The RSR Project, a boutique builder of air-cooled Porsche 911 RSR tributes, announced the delivery of its latest build: a custom 1985 Carrera-based Porsche 911 RSR designed and constructed specifically for comedian, podcast host and longtime automotive enthusiast Joe Rogan.
The commission reflects both Rogan’s passion for high-performance driving and The RSR Project’s signature approach of blending period-correct design with meticulous engineering, company officials stated in a press release. Founder Richard Schickman personally led the build, which features a fully reengineered 3.5L powerplant good for 310 horsepower and outfitted with twin-plug heads, GT3 air intake plenum, Clewett Engineering throttle bodies managed by an Emtron SL ECU, Elgin Cams, Lucas fuel injectors and Bosch coil packs. The motor is paired with a rebuilt transmission, refreshed suspension, and a full concours-quality restoration from bare-metal tub to final road testing.
“Our goal with every build is to honor Porsche’s motorsport heritage while elevating performance to meet modern expectations,” said Schickman. “For Joe, we wanted to create something that was not just stunning to look at, but also thrilling and reliable to drive. Every RSR build should feel alive every time you turn the key.”
Every RSR Build Is Completely Torn Down & Rebuilt
The RSR Project says that every build begins with a complete teardown and meticulous inspection of the engine, transmission and supporting components. The bottom end is disassembled, measured and cleaned before each steel component is magnafluxed and sonic tanked to ensure integrity, while pistons and rods are balanced to within a single gram and crank journals polished.
New bushings, bearings, seals and hardware are installed throughout, and the cylinder heads are glass-beaded, resurfaced to within half a thousandth of an inch, and fitted with new guides, seals and springs after a competition-level valve job. Cylinders are honed, machined flat and measured for perfect alignment, while the transmission is stripped, magnafluxed and rebuilt with new synchros, seals and guides before the refinished case is reassembled. The result is a drivetrain that looks factory-new yet performs with unmatched reliability and precision, forming the foundation for every RSR tribute, noted the release.
Each RSR Project shell starts life as a galvanized 1984–89 911 Carrera tub, which is stripped down, fitted with steel flares, and reshaped into the iconic “longhood” design. From there, the cars undergo a Pebble Beach–level paint process, are fitted with 15×9-inch and 15×11-inch Braid Fuchs wheels on Michelin TB15 vintage tires, and finished with period-correct RSR touches such as a ducktail spoiler, fiberglass bumpers and Carrera striping.
Interior of the Custom 1985 Carrera Porsche 911 RSR
Inside, Rogan’s car reflects the same obsessive attention to detail found throughout the build, the company stated. The cabin has been completely stripped and reupholstered, starting with a new Porsche Classic dash that restores the period-correct look and feel. RS-style door panels and proper Perlon carpeting keep the interior lightweight to stay true to its motorsport roots, while custom fixed-shell bucket seats—wrapped in black vinyl with Rogan’s choice of a unique woven leather with nickel grommets reminiscent of 1960s GT40s—add both comfort and personality.
The driving position is defined by a classic Momo Prototipo steering wheel, refreshed pedal assembly and a precision Wevo short shifter that channels the mechanical purity of the 915 gearbox. Even the smallest details, from the radio block-off plate to the exposed pull straps on the doors, are intentional nods to Porsche’s racing heritage.
Clients can request modern amenities such as a sound system, but Rogan opted for a pure, distraction-free cockpit that celebrates the minimalism of Porsche’s golden era while still feeling bespoke and tailored to him. The lone modern technological upgrade incorporated into the interior of Rogan’s vehicle was an electric air conditioning unit.
“Every RSR we create is built to be driven and enjoyed thoroughly,” added Schickman. “Joe’s car was tested extensively, road-proven for over 700 miles, and tuned to deliver the kind of visceral experience that makes these tributes so special.”
Builds by The RSR Project
Builds from The RSR Project begin at $375,000, with additional options such as 3.4L or 3.5L engine upgrades, modernized air conditioning and performance braking systems available upon request. The RSR Project provides the donor car for each new vehicle build, with vehicle delivery typically taking between 12 and 18 months.
Earlier this year, the company revealed The RSR Project No. 21—a one-of-a-kind modified Signal Orange 911 that pays homage to the 1973 Rennsport Rennwagen.