitious by the day. What began in 2018 as a company offering fettled, restored 964s is now on the brink of launching a hypercar, to sit next to a range of extensively re-engineered 911 road and safari cars, some costing upwards of half a million pounds.

Speaking to Kalmar, you begin to understand why his world moves at such pace. He’s as far from a polished, PR-trained company boss as you can get – zero fluff, no filter, straight to business. ‘I set out to make a classic 911 with a modern feel. We took that project way further than anyone expected… then I thought f*** it, let’s do it [build a hypercar].’

NOTE:

Founded in 1998, EVO has become one of the most respected automotive magazines in the world. Renowned for its in-depth road tests, stunning photography and unwavering focus on driving enjoyment, the publication has earned a loyal following among enthusiasts, manufacturers and industry insiders alike. Rather than concentrating solely on performance figures, EVO is known for exploring the emotional connection between driver and machine, whether behind the wheel of a lightweight sports car, a modern supercar or a classic performance icon. Its annual awards, comparison tests and feature drives are regarded as some of the most influential in the automotive world.

For that reason, it is always a great honour when EVO chooses to feature a KALMAR creation. The magazine’s reputation for independent, highly critical journalism means that its attention is never taken for granted. Over the years, EVO has experienced several KALMAR projects, appreciating the philosophy behind our cars and the focus on real-world driving enjoyment. Whenever a KALMAR car appears in the pages of EVO, it serves as recognition from one of the industry’s most respected voices—a publication that understands what truly makes a driver’s car special.