From city streets to race tracks, Porsche cars have a long history in the automotive world and have consistently been at the forefront of innovation in terms of style, performance, and engineering. However, plenty of talented independent builders out there develop incredible builds that embrace individuality and improve on the already very exciting supercars.
In the thriving Porsche tuning and customization world, the safari-style Porsche 928 Monolite Project stands out as a testament to the boundless possibilities these machines open up. Designed by talented racing driver and car customizer Fernando "Fercho" Urquiza of Mexico-based Essen Garage, this heavily modified Porsche is a technical marvel and living proof that these cars can serve as everything from sporty daily drivers to high-performance rally cars.
Urquiza became a Porsche fan in his early teenage years, and he ended up setting up his own Porsche restoration and customs shop in Querétaro, Mexico, unleashing his creativity on mind-blowing, unconventional builds like The Monolite Project.
This heavily modified off-roader started life as a stock 1980 Porsche 928 S grand tourer equipped with a manual gearbox, laying the grounds for a magnificent transformation. Urquiza spent more than two years masterfully converting the car into a highly capable rally car. He meticulously turned the rear of the 928 S into a pickup, handcrafted various components of the vehicle, and essentially blended classic elegance with off-road prowess into one of the most unique Porsche projects to date.
Photo: JC Abascal Simón/ Instagram
The Monolite Project benefits from a long list of bespoke features, one of the most striking being the skillful modification of the rear hatch into a bed, creating a large enough space for carrying two spare tires, highlighting the car's rally-ready design.
Another standout feature is the handcrafted roof rack and brush bar, which accommodates a quad spotlight setup and a recovery jack, enhancing the functionality of this safari-style beast. The rack is capable of securely holding various sports equipment, from bicycles to a foil board and water skis, while a robust 10,000lb WARN winch integrated into the custom front bumper is ready for action whenever the road gets tough.
A quarter-inch skid plate in the front shields essential driveline components, adding both protection and style, and the front corner panels have been widened and fitted with skilfully flared fenders. The rear fenders have also been treated to custom flares, accommodating taller and wider tires. The Porsche now sits on a raised suspension and a set of five-arm wheels wrapped in Kumho all-terrain tires that not only add style but also improve its off-road capabilities.
Beneath the car's doors, the builder added a set of bespoke rock sliders that run from tire to tire, complemented by a full skid plate that strengthens the bottom of the car.
This custom front-engined Porsche is powered by a completely rebuilt 5.4-liter V8 coupled with a manual gearbox.
Photo: JC Abascal Simón/ Instagram
The 928 S donor has also been endowed with a racing-inspired interior. It now features a roll cage and a set of OMP racing seats with five-point harnesses completely trimmed in Alcantara leather. Thus, both safety and comfort are ensured during high-speed adventures. A MOMO steering wheel, custom fluorescent yellow floor mats that match the roll-bar paint, and a flocked dash complete the interior design.
The driver will also be able to enjoy modern amenities like the Porsche Classic stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GPS. Further enhancing the driving experience are Focal speakers and a bespoke titanium exhaust for a perfect combination of engine roars and music.
Fercho Urquiza's Porsche 928 Monolite Project is currently on the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2023, so it will be on display in various major cities. With its unique features and high-end performance, this car is not only a beauty to behold but also a marvel of engineering, pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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