Air Cooled Classics

Air Cooled Classics is a Knoxville, Tennessee, shop that works only on air-cooled Porsches. Its website lists the 356, 911, 912, 914, 964 and 993, and it is known for backdating newer 964 cars to resemble 1970s long-hood 911s. The address is 10402 Lexington Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932, and the phone number is (865) 671-9146. This profile is based on the shop's own site. The shop has no partnership with Classic Cars Arena.

Who they are

The site names Don Ramsay as the owner. It says he began working on Porsches in 1971, rebuilding a 1958 speedster in an auto mechanics class, and later restored his own 1958 356A coupe before studying mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee. The company site gives 1982 as the year the company was established. The shop also says it was the first to backdate the Porsche 964. That is its own claim and is not independently confirmed.

What they restore

The focus is air-cooled Porsche models, from early 356s through the 993 generation. Its best-documented specialty is backdating, where a 964 from the early 1990s is rebuilt with early 911 styling and components. The gallery shows examples including a 1992 964 C2 and a 1991 964 C2 ST.

Work done in-house

• Backdating and restomod builds
• Engine rebuilding
• Restoration work
• Race preparation
• Mechanical service

Directory descriptions also mention metal fabrication. The shop says customers can bring a car in any condition and the team will create or find everything else needed.

Projects and awards

The site shows backdated 964s in its gallery. It lists no awards, and we are not claiming any.

Working with the shop

Beyond the any-condition statement, the site publishes no estimate or billing policy. A backdate is a major build, so ask for a written scope. Our guide to classic car restoration cost helps frame a budget.

Reputation

Listings show a Birdeye page with a modest number of reviews, but we did not open it and are not quoting a rating. Ask the shop for owner references.

Visiting

The site lists Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, closed Sunday. Call ahead on (865) 671-9146. Porsche shoppers can browse classic Porsche 911s for sale.