Tony Cosson, craftsman of Porsche rally performance: meet him in his workshop

Tony is 36 years old. He lives and works in the family garage founded by his father, who is also an enthusiast. There's nothing industrial about the place. It's a house, a workshop, a family business where customers become close friends. "All my customers call my parents Grandma and Grandpa". Although the surrounding country roads played a part in his passion for rallying, it was above all his father's heritage that brought him here.

In front of the workshop is a 3.6-litre Porsche 964, their first in VHC (historic competition vehicles). It's a carefully managed project, in which Tony and his team have learned to deal with the constraints of a vintage car, while adding their own touch: a neo-retro look, modern wheels, new seats and a carbon interior. The car is designed for regularity, but also to appeal on the networks, where Tony likes to share his work.

In 2023, during a rally, the 991 GT+ prepared by Tony went violently off the road. The car rolled over three times at 196 km/h, and the impact was immense, but fortunately there were no serious injuries. The co-driver emerged unscathed, notebook and pen in hand. The crash was filmed and went viral. "It propelled us onto the networks, but it cost us a fortune", confides Tony. The car will be completely rebuilt.

Tony then presents the two stars of his workshop: the rebuilt 991 GT+ and the brand new 992 GT+, the only one of its kind in France. Each is assembled by hand, from the bodywork to the technical details. Differences in engines, aerodynamics, front end... the 992 is a leap forward. "We're 8 cm wider, and almost 50 kg heavier, but the handling should be exceptional." Each car requires 300 hours of work, and prices range from €180,000 to €225,000 depending on the configuration.

The 992 benefits from two years of technological advances over the 991. The 4L engine, long gearbox, double wishbone front suspension, Motorsport ABS, steering wheel-mounted paddles... everything has been optimised. Even the exhaust has a recognisable sound signature, the result of a partnership with a German manufacturer.

Tony prides himself on a craftsman's style that is demanding: "We assemble everything ourselves. We know these cars inside out

To round off the visit, Tony takes Médéric for a first drive on a closed road. Acceleration, cornering, hard braking... all in a Porsche rally car with amazing handling.

"What I like about this car is that it lives. It's not sterile. I tried the R5s and didn't enjoy them. This is something else

Médéric emerges with a smile on his face: "You don't think it will go, and yet it does. It's amazing."

Tony Cosson's passion for rallying is undiminished, as is his love of beautiful machines and his desire to do things right. In his workshop in Bosser, with his brother in mechanics and his loyal team, he builds a unique vision of rallying. There are no compromises here: performance, pleasure and a deep attachment to the Porsche brand.

Next up: the Lyon-Charbonnières rally. And perhaps, a new victory to celebrate.