#10: The Lights Situation

Welcome back to our blog, where we're chronicling the exciting journey of the Sanctum 9XX project. This project is an ambitious endeavor to blend the classic design elements of the Porsche 930 with the modern 997.1 platform. We've covered various aspects in previous blogs, but today, we're focusing on a particularly challenging aspect: the lights.

Porsche 997.1 Turbo vs 930 Turbo Front Lights

Our task was to integrate the front lights, considering the differences between the two models. The 997.1's front curvature is tilted backward, demanding a similar design for fenders and headlights. This results in a light angle of around 45 degrees. In contrast, the 930's headlights are more upright due to its pronounced fenders, positioned at an angle north of 60 degrees.

The Challenge

Our main challenge was finding headlights that not only matched the original 930 shape but also incorporated modern LED technology. Initially, we considered upgrading the original 930 lights, but they didn't fit the larger Sanctum 9XX body's proportions.

The Search for Alternatives

After discarding the original 930 lights, we explored the aftermarket parts for the 964 generation. We were particularly impressed with 9Eleven's designs from California, but unfortunately, communication issues led us to look elsewhere.

We then discovered Carbone from Poland, whose responsiveness was a pleasant surprise. Our chance encounter with them at the Rennsport Reunion in September 2023 allowed us to acquire the lights without waiting for overseas shipping.

That turned out to be a relatively easy solution. The rear lights were a different story.

Porsche 997.1 Turbo vs. 930 Turbo Rear Lights

The rear design posed a different set of challenges. The 997.1 Turbo's rounded rear and modern-looking lights required significant rework to align with the 930's aesthetics.

Our car's increased width meant the original 930 Turbo rear lights were too small.

Our Solution

Fortunately, we collaborated with Olli's Custom Parts, who agreed to redesign their lights to suit our requirements. Olli’s engineers took the existing 930 aftermarket lights they manufacture and re-engineered them to fit the wider body of the Sanctum 9XX car.

The Rear Center Reflector Strip

A notable design feature of the 930 is its rear center reflector strip. We decided to make this an optional feature for our customers, rather than including it in the base model.

Fog Lights

The fog lights, a defining element of the 930, also required our attention. The original execution, as shown in the middle image below, was our starting point.

We chose to use the 993's aftermarket fog lights, flipping them for a better fit with our design while staying true to Porsche's styling. We're offering our customers the choice to exclude fog lights or opt for a more traditional, externally mounted solution.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring the Sanctum 9XX project to life, blending tradition with innovation in this unique automotive venture!