In addition to the remanufacturing of icon cars as continuation models there has been a growing trend for Resto Mods. Classic cars rebuilt to modern standards. You get all the looks of a classic car with modern suspension, brakes and air conditioning which makes driving easier and for many, more pleasurable. Like the continuation models they are not cheap, but the premium above a restoration is probably reasonable on a high value car.
Theon Design ss revealed their bespoke Porsche 911 (964) which is finished in iconic Slate Grey – the same colour as Steven McQueen’s iconic 911 in the film ‘Le Mans’.
Representing the pinnacle of the enhanced air-cooled 911, the carbon-bodied GBR001 features ‘visual’ carbon bodywork elements, warm chrome brightwork and wheels, semi-active suspension, and a raucous, 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six.
GBR001 is a fully restored and enhanced machine in every respect. As with all Theon Design commissions, it combines OEM+ design and engineering know-how, harnessing modern technology, and manufacturing to deliver a wholly unique experience and aesthetic. Built with obsessive attention to detail and total purity of purpose, it offers the ultimate air-cooled Porsche 911 driving experience.
“Our entire team are Porsche obsessives, each of us shares a passion for taking these iconic, brilliant machines and making them truly unique. At the same time, our efforts are utterly aligned with the Porsche philosophy and brand ethos, with consideration and attention given to every component and surface,” explains Theon Co-Founder Adam Hawley. “We go to great lengths to ensure that the air-cooled Porsche feel is preserved; a distilled and elevated experience that makes it more intoxicating. With the perfect blend of aesthetic, performance, and dynamic enhancements, they are air-cooled 911s, but not as you know them.”
Air-cooled brilliance from the ground up
GBR001 takes the Porsche 911 (964) as its base, in this case, a 1990 C4. The donor car was taken back to bare metal before restoration commenced. The body is all carbon (aside from the doors which remain steel for side impact protection) with each panel digitised and modelled in 3D design software to ensure a perfect fit. These carbon body panels add stiffness and shed weight, meaning GBR001 tips the scales at just 1,163kg with all fluids.
A lighter, Mil-Spec wiring loom is carefully threaded through the strengthened body shell, while modern dual air-conditioning compressors and an all-new electric-power steering pump are relocated to the front of the car, nestled low-down for optimised weight distribution.
The same care has been lavished on the air-cooled 3.8-litre engine – a flat-six work of art producing 390bhp at 7,350rpm and 290lb/ft at 6,000rpm. With over 100bhp per litre.
Once on the open road, GBR001 howls through trumpet-style open air intakes, with an all-new ignition system that delivers a five per cent increase in engine power. The motor also features independent throttle bodies, developed in partnership with British specialists Jenvey .
A single mass flywheel ensures the flat-six delivers superb response while the exactingly calibrated THEON engine management system ensures it remains entirely civil in everyday driving. GBR001 roars through a switchable, fully ceramic coated exhaust and sends power to the rear wheels via a new Hewland six-speed gearbox. The all-new ‘box delivers distinctly Porsche shifts, rendered even more immediate and direct thanks to an RS gear shifter.
The Porsche Motorsport theme continues with a 964 ‘Big Red’ brake setup – giving GBR001 superb pedal feel and response, along with consistent, fade-free stopping power. A Wavetrac® Torsen limited-slip differential completes the package, working in harmony with the carefully manual ‘box to ensure signature Porsche traction and control.
Perhaps the most important area of enhancement relates to GBR001’s driving and dynamics. The 964 platform was overhauled with modern sophistication added. There’s now transformed breadth of dynamic ability thanks to a switchable, five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system.
As ever, Hawley and the team have obsessed over and revised every detail of the exterior design to ensure the commission has a beautifully balanced, perfectly resolved Porsche 911 look – one that is pretty and purposeful in equal measure. GBR001’s all-carbon body is finished in classic ‘Steve McQueen’ Slate Grey with warm chrome brightwork throughout the car and wheels. Aesthetic ‘visual’ carbon sills and bumper lowers hint at its motorsport pedigree and modern craftsmanship.
Prices for Theon Design commissions start at £380,000. Each car is a totally unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build. Price excludes donor car, shipping, and local taxes.
