SAR-based tuner builds an exact replica of the Sauber-Mercedes C9 racecar

Creating a precise copy of an iconic vehicle can be a daunting and resource-consuming task even for specialized car body shops, let alone single enthusiasts. It is therefore all the more impressive when such individuals make themselves known. Meet Johan Ackermann, a mechanic from Kempton Park, SAR, who produced a spitting image of the racecar known as the Sauber-Mercedes C9.

The original Sauber-Mercedes C9 debuted in 1987, heralding the German luxury carmaker’s comeback into professional motorsports. In 1988, the vehicle claimed five awards during the World Sportscar Championship, followed by the 24 Hours of Le-Mans gold a year after.

Johan began working on his pet project eight years ago. He had to build the chassis, the body and the aero kit from scratch, but he ended with a car that could easily be mistaken for the Le Mans-winning C9.

Powering the build is a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engine churning out 322 hp (240 kW). Factor in the curb weight (1,000 kg / 2,204 pounds), and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear it makes 300 km/h (186 mph) in a straight line.

One last highlight of the project is that the vehicle is actually street-legal – at least, in SAR. Ackermann has already found a buyer for it, but the amount paid remains undisclosed.

Photo: motor1.com