During the 1970’s, the automotive community reached its zenith, and the passion for automotive racing was soaring to new heights. Iconic racing series like the Trans Am Series, NASCAR, and 24 Hours of LeMans fueled the need for speed among enthusiasts. With the development of racing culture, the thrill of adrenaline found its way on the streets, and one road that became legendary during this era was Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. While numerous renowned drivers and notable figures took on the challenge of conquering the infamous roadway, one name became inseparable from its legend.

Chris Banning's 1976 Porsche on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Chris Banning and his 1976 Porsche 911 S “RSR” earned a reputation as one of the road’s true kings. Banning transformed his Porsche into a masterpiece of speed and agility, taking extraordinary measures like chopping down the roof to help enhance the aerodynamics and reinforcing the chassis for superior performance around the corners and under hard acceleration. The 911 managed to elude the police on multiple occasions, slipping through their grasp every time.

Chris Banning's 1976 Porsche on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Chris enlisted the help of Porsche themselves to turn this unassuming Porsche into an ultimate canyon carver. The story of this Porsche, along with many of the racers of Mulholland, inspired films like King Of The Mountain (1981), and the legends of the past continue to inspire enthusiasts to this day to carve the roads half a century later.

Photograph by Chris Campbell via CJCam on Flickr "Legendary local street racer Chris Banning brings it back to roadworthy condition after many years of storage."

Although there’s so much more to the story of this legendary Porsche and the fascinating individual behind it, the most in-depth accounts of the man and machine can be best told by Hunter’s Moon on YouTube. The creator of the channel weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the world of automobiles and racing history with an exceptional level of detail and accuracy. If you have a deep-seated interest in automotive history and racing, I wholeheartedly recommend following his channel. He has rapidly become one of my personal favourites on the platform, and I’m confident that you’ll find his stories just as engaging.

Hunter's Moon "The Quest to Become King of the Mountain - The Story of Mulholland Drive"

Until next time, check out some stories, read up on some history, and experience the amazing roads and carve those canyons, safely!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics