Tuthill Porsche 911K Review, Track-Tested: What Does it Feel Like to Drive at 11,000RPM?
Watch DriverReviews ambassadors Vicki Butler-Henderson and Gordon Shedden give their verdicts on the Porsche 911K:
We have a very special car to unpack in this review. A 1970s Porsche 911 has been given the full Tuthill treatment and now we have a complete lightweight driver's car that can rev up to 11,000rpm. Of course, we would like you to go on and read the rest of the article, but it is recommended that you pause your reading for now and start the video to hear the sheer fantastic noise it produces.
Specifications
• Price: £850,000
• Engine: 3.1l short stroke 4 valve
• Power Output: 350hp
• Weight: 850kg (wet weight)
• Gearbox: Magnesium 6 speed 915 K
• Brakes: Carbon ceramic disks
Exterior & Design
This example of Tuthill's 911K is certainly striking for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are looking at a 1970s example of the 911 - a very recognisable style of car - which even in 2025 has many design similarities with the latest generation, the 992. The second is the very bold choice of colour, which we think suits the car very well; when the sun shines on the bodywork, the colour pops and reveals all the curves of the 911, showing its true beauty.
Carbon is the name of the game with the 911K, and it is the main factor in achieving a wet weight of a staggering 850kg. A seemingly never-ending list of parts including the bonnet, front bumper, doors, roof, rear quarters, wheels, brake discs, boot lid, and a host of other items inside the car are all made from carbon!
Clearly a lot of thought has gone into this to ensure that if it has to be on the car, the lightest material available is used. Gordon even mentions in the video that even the windows feel light and was surprised to learn from Vicki that the roll bar is made of titanium.
Interior & Features
As you can imagine, there's not much to talk about here, with weight reduction being the primary objective. There are, however, some quintessential touches to the 911K's interior, starting with the seats, which are finished in a chequered flag pattern that is actually called Pasha when talking about the upholstery.
Carbon isn't the only material used on this car - although it's hard to believe - the dashboard is made from vegan leather (and carbon), which looks fantastic. The steering wheel is carbon too, of course. The main point here is that, with not much going on inside, it emphasises just how much of a driver's car the 911K is. With nothing to distract you, it really is just you, the driving controls and the engine that has the potential to provide you with driving experiences that not many other cars can.
Driving Experience & Performance
There aren't many cars that can rev up to 11,000rpm and even fewer that can do so with a wet weight of 850kg. Add to that the fact that the 3.1 litre short stroke 4 valve engine produces 350bhp and you have something incredible.
From their reactions in the video, it is fair to say that Vicki and Gordon (who have both raced cars) have experienced something new with the Tuthill 911K. With the car being so stripped back and powerful, it takes every fibre of your body to keep it under control when using it to its full potential and this is mentioned by both Gordon and Vicki in the video.
Vicki & Gordon’s Verdict
With smiles on their faces from start to finish of the video, it is fair to say that they both give the Tuthill Porsche 911K the thumbs up. The balance of being able to drive it at low revs around town, where people would look at it and think it was a nice example of an older Porsche, to being able to rev it up to 11,000 rpm is what sets this car apart.
“It’s so pure, it’s so exciting to drive, the exhilaration is just incredible, just absolute driving pleasure isn’t it” – Gordon Shedden
“It’s like I should have changed gear yesterday” – Vicki Butler-Henderson
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