The Doran JE-004 Porsche Prototype is a unique, one-off race car built by Doran Racing in collaboration with Gunnar Racing. Designed for the FIA World Sports Car (WSC) regulations of the late 1990s, the JE-004 was an evolution of the previous JE-002 and JE-003 chassis, incorporating a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque and advanced aerodynamics. Powering the car was a Porsche-based flat-six engine, turbocharged for endurance racing performance, and paired with a sequential gearbox for quick shifts. The car was designed to compete against factory-backed prototypes from Ferrari, Riley & Scott, and others in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and various endurance events.
Despite its promising engineering and Porsche pedigree, the JE-004 had a limited racing career, with development challenges and the evolving sports car landscape hindering its success. However, it remains an interesting chapter in prototype racing history, showcasing Doran’s expertise in chassis construction and their partnership with Porsche-powered endurance machines. Today, the car is a rare collector’s item, appreciated for its unique place in the lineage of privateer-built prototypes that sought to challenge the dominant manufacturers of the era.
