Type 7

Working as the Digital Strategy Manager for one of Japan’s biggest car manufacturers for over 26 years, Iso has spent a significant amount of time working on digital transformation initiatives within the brand’s design division, working on everything from concept car development, hands-on digital and physical prototyping, and beyond.

Iso also spent years travelling back and forth between Japan and the US, where he was drawn in by the outlaw car culture and canyon driving. “I liked how everyone had their own lifestyle, customising and building their Porsches to their taste, I wanted to do the same,” he recalls. “The early 911 is a car that has history and character because of its iconic design - that’s what I like most.”

These formative years travelling and absorbing Porsche culture in Japan and particularly California, Iso’s desire for a real driver’s car flourished. Finding inspiration in the simplistic execution of early model Le Mans and Monte Carlo cars, Iso’s vision was executed - his personal rendition of a 911 S/T. Of course, there remains many differences between Iso’s 911 and an original S/T. A simple replica was never the goal.

“From 1969-1973, there were Porsches that competed in Le Mans and the Monte Carlo rally called 911 S/Ts. There were also Longhood (F-body) cars that were in Safari rallies, I got my inspiration from a mix of these”

The final form of Iso-san’s 911 is yet to be achieved, with Iso noting that a wider rear may still be on the cards. For now, it will retain its lightly flared arches. Weighing in at just 1050kg, the 231 bhp 3.2 retains enough of its mid 80’s kick to throw the car around. Paired with a recently fitted Kaaz LSD and lightweight flywheel, the car is balanced perfectly for the tight switchbacks and rolling corners of Japan’s mountain roads.

“There’s a variety of Porsche culture in Tokyo. You have the people who buy them and just drive them, then you have people who preserve and restore. For me cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed.”

Iso’s passion for driving developed further when he founded a group of likeminded Tokyo Porsche owners. Coining the name ‘Kuhrei’, the Japanese translation of ‘air-cooled’, the group gathers regularly - each meet usually involving more driving and less parking, whether it be in the Kanto countryside or the centre of Tokyo - all of Kuhrei’s members share the same passion for spirited driving.

Iso-san’s 9-5 involves developing the strategy and storytelling behind high end technology in modern cars. Autonomous driving, AI integration and envelope pushing design – a stark contrast to his 5-9, where a much more mechanical experience is an absolute priority. “The passion comes from the last era where the car is a machine that you drive, rather than just a computer.”