Belles-de-Nuit: BMW R nineT x Porsche 911 Backdate
“Night Beauties” from FCR Original…
In recent years, there’s been a boom in Porsche 911 “Backdates” — newer models transformed to resemble their ancestors. An example would be backdating a 1980 911 SC to resemble a 1973 911 Carrera.
“While the newest generations continue to offer higher levels of performance, comfort, and safety, a few of us just can’t get enough of the air-cooled 911 era where for lack of better words, less was more.” –Stuttcars
Another reason for the backdating trend is simply that prices of older air-cooled Porsche have skyrocketed in recent years, placing them beyond the reach of all but the most monied collectors.
Recently, our friends from FCR Original of France received a request to customize a BMW R nineT to match such a car. As car enthusiasts themselves, they readily welcomed the commission.
“Like many of our customers, we share a taste for exceptional cars, such as this Porsche 911 Backdate, magnificently restored by Atelier Gobin.”
The owner wanted a motorcycle from FCR Original’s Urban series that would complement his 911, creating quite the duo of German sports machines…modified in France, of course!
“In this particular case, our aim was to create a motorcycle in perfect synergy with the car, while infusing it with a resolutely modern, urban spirit.”
The BMW R nineT makes a great choice as a donor, as it’s something of a throwback itself — a retro, air/oil-cooled roadster that marries modern technology with the simplicity and style of its ancestors — the BMW type 247 “airhead” boxers.
FCR relied heavily on their range of in-house parts, custom finishes, and an eye for design order to create a nineT that pairs exceptionally well with the owner’s 911. Below, they give us the full story and spec sheet on the build.
BMW R nineT Urban: In the Builder’s Words…
Our workshop played the era game, creating an exceptional tandem for an enthusiast. The owner of this backdated Porsche 911 was looking for a partner to match his iconic car. Enchanted by the aesthetics of our Urban range, it didn’t take much for our workshop to design a perfectly contrasting yet totally aesthetic duo for him.
Let’s move on to the preparation phase. When it came to paintwork, the choice was obvious: grey in harmony with the bodywork of this splendid old-timer. Still on the subject of aesthetics, the upholstery was selected in brown skai with diamond stitching, adding a touch of sophistication to the BMW Nine T.
True to our know-how, our workshop also optimized the rear end by selecting the clever combination of K&N air filters, accompanied by the battery holder specially developed by FCR Original.
This new achievement is a proud addition to our Urban range, where each motorcycle is meticulously designed as an exceptional object.
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