Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Omaze. Their model democratizes traditional auction-giving by offering everyone the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Consumers purchase entries into these experiences with the money going to a charity the experience is associated with. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Automoblog. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines.
If your mom ever told you it’s what’s on the inside that counts, she was right. This Tesla-powered 1968 Porsche 911 is a good example. You don’t know from the outside, but this classic Porsche has a modern Tesla powertrain that cranks out over 500 horsepower. It doesn’t currently have an owner, but Omaze is running a benefit campaign where you can enter to win it, plus $20,000 cash!
Who You Will Benefit
This Omaze campaign benefits the K-12 school tours hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. These special field trips energize students through hands-on experiences that turn abstract concepts into practical, real-world applications.
The program shows kids how transportation technology impacts society; it encourages them to explore history and mechanical intuition, and it sharpens their skills in visual arts, engineering, and communications. The museum’s goal is to educate more than 25,000 children this year.
One of those kids may grow up to build an incredible machine like this Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911. Here is the full story behind Omaze, their campaigns (which feature a lot of cool cars you can win), and this one-of-a-kind Porsche.
How & Why Omaze Started
Two friends started Omaze after attending a charity benefit hosted by their boyhood hero, Magic Johnson. While excited to be there, the pair soon realized the evening’s grand prize was well out of their reach as broke college students. The winner of the auction, scheduled for later that night, would be able to have dinner with Magic Johnson and join him courtside with the Lakers.
On the drive home, they pondered how to create a different organization, one that would reframe how non-profit organizations and charity groups connect with potential donors. They refined and honed what would become the Omaze model, one that democratizes traditional auction-giving by offering everyone the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether that’s a chance to meet a favorite celebrity or win a dream car, everybody has an equal opportunity while supporting a cause they care about.
What Are The Current Campaigns?
Every Omaze campaign coincides with a similar non-profit foundation or charity. There is a wide array to choose from, based on which causes mean the most to you and which vehicle you would like to win. Current campaigns include a giveaway for a 2020 McLaren GT, with participants benefiting NEXT for AUTISM.
The campaign for the International Medical Corps has a 1963 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon as the top prize, while those who enter to win the 2020 Cadillac Escalade will benefit PATH, an organization serving the homeless population of California during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911: Building The Green Machine
When it was hauled into Zelectric in San Diego for its powertrain retrofit, the gasoline engine was frozen and the transmission was shot. At that point, it had been sitting for 20 years. The new owner wanted to retain the original styling, but have the gasoline engine swapped for an electric powertrain of epic proportions. This restored car was to race, so plans for a heavy-duty suspension and roll bar were devised. Polycarbonate windows and a fiberglass hood were employed to drop the weight. All badges were stripped.
With Zelectric retrofits, it’s not about jamming a battery under the back seat and calling it good. These are fully-custom builds, where the electrified powertrain conversion is done with consideration for the whole of the vehicle’s architecture. The process is so delicate and exact that, as of right now, Zelectric only works on classic air-cooled VWs and Porsches.
This green machine was a perfect fit. It was the right year and the right model. Everyone in the San Diego shop loved it, but it was nothing more than a roller at this point.
Tesla Transplant
At that time (2018), only a few “Tesla transplants” had been successfully completed anywhere in the world. The process is far beyond a typical engine swap, given the nature of a Tesla powertrain in general. EV West, one of Zelectric’s partners, had been working to “unlock” the Tesla plant so it would function reliably outside of a factory Tesla. The end goal was to fit a Model S powertrain into the architecture of the classic Porsche, but it required some creative engineering.
It would take another year for the full transplant, as the team spent countless hours building a custom motor support and new axles for the chassis. Robust battery boxes were designed, and a more efficient battery management system was put in place. Unique wiring and cooling systems were engineered.
An Unexpected Surprise
Just as Zelectric was heading into the home stretch, the client found he couldn’t commit to finishing the rebuild. With so much time and energy invested into the car over several years, Zelectric bought the Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 and later made it available to Omaze for this campaign.
Because the Omaze platform is designed how it is, you have a chance to win this Tesla-powered 1968 Porsche 911outside the typical auction setting. Make sure you enter this campaign at the link above, as you will be benefiting a great cause.
Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Transmission: Automatic
- Exterior Color: Irish Green
- Maximum Seating: 2 seats
- Engine: Tesla Model S P85 Motor
- Charge Range: 120+ miles at highway speeds.
- Interior Color: Custom black with carbon fiber accents.
- Maximum Horsepower: 500+ HP (the original 912 engine was 90 HP!).
- Special features: Level 2 charge port; rear decklid solar panel; upgraded sport suspension; drilled disc brakes; LED lighting; Bluetooth sound system with Alpine speakers and subwoofer.
Original article: You Can Win This Tesla-Powered 1968 Porsche 911 & $20,000 Cash
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