Designed and assembled in Melbourne, the Zeigler/Bailey Z/B 4.4 sets out to redefine the boundaries of premium retro-styled performance with its seductive combination of beauty, brains and brawn.
Whatever you do, don’t call the Zeigler/Bailey Z/B 4.4 a “restomod”. That faux pas might be enough to get you sent to the bottom of the order list for this exclusive Australian-engineered coupe.
Based on the classic Porsche 911 ‘G-series’ models of 1975-89 but significantly re-engineered with up-to-the-minute platform, engine, suspension, electronics and driver ergonomics, the premium retro-styled Porsche surpasses the current thinking of “restomod” engineering, according to its manufacturer.
Rather than building onto a dated platform, suspension geometry and so forth, the Z/B 4.4 introduces a new sheet steel platform, all-new suspension geometries, and comprehensive substitution of its other components and systems, as befits its modern performance car positioning.
While visually recalling one of Porsche’s most rare and revered air-cooled models, the 911 RS 2.7 of 1972-73, the Z/B 4.4 features a purpose-designed steel platform that accommodates new thinking in suspension, cabin ergonomics and electronic architecture.
For the driver, that means an uncompromised seating position and alignment of controls, enhanced by the first height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel to be fitted in a car of this type.
It also means rethinking performance expectations, with the pièce de résistance being a bespoke, aluminium billet 4.4-litre engine that delivers the soul and sound of the air-cooled original – but 300kW/500Nm power and torque outputs that are more akin to a contemporary 992-series 911 Carrera.
Roadholding for the 1325kg coupe is enhanced by new suspension, including an aluminium billet rear crossmember housing a multi-link system with pushrod-actuated, inboard coil-over dampers, derived from Le Mans prototype design experience. At the front is a MacPherson strut type.
The ageing electronic architecture has also been completely overhauled with solid-state power control modules (PCMs) linked by CAN-bus technology, which the manufacturer claims provide enhanced reliability, diagnostics and remote upgrading, and GPS tracking.
Designed and assembled in Melbourne but created for global markets, the Zeigler/Bailey Z/B 4.4 is the brainchild of entrepreneur and classic Porsche collector John Zeigler Jr and automotive and mechatronics engineer Greg Bailey.
The pair set out to create a distinctive sports car style that would appeal to drivers who demand a level of individuality and emotional connection they believe is getting harder to find in today’s showroom offerings.
Oozing classic Porsche cool and sporting a hefty AU$1.6m price tag, the Z/B 4.4 is designed and built to applicable Australian Design Rules and Australian Standards, and is described by its makers as a “a truly world-class, modern analogue sports car experience”.
The car’s unique, symmetrical platform design, which equalises production in either right- or left-hand drive, means a retrospective conversion can be completed in less than eight hours.
In addition, advanced CAD design techniques and new low-volume manufacturing technologies enable complex components to be brought to life within hours. This includes ‘tool-less’ technologies like CNC machining from solid billets of aluminium, and metal 3D printing of stainless-steel components such as the Z/B 4.4’s tuned exhaust system.
Despite its eye-watering price tag and 12-month wait time from commissioning to delivery, the manufacturer says there are currently six pre-sold Z/B 4.4 cars at various stages of production, with three cars at or near completion, with a further three of the highly modified body shells ready for internal fit-out.
Production is planned at 10 cars per year for the Australian market, but Zeigler/Bailey believes its symmetrical platform design and unique production approach will allow the cars to be assembled under licence in overseas markets, with a parallel business opportunity for the international sale and production of engines, upgrade components, and electronics packages.
