Gemballa Cyrrus classic cars for sale

History of the Gemballa Cyrrus

Founded in the early 1980s by Uwe Gemballa, Gemballa quickly carved a name for itself as Germany’s most radical Porsche tuner. The Cyrrus, derived from the 911 G-Modell, was Gemballa’s response to the flair and drama of the era—a car designed not only to provoke visually but to push road-car engineering boundaries. The model appeared at a time when highly individual custom builds were a symbol of status among the car elite. Gemballa’s approach was uncompromising: everything from body styling to interior was reworked to the customer’s wildest wishes, placing the Cyrrus at the intersection of technology fetish, luxury excess and motorsport ambition.

Model History

The Cyrrus emerged as a unique proposition by re-imagining the Porsche 911 G-Modell. There is no direct predecessor, as the Cyrrus marked the first high-profile, widebody, extravagantly modified Gemballa variant for the 911. Its successors are reflected in later, technically more advanced Gemballa conversions, but none carries quite the Cyrrus’ same blend of ‘80s technology showcase and bold visual drama. Limited numbers and bespoke builds mean each example differs in execution, further deepening its rarity in today’s market.

Highlights and Special Features

Every Cyrrus was tailored to its owner, often featuring radical body kits including extra-wide fenders, striking side skirts, and futuristic details like pop-up headlights and bespoke alloy wheels. Interiors received one-off luxury appointments, a Gemballa trademark, ranging from television screens to lavishly upholstered Recaro seating and custom hi-fi systems. Technically, the Cyrrus incorporated numerous suspension, brake and engine upgrades, underscoring performance alongside its unique styling.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

As each Gemballa Cyrrus was a bespoke creation, every car can be considered a one-off. Some units are particularly notable for factory-installed, record-setting audio-video systems or extra-extravagant paint and trim options, setting them apart even among Cyrrus models. No two Cyrrus examples are exactly alike, and documentation of individual builds is a unique hallmark for collectors.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No standardised weak spots are documented for the Cyrrus due to the highly individual nature of each build. However, buyers should pay particular attention to the integrity of custom bodywork, the condition of wiring (especially for complex audio-video and electronics installations), and the availability of bespoke interior and trim components. As many parts are unique, sourcing Gemballa-specific replacements requires specialist knowledge and networks.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Depending on customer specification and base car, the Gemballa Cyrrus could surpass standard 911 performance significantly. Engine upgrades—often turbocharged—delivered aggressive acceleration, while suspension modifications and wider tracks improved grip and cornering. Transmissions were reworked for durability and smoother power delivery under increased loads, making the Cyrrus as capable on the road as it was theatrical in appearance. Highlighted builds include Cyrrus variants equipped with twin-turbocharged engines, those featuring outrageous 'gullwing' doors, or interiors with full multimedia integrations—a reflection both of Gemballa’s technical ambition and the excesses of the era.

Design: Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Accessories

Every visual detail of the Cyrrus signals a departure from the mainstream. The body design stretches the G-Modell silhouette into wide-arch flamboyance, with deep side skirts, integrated spoilers, and pioneering lighting concepts—such as pop-up or mirror-mounted units. Interiors set the benchmark for luxury and individuality, with options that could include custom leatherwork, deeply bolstered Recaro seats, designer steering wheels, integrated television screens, and even telephone installations—years ahead of their time. Special paint schemes ranged from subtle metallics to outrageously bold custom creations. Bespoke accessories, such as Gemballa-branded alloy wheels and instrument panels, further underline the Cyrrus’ unique character.

Other Features and Information

Documentation and certification are crucial for the Cyrrus, given its bespoke construction. Verifiable provenance, records of the individual build, and maintenance history are more important for valuation than with any mass-produced 911. Potential buyers should expect to invest time in researching each car's unique specification and any period modifications.

Summary of the Gemballa Cyrrus

The Gemballa Cyrrus is an absolute outlier—where radical custom conversion meets the engineering core of the Porsche 911 G-Modell. Its rarity, extravagant design and technical modifications make it a topic of fascination for those who appreciate the height of ‘80s bespoke car culture. Each example is a time capsule of individual expression, with performance, luxury and technology that remain distinctive even decades later.