Theon Design has revealed its first Porsche 911 (964) build commissioned by a U.S. customer: a 4.0-liter F1-grade carbon-bodied Coupe, finished in Midnight Blue metallic paint with contrasting Porsche Grand Prix White stripes, complemented by classic brushed brightwork. The machine has been enhanced from the ground up by Theon Design at its HQ in the U.K.’s Motorsport Valley.
Theon’s team says that it has created a timeless and coherent, individually tailored machine. Its first U.S. commission combines modern performance and capability with the iconic 911. Led by co-founder Adam Hawley—a former senior designer for BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lotus—each Theon commission is individually designed and built.
Theon Design builds only a handful of entirely tailored commissions a year, each taking over 6,000 hours to complete. The first U.S. commission, built in collaboration with the customer over 18 months, has been optimized for fast road driving but is still capable on the track.
Hawley explains, “Like every Theon Design product, this first U.S. commission distils and elevates the intoxicating experience of the analog Porsche. An entirely bespoke creation for the owner, it is the perfect blend of aesthetic, performance and dynamic enhancements, resulting in the ultimate air-cooled 911.
“But this latest car also benefits from our most advanced technical development yet, thanks to new switchable engine mapping—a new feature for us—which can totally change the character of that flat-six motor, as well as Theon Design’s signature adaptive damping setup. Thanks to this technology, the car can be transformed from a refined, relaxed tourer to a focused canyon carver at the flick of a switch.”
F1 & Aerospace Technologies
Theon’s first U.S. car, based on a 964 donor, was stripped back to a bare shell by the company’s engineers before being rebuilt from the ground up using a reinforced chassis. The revamped platform was then fitted with an all-new F1-grade carbon and Kevlar body, blending aerospace and F1 composites technology to deliver a super-light and rigid car, with a fully wet curb weight of just 2,540 pounds.
A lightweight, aerospace-grade wiring harness snakes through the strengthened body shell, saving 60 pounds. Highly efficient modern dual air-conditioning compressors and an all-new electrohydraulic power steering system are relocated to the front of the car, positioned low down for optimized weight distribution. A front suspension lift kit ensures that driveways and speed bumps can be negotiated.
Mechanical Transformation
The overhauled and modernized air-cooled 4.0-liter engine features an all-new switchable mapping system that includes Town, Sport, Sport+, and Race modes. The motor delivers 405 bhp at 7,500 rpm, along with a peak of 324 pound-feet at 5,800 rpm. The motor also features an active switchable exhaust, with a significantly quieter closed mode, ideal for early morning getaways, and an open mode, ideal for when you want to hear the flat-six in all its glory.
As a special feature on this car, all the flat-six power is sent to the rear wheels via a genuine, original 993 RS six-speed gearbox. This was sourced by Theon at the customer’s request. A Wavetrac Torsen limited-slip differential combines with the gearbox to deliver unwavering Porsche traction and control.
The car also features a switchable, five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system. The setup has been thoroughly optimized and calibrated over countless test miles, ensuring exceptional performance and resolute traction on all manner of surfaces, from super smooth tarmac to pockmarked canyon roads, noted company officials in a press release.
Handcrafted Cabin
The Theon cabin is trimmed in rich leather and fitted with modern conveniences. The car has been specified with Theon’s Sports Touring front seat option with enhanced bolsters, providing support and road-trip comfort. These are trimmed in Midnight Blue and Ibis White leather, mirroring the Coupe’s exterior. Elsewhere, the team has used aesthetic carbon fiber for the interior sill covers, which are then coated in PPF for long-lasting protection.
“We’re so proud to unveil our first U.S. commission to the world,” concludes Hawley. “Like all previous builds, this intoxicating machine captures the true essence of the air-cooled 911, an entirely hand-built machine inspired by Porsche’s ethos yet enhanced in every way—and, of course, one that is unique to its owner.
“With a host of upgrades, such as our new switchable engine mapping system, we have leveraged our unmatched design and engineering expertise to create an iconic commission that takes the analog experience to ever greater heights. Blending our cutting-edge automotive technology, modern manufacturing techniques and traditional British craftsmanship, it is a remastered 911 like no other, delivered by a dedicated and passionate team.”
Prices for U.S. Theon Design commissions start at $590,000 (excluding donor car, shipping and local taxes). Each car is a unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build.