DRIVERS is a series highlighting influential individuals in the HYPEBEAST sphere and their passion towards all things automotive. The approach is simple: what is car culture to you, and why do you have a passion for it? Each contributor is given a chance to shine light on their personal vehicle or vehicles, and asked to remark on how they are driving culture forward, both metaphorically and literally.
A legend has arrived: for this week’s DRIVERS, we’re excited to feature the one and only Magnus Walker.
In the illustrious world of automotive enthusiasts, there are car collectors, and then there’s Magnus. For ages now, the 54-year-old former fashion designer has become the man to know if you were getting into collectible cars and car culture. From Porsches and Ferraris to classic American muscle and Italian supercars, Magnus has lent his vision and know-how to all of them.
Born in the United Kingdom and moved to the States back in the 80s, Magnus got his start with clothing, having founded the clothing brand Serious and styled for Hollywood’s elite. His passion for petrol eventually transitioned his persona and career to automotive, becoming the de facto figure for car culture, enthusiasm, modification, collection and, most importantly, the drive.
His image of the “Urban Outlaw” quite literally cemented the vintage look that everyone wants to replicate but few can – the rough, rugged, driven Porsche that stands out in a sea of boring. Alongside his veritable fleet of sports cars, his work with Hagerty on The Big Thing has become a textbook of sorts for understanding automotive holy grails and collectibles. Beyond cars, Magnus’ vision is often transitioned into collaborations, having worked with brands like Hot Wheels, wheel company Fifteen52 and, speaking of “grails”, Nike SB. His high-top pair with skater Ishod Wair is considered one of the most coveted Dunk High SBs of 2021.
So what kind of car would stand out for a car collector like Magnus Walker? His 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo 930, according to the man himself. The vintage, air-cooled super car stands as one of the most sought after Porsches of all time, ironically for its dangerous, violent, fear-inducing acceleration that ultimately bestowed upon it its nickname: “The Widowmaker.” The 930 was the first generation to be “Turbo”-ed in the sense that they were the pinnacle of Porsche power in a flat-six engine, whereas now all flat-six Porsche gas motors are force induced – they are all turbo Porsches, but this was the first Porsche Turbo. Best of all, Magnus’ example is driven, with plenty of patina, design-and-functional modifications, and with over 113,000 miles on the odometer.
Check out our latest edition of DRIVERS and in case you missed it, we last featured agency OG John Pangilinan and his ultra-clean 2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition.
Tell us about your car.
Its a 1976 930 Turbo Carrera three-liter single turbo. In fact, it’s the first American Turbo sold in the USA, originally delivered to Bob Smith Porsche in Hollywood. It’s a life long LA car and I’m the fourth owner. It’s been repainted a few times, has lots of character, patina, and 113,000 miles.
When did you acquire it?
I acquired the car a little over 10 years ago, when prices were low and few people cared about early Turbos. My buddy Marty had worked on the car for the prior two owners over the past 25 years.
What made you choose this car specifically?
Well, it’s the car that started my love affair with Porsche. As a 10 year old, I had a Porsche Turbo poster on my wall.
In fact, I even wrote a letter to Porsche… saying how I wanted to design cars for them. They wrote back and said ‘Call us when ya older.’ So it represented a dream come true, and a sense of personal achievement.
What is the main purpose of this car for you?
Enjoyment, and smiles per mile are the purposes of this car. Along with being an important part of my Porsche collection, it represents total freedom.
Any interesting stories you’d like to share about this car?
It’s rumored to have been ordered by the actor Robert Redford back in the ’70s.
Any details? Modifications? Changes?
[It’s] running on wider 15×8″ and 15×9″ Fuchs wheels with meaty 225-275/50/15 Hoosier tires, lowered, [and with] my signature Momo steering wheel.
What are cars to you: aspirational achievements, functional tools, stress-relievers, etc?
Cars are freedom to go where ever you want at whatever pace you want, on the open road, allowing you to meet fellow passionate car culture people along the way, forming memorable moments, smiles per mile, friendships and connections.
What have you owned before?
– Over 60 Porsches – 911s, 914s, 924s, 928s, 944s, 968s, 930s, GT2s, GT3s, etc.
– Three E-Type Jags
– Two [Dodge] Super Bees
– Two Lotuses: a Europa and an Esprit
– Two Ferraris: a 308 GT4 Dino and a 308 GTB
– AMC Hornet
What’s in your three-car dream garage?
1. Ferrari F40
2. Mercedes Gullwing
3. Porsche 930
What is the future of the automotive industry, and car culture in general?
Car culture is stronger than ever. The automotive industry is led by marketing, so whatever is trendy at the moment, [but] as long as we can still get oil and gas, all should be fine 🙂
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wazup.