Now for something unusual to wish for as your holiday gift this year. That is if you can find one.

During the mid-1990s the Japanese Marushin model company made a 1:8 working scale model of the 911/83 Carrera RS 2.7 engine under license agreement from Porsche AG. Not only does this work, but apparently can run up to 5,500 RPM. The engine runs on compared air with all the movable parts operating as it would on the real thing including functioning crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, rocker arms, and valves.

Just as impressive are the materials used when manufacturing the over 500 component parts (not including hundreds of screws) that make up this model. Everything from cast zinc, aluminum, copper, steel, brass, rubber, and plastic was used. For example, just like the original the exhaust box is in metal while the MFI air intake is plastic.

Carefully packed in a wooden case the model also came with tools for assembly and an English instruction manual.

See this photo gallery for photos of the many detailed parts that make up this unusual 911/83 engine model.


One of the Marushin 911/83 scale models is currently offered on eBay in Japan with an optomistic price tag. These rare models sold for around $1000 new back in the 1990s and now trade hands for a few thousand dollars.