If you've found yourself on this page, it likely means our design caught your attention. Today we would like to share the journey behind our Porsche Spider Top and the passion that fueled its creation. Hope you enjoy the story!
After launching the Mustang Spider Top, we searched for the next vehicle to expand our lineup. However, none of the options felt like a natural progression. That changed when we took a closer look at the 911 chassis, specifically the 996 and 997 generations that share the same convertible top mechanism. The silhouette of the 911 convertible with the Spider Top will look so natural, unlike other convertibles available on the market. Besides, the numbers speak for themselves—Porsche produced 175,000 units of the 996 and 213,000 units of the 997, which includes about 65,700 convertible 996s and 78,000 convertible 997s.
It’s important to mention that Porsche has its own history of similar modifications to its cabrio version – the Speedster. Some may think we’re simply recreating the Speedster’s iconic cover, but that’s not our intention. While our design shares similarities, Porsche enthusiasts know that Speedsters are distinct, thanks to their lower windshields that enhance their unique appeal. Notably, a 996 Speedster never existed, and the 997 Speedster featured a fully automatic soft top. Our goal wasn’t to replicate or pay tribute to a specific model. Instead, we aimed to redefine the convertible experience, enhancing both form and function with our Spider Top.
The main design aim was to introduce more pronounced humps behind the seats, creating a fighter jet-inspired silhouette. Driving a convertible often feels exposed—visible from all angles. Our Spider Top provides a sense of security by reducing rear visibility into the cabin. The higher humps are intentional, making the design visually striking while ensuring it stands apart from traditional Speedster iterations.
Bringing this concept to life came with its own set of challenges. We first began sketching the idea in February 2023, but in the summer of that year, Clinched’s move from Miami to Charlotte temporarily put the project on hold. It wasn’t until September 2023 that we finally had the opportunity to scan the 911 convertible and turn our vision into reality. However, the process was more complex than anticipated. Unlike our Mustang Spider Top, which provided a solid foundation of experience, the Porsche presented an entirely different set of technical challenges. It took a full year of refinement—scrapping and rebuilding multiple times—before we arrived at a final design that met our expectations.
911 convertibles are equipped with a rollover protection system that automatically deploys roll bars in the event of an accident. Ensuring our design worked seamlessly with this safety mechanism was a top priority. Additionally, we wanted the Spider Top to be fully bolt-on, requiring no permanent modifications to the car. Through extensive testing, we developed multiple secure attachment points that keep the Spider Top firmly in place—even at high speeds.
We recognize that the Porsche community holds exceptionally high standards for quality and functionality. Clinched shares that same commitment to excellence, which is why we have meticulously refined every detail—from materials to usability. Now, as we prepare to unveil our first real prototype, we are eager to introduce this concept to 996 and 997 convertible owners.
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