Theon Design Reveals GBR003 Targa

Theon Design has revealed its latest Porsche 911 (964) commission, codenamed GBR003 – the company’s debut open-top Targa model.

Like every Theon Design commission, the carbon bodied, six-speed manual, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated GBR003 is a bespoke creation, enhanced at Theon’s production facility.

Finished in a one-off, paint-to-sample Pastel blue, over licorice leather, the Targa is the realization of a client’s Porsche 911 fantasy, combining OEM+ design and engineering capabilities, hand-crafted luxury touches and cutting-edge technology.

To ensure the Targa drives with Theon fluidity, the team has developed bespoke carbon fibre strengthening ‘tubs’, which are bonded to the floor of the chassis, improving torsional rigidity while keeping additional weight to the absolute minimum.

“With our first Targa commission, the team has been determined to set new standards for an air-cooled open-top Porsche 911 driving experience. We’ve been focused on distilling the air-cooled recipe, honing every element to create a classic 911 that combines the sensory richness of Targa motoring with razor-sharp handling and visceral modern performance,” said Theon Co-Founder, Adam Hawley.

GBR003 uses a Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2 Targa as its base. The donor car was stripped to bare metal before being restored over thousands of hours.

The body for GBR003 is all-carbon, aside from doors which remain steel for side impact protection. Each panel has been digitized and modeled in 3D design software to ensure a perfect fit. GBR003 weighs in at just 2707lbs with all fluids on board.

A bespoke carbon fibre bracing system ensures underfloor strengthening. The innovative, lightweight solution transforms structural rigidity without adding any additional weight – using the same carbon construction technology deployed in Formula One and other elite-level motorsports.

The carbon laminate was optimised through CAD structural simulation software to ensure the stiffest possible construction. Once fabricated, the tubs were permanently bonded to the existing chassis and bulkheads to deliver maximum stability, even in the most demanding conditions.

Theon has been able to replicate the signature handling precision of its coupe commissions with an open-top car. The GBR003 drives with sheer modern sophistication and precision and packs a superb range of dynamic capabilities thanks to a switchable, five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system.

The damping system has been carefully calibrated for the Targa model over countless test miles, ensuring it delivers across a wide range of environments. The technology elevates the open top air-cooled driving experience to new heights, with exceptional control whatever the scenario. The GBR003 can shift from a long-legged cruiser, to tied-down and focused when the time comes to attack a mountain pass.

The GBR003’s air-cooled beating heart is.a 4.0-litre flat six. Featuring independent throttle bodies and breathing through dramatic open trumpets, the motor produces 403bhp at 7100 rpm and peak torque of 320lb/ft at 5500rpm.

The exhaust system gives GBR003 a quieter, more reserved character in normal use, and offers a full motorsport style flat-six cry when the valves open. The valves can be activated manually via a switch in the cabin, and also open automatically when pushing on into the rev range.

The GBR003 features a lightweight, single-mass flywheel, while the slick six-speed manual gearbox – built to 993 RS specification. Carefully repositioned pedals invite you to heel-toe downshift. A full 993 RS brake setup provides stopping power.

For the GBR003, the carbon body is finished in a bespoke, paint-to-sample pastel blue, with contrasting PORSCHE script – matching the light grey of the Pepita seat centers – along with lighter ‘ghost’ stripes along the sills and bumpers. The color of the stripes is also matched to the 993 RS brake calipers, which nestle behind 18-inch Fuchs wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot 4S rubber.

The  cabin reflects Theon Design’s commitment to hand-crafted quality. All components in the interior are fashioned from carbon to save further weight, then wrapped in leather. GBR003 features Theon’s ‘touring’ seat option, optimized for comfortable fast driving, with sculpted rear buckets that draw inspiration from those in Porsche’s 928. The rear buckets seamlessly incorporate subwoofers, further enhancing audio quality.

Both front and rear seats are trimmed in the finest licorice colored semi-aniline leather, with OEM Porsche Agate grey Pepita centers– as featured in the Porsche 911 (992) Sport Classic interior.

The interior features modern creature comforts, including a bespoke audio setup featuring Pioneer’s sector-leading P99RS Bluetooth classic stereo unit, paired with Focal amplifiers and six speakers housed in the doors.

Theon has also revised the Targa roof, which has been re-built to the tightest tolerances to ensure a perfect fit with the strengthened 964 shell. Now finished in a modern mohair material, the Targa top folds up neatly and slots into a bespoke carry bag, which fits snugly in the leather lined ‘frunk’.

“The prospect of open-top motoring has always been tantalising, but the dynamic reality often underwhelms. With this car, thanks to the innovative carbon-strengthening floor we’ve developed using F1-derived carbon technology, we’ve really taken things to the next level. You get the best of both worlds,” said Hawley.

“It’s driving in technicolour: you’re totally engaged by the analogue driving experience and more aware of your surroundings too. Of course, you also get to hear much more of the addictive flat-six howl! As a team, we’re exceptionally proud of the results, and the customer is delighted, too.”

Prices for Theon Design commissions start at £390,000 for coupes, and £415,000 for targas. Each car is a unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build. Price excludes donor car, shipping and local taxes.