THE ARTWORK

The iconic Whale Tail made its debut on the legendary 1975 930 Turbo, a car that left an indelible mark on an entire generation. Renowned for being the first Porsche to feature a turbocharged engine, it possessed a distinctive wider appearance and offered unique driving characteristics, including turbo lag and oversteering.

The turbochargers used in the Porsche 930 Turbo were derived directly from the 917/10 and 917/30 monster prototypes from the landmark CanAm era as well as Group 6 936 and later 934 and 935 Group 5 racers as seen at the world’s most important sports car races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Johans takes inspiration from this iconic 930 Turbo spoiler, infusing it with his creative vision. By reshaping its form and adorning it with the most legendary racing liveries, he breathes new life into this timeless canvas, paying homage to the rich heritage of motorsport and reviving the emotions and nostalgia of the glorious racing past of Porsche.

As an airline captain, Johans observed the mesmerizing vortexes swirling around the wings, where the air appeared to transform into water. Inspired by this spectacle and pondering how to capture the essence of speed in a static art piece, Johans conceived the idea of crafting drops, symbolizing fluidity and motion, as a representation of the dynamic energy found in a Porsche.

The meticulous process of shaping the drops constitutes the most delicate and time-consuming phase of the creation. Crafted by hand using Epoxy and filler, each drop possesses similarities yet subtle differences across every object. Drawing inspiration from the spoiler’s original purpose of directing air and generating downforce, the drops symbolize the fluidity and speed inherent in the movement of air, likening it to a liquid in motion.

In his pursuit of perfection, Johans ensures that each Whale Tail is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Inside the structure of every piece, a roll cage-type construction is incorporated reminiscent of that indispensable safety equipment in motorsports. Johans meticulously adheres to the prototype’s specifications, ensuring a faithful and precise reproduction.

Striving for perfection Johans takes immense pride in incorporating hidden elements and invisible details into his creations.

These subtle nuances and intricacies add an extra layer of craftsmanship and sophistication.

The roll cage represents one of the most significant equipment for the personal protection in every sport car and in rally vehicles in particular.

Mimicking that indispensable safety equipment, each whale Tail is created using 1.25 inches/32mm diameter tubes with a thickness of 0.09/2.286 mm as per international regulation for a vehicle weight between 1001 and 1500 lbs (vehicle weight+ driver).

It is generally made of thin gauge pipes, joined together, to assemble a safety structure.

The head of the poles are hand welded, just like the prototype after they were created- the exhaust pipe of the 935.

Designer Grant Larson is very excited about this handcrafted detail.

“The exhaust pipes are always an element that shows the power of the car” he says proudly.

Taking inspiration from the exhaust pipes of the legendary Porsche race cars from the 1960s, the company embarked on a quest to create a modern interpretation of this exquisite vintage detail. Utilizing titanium, they crafted a stunning rendition that captures the essence of the original design. With utmost precision, Johans replicates this remarkable titanium interpretation, faithfully preserving the beauty and allure of this vintage feature in his own creations.

Each meticulously crafted Whale Tail is thoughtfully mounted on a custom-made base, showcasing Johans’ commitment to presentation. The color of the base is carefully selected to harmonize with the design of each edition, adding an additional layer of aesthetic cohesion to the artwork.

For example, the choice of black granite resonates with the rough texture reminiscent of a racetrack, symbolizing the exhilarating spirit of motorsport. On the other hand, the use of white “Thassos” marble reflects the sparkling elegance of the Oryx White paint, serving as a base for some of Johans’ creations.

While Johans primarily works with marble in various captivating colors and robust granite, he understands the importance of customization. If you have a special request to match the interior of your home, the team is more than happy to create a base specifically tailored to your preferences, offering a range of materials and colors to choose from.

Additionally, while the Whale Tail can be mounted on the wall, it is worth considering that this positioning would limit the view of the artwork’s exquisite back side.

With meticulous artistry, the inlays of each Whale Tail are bored from a single piece of metal, showcasing Johans’ unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. The combustion chamber serves as the heart of the engine, where the magic of energy conversion takes place,

Just like the seamless movement of pistons smoothly sliding into the combustion chambers, the custom-made rods effortlessly glide into their uniquely designed inlays with absolute precision.

This detail ensures a flawless fit and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the artwork.

The design of the nameplates in The Whale Tail Project draws inspiration from the engine decals found on classic Porsches.

Just like the engine bay decals that provide vital information on fluid requirements, safety warnings, electrical details, and firing order, the plaques showcase important information specific to each work of art.

Handcrafted from brass, the nameplates feature the same design, size, and lettering, paying homage to the heritage of the original decals while adding a touch of authenticity to the artwork.

Every Whale Tail is accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity, a testament to its genuine origin and unique value.

To ensure its safekeeping, the certificate is thoughtfully stored in a handcrafted pouche made from goat leather. These exquisite document bags, handcrafted in Germany, draw inspiration from the design of the early Porsche’s tool bags, embodying a blend of functionality and timeless style that complements the artistry of each Whale Tail.

Additionally to the physical Certificate of Authenticity each Whale Tail is registered and certified at Verisart.com to further enhance security and establish a permanent record of ownership,

As a unique and innovative feature, the owner of this artwork will be entitled to the corresponding blockchain.

Every detail of the artwork, from its design to its documentation, is an emotional bridge between the rich history of the past and the present.. Each Whale Tail encapsulates the profound connection between generations and the enduring legacy of Porsche’s timeless craftsmanship.