Julià Automobile, an established Barcelona-based contemporary coachbuilder with a reputation for bespoke ‘backdates’, has forged a unique partnership with VM vehicle designer Christopher Reitz, grandson of Porsche founder, Ferry Porsche.
Operating from a base steeped in history – an evocative 20th-century former textile factory – the bustling, fourth-generation family business has built an international reputation for combining traditional coachbuilding craftsmanship with contemporary engineering and design to restore and deliver bespoke, analogue Porsche 911 pre-’73 ‘backdates’ to customer order.
To date, Julià Automobile has completed over 30 unique commissions for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, each typically requiring between 12 and 18 months to complete.
The collaboration with Reitz has added a unique dimension to the company’s offering, bringing together Porsche family heritage, world-class automotive design expertise and Julià Automobile’s substantial in-house design, manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
Reitz’s professional credentials extend well beyond his family name. His career includes senior design leadership roles with Alfa Romeo, Fiat Chrysler and Nissan before he established his automotive design studio and consultancy in Barcelona.
“I was approached by a number of air-cooled Porsche 911 owners interested in bespoke design and mechanical upgrades,” said Reitz. “After developing the design concept and specifications for the first project, I met with Julià Automobile and immediately recognised a strong alignment in values, craftsmanship and design philosophy. That shared vision became the foundation of our partnership.”
Established in 1970 by designer and Porsche enthusiast Josep Egui Julià, Julià Automobile traces its roots back more than a century through successive generations of craftsmen and coachbuilders. Today, under the leadership of Josep’s son, Jan Egui, the company employs a highly specialised team of technicians, engineers, designers and artisans whose work has earned recognition amongst international Porsche collectors.
“We are deeply respectful of Porsche’s design heritage and the philosophy established by Ferry Porsche with the original 356,” said Egui. “When Christopher joined us, we were already fulfilling restoration and bespoke ‘backdate’ commissions, but our collaboration has elevated both our creative capabilities and our international reach. Working together from concept through to execution has delivered significant value for our clients and for the continued growth of the business.”
As demand for Porsche ‘restomods’ and backdated 911s continues to expand globally, Julià Automobile has deliberately positioned itself at the more understated end of the market. While comparisons with other high-profile restoration brands are inevitable, the company’s first bespoke Porsche project pre-dates that of the most significant Porsche restomod specialists.
“Our first Porsche backdate was completed in 2004,” said Egui. “Our client brought us his Porsche 911 3.0 SC Coupé, which we backdated to a pre-‘73 narrow body car, with upgraded engine, brakes, suspension etc plus an interior resonant with the period. It was very understated – utterly classic.”
Most Julià commissions begin with Porsche 964 donor vehicles, although 993 models have appeared on the build sheet. Each car undergoes a comprehensive yet visually subtle transformation, with clients able to specify body configuration, engine output, ancillaries, plus interior design and materials. The majority of commissions are powered by an extensively uprated, Julià-built 3.8-litre air-cooled flat-six Porsche engine, paired with six-speed manual transmission, bespoke suspension systems and braking packages etc., tailored for road or track.
A key differentiator for the business is its vertically-integrated production model. Every stage of development – from chassis and body restoration to engine building, paintwork and interior trimming – is completed in-house at the recently extended 3,000 sq.m. Barcelona facility, allowing the company to maintain exceptional quality control while offering clients a highly personalised experience.
Bells and whistles are not on the Julià menu when it comes to bespoke specification. “What would my grandfather update in a 911 if he were here today?” is Reitz’ guiding principle.
He continued: “The objective is not to create something overly extravagant, but to truly reflect the timeless and elegant Porsche DNA in a pure analogue driver’s car – That’s where it all began. That philosophy remains central to everything that Julià does today. We seek to preserve the honesty and purity that defined Porsche from the beginning while creating for our clients something thrilling and unique of today.”
“Clearly it is for clients to decide on the specification they desire”, he continued, “particularly when it comes to interiors… the Italian leathers we use, the trim materials and colours and so on. Our role is to help guide them in their choices while remaining faithful to the spirit of the marque, in a totally open relationship, which includes regular visits during their car’s restoration and build.”
Looking ahead, Reitz hinted at further developments designed to build upon both Porsche’s enduring legacy and Julià’s momentum…
He said: “Many will know of my grandfather’s comment when he founded the Porsche brand and unveiled the first car to bear the Porsche name, the 356: ‘In the beginning, I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of, so I decided to build it myself.’”
Reitz continued: “My grandfather’s vision to create cars with honest, raw driving appeal gave birth to Porsche. Now, more than 75 years later, the Porsche I too dream of no longer exists in production. That’s the guiding light to a design-led development that is in planning, the principle being to honour my grandfather and the unparalleled Porsche motorsporting heritage he spawned in a very fresh and exciting way – There is more to come”, he concluded with a wry smile.
Meantime, Julià Automobile’s bespoke Porsche 911 backdate commissions start from €160,000 (£140,000 / $185,000), excluding taxes and donor vehicle, with final pricing determined by individual clients’ specifications.
For further information, contact Julià Automobile at info@julia-automobile.com
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