Theon Design reveals latest reimagined Porsche 911 964
Based in Deddington, Oxfordshire, Theon Design specialises in delivering bespoke 911s based on the 964 platform. The company’s second customer build has just been released into the wild. Finished in classic Oak Green Metallic with dark ‘ghost’ stripes, warm satin chrome brightwork and complementary eighteen-inch Fuchs-style wheels, the four-litre restomod develops 406bhp from its redeveloped flat-six. At more than 100bhp per litre, output is enough to rival many modern sports cars, but without compromising the character or drivability of the host 911.
The gorgeously presented Porsche features Theon Design’s latest “aluminium upgrade interior package”, meaning the familiar Porsche switchgear and ‘touch points’, such as interior door handles, fuel flap and bonnet pull, as well as all knobs and gauge rings, are reverse-engineered in beautifully tactile billet aluminium. The cockpit’s quality is enhanced further through Muslin leather seats and trim, with woven leather sections and green stripes to match the exterior. A classically styled, high-end Bluetooth enabled head unit brings connectivity and convenience, while a nifty new centre console extension provides wireless phone charging.
Each Theon Design commission is built by hand with obsessive attention to detail and purity of purpose, creating unique 911s as engaging to drive as they are captivating to look at. In this instance, the car was developed from a 1992 964 Carrera 2 taken back to bare metal before restoration. The strengthened chassis is cloaked in a purposeful carbon body (aside from the doors, which remain steel for side impact protection). To guarantee a perfect fit, Theon Design scanned and digitised each panel before using 3D design software to ensure perfect alignment. Per motorsport applications, the carbon panels add stiffness and cut weight, meaning the car weighs just 1,169kg with all fluids, equating to more than two hundred kilos less than a standard 964 Carrera 2.
A lightweight Mil-Spec wiring harness is integrated into the strengthened body shell, while modern dual air-conditioning compressors and an all-new electric power steering pump are located at the front of the car, tucked away low-down for optimised weight distribution.
The heart and soul of this 911, however, is its glorious air-cooled fourlitre engine, delivering maximum power at 7,200rpm and producing strong torque throughout the rev range, peaking with 326lb-ft at 5,800rpm. Great care and attention has been paid to the powerplant’s enhancement — it howls through a gunmetal-finished plenum and is cooled by a matching fan. A custom ignition system features, as do bespoke independent throttle bodies from British intake and fuel system specialist, Jenvey Dynamics.
A single-mass flywheel allows for superb and immediate response, while a modern engine management system keeps the car civil in everyday driving. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a new Hewland six-speed gearbox loaded with a Wavetrac limited-slip differential. Stopping power is transformed by way of a full RS brake package (giving the car superb slowing abilities, pedal feel and response), while a TracTive switchable semi-automatic suspension system takes care of the ride. For further information, visit theondesign.com.
INDEPENDENT THROTTLE BODIES FROM INTAKE AND FUEL SYSTEM SPECIALIST, JENVEY DYNAMICS