London is not any stranger to supercars – and even ultra-rare hypercars. A easy stroll via the town’s hotspots can typically be extra thrilling than a whole auto present.
So, after I deliberate a go to into England’s capital metropolis, I anticipated nothing lower than what Theon Design introduced out for the day.
Air-cooled Porsches are experiencing a renaissance. Restomods have turn into so widespread that it’s simple to really feel overwhelmed, but making a standout piece requires not simply ability however actual dedication. Theon Design is rising to the problem, aiming to construct the final word air-cooled Porsche 911s.
Based mostly in Oxfordshire, this passionate crew specialises within the 964 (1989 to 1994) technology of the Porsche 911. Since 2016, Theon has been creating totally bespoke autos, customising each element to go well with the proprietor’s preferences. This dedication was evident within the two distinctive creations they introduced into London.
I discovered myself standing throughout from the Cartier showroom on Previous Bond Road when Theon Design co-owner Adam Thawley and his colleague Thomas arrived. The 2 964s they had been driving – one a Sign Yellow 964 Targa and the opposite a Midnight Blue Coupé – seemed like they’d simply rolled off the manufacturing unit ground.
Parked collectively, the Theon 964s introduced the busy road to a halt. For a metropolis recognized for its supercars, it was stunning to see a lot consideration targeted on two older Porsches.
We frequently categorise folks as ‘petrolheads’ or ‘non-petrolheads,’ however that appears like an oversimplification. Everybody turns into a automotive fanatic when the automobile is compelling sufficient. I had a couple of minutes to soak within the ambiance and snap some pictures earlier than Adam and Thomas ready to maneuver on to the subsequent stops of their London tour.
Thomas kindly provided me the passenger seat within the Targa, and I seized the chance.
Sliding into the automotive, I used to be met with an surprising delight: the inside was each fashionable and retro on the similar time. I shortly appreciated the absence of screens and haptic buttons. As an alternative, the controls had been delightfully old-school – knobs for the heating and pullout switches for the headlights and, most crucially, the exhaust valves. The automotive’s character reworked when these valves had been opened and closed.
We drove via Park Lane and previous the Dorchester Lodge, the place a crowd was admiring a Koenigsegg Regera. As if on cue, all of them turned their heads like meerkats on alert. The sound of two flat-six engines was sufficient to redirect their consideration from the hypercar to Theon’s classic Porsches.
Our last cease was a quintessential London mews. After we parked, I had the prospect to speak with Adam, who based Theon Design together with his spouse, Lucinda Argy.
As talked about, Theon’s rebuilt 911s are based mostly on the 964 technology, however the stage of customisation is the place they shine. In response to Adam, should you gathered 5 of their commissioned automotive and their house owners in a single place, you’d immediately recognise the distinctive match between every automotive and its driver.
Widespread options of Theon Design builds embrace light-weight carbon fibre panels all through, aside from the doorways, which retain a strong, unique really feel. A carbon tub provides chassis rigidity, which is especially useful for 964 Targas, as they had been recognized to flex greater than the 964 Coupé.
These modifications contribute to a big weight discount – round 300kg (661lbs) in complete. A Coupé weighs round 1,100kg (2,425lbs), whereas the Targa is available in at about 1,200kg (2,645lbs). Regardless of the load loss, it’s not all about compromise; interiors are often upholstered with roughly 100kg (220lb) of leather-based!
The engine choices vary from a 3.6-litre producing 285hp to a 3.8-litre with 370hp and a 4.0-litre that churns out 400hp. Supercharged and turbocharged choices are additionally accessible. These engines are paired with both a Porsche Getrag G50 5-speed guide or an HSC-200 6-speed gearbox, sending energy to the rear wheels. My easy trip within the Targa was due to the TracTive ACE (Energetic Managed Electronics) totally adjustable suspension, arrange particularly for touring.
The beginning costs for Theon’s bespoke 964s are £410,000 (roughly US$516,000) for the Coupé and £430,000 (US$541,000) for the Targa.
The Targa, codenamed GBR-05 because the fifth automotive delivered to the UK, was commissioned by a returning shopper who already owns a Coupé. Constructed to touring specs, the automotive prioritises consolation and baggage capability for lengthy journeys. In distinction, the Coupé, codenamed USA-01 as the primary American supply, is geared extra towards sports activities efficiency. Its proprietor, a racing driver, requested a mode change with choices for metropolis driving, monitor use, and two distinct sports activities settings. These bespoke builds, with their customized options, are available at round £600,000 (US$755,000) every.
The automotive world has been inundated with restomods, and it’s not exhausting to see why. Trendy automobiles usually fail to captivate fans, driving them in direction of older autos. Restomods bridge this hole, providing the reliability and luxury of latest automobiles whereas preserving the timeless allure of classics. Whereas not all restomods are created equal, what Theon Design are constructing are arguably a number of the perfect.
I shot a video throughout my time in London with these two particular 964s, and you’ll verify that out by hitting the play button above.
Jathu Thillai
Instagram: jathuthillai
www.jtoncars.uk
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