The History of the 2016 Porsche 964 ‘reimagined’ by Singer

The new generation of 911 came onto the market in 1989, at the same time as the G-series was being phased out. While it largely retained the shape of its predecessor, the 964 contained 85 percent new parts and had much better aerodynamics. It was the first 911 to feature all-wheel drive (Carrera 4 type), too. A much lighter rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 arrived in 1990 and soon became the biggest seller. Its 3.6-litre normally aspirated flat-six produced 250bhp.

Despite these iconic sports cars becoming highly sought after in their own right, it’s not uncommon for companies to make ‘restomods’ out of them. These machines offer the best of both worlds by combining classie styling with modern comfort, performance, and reliability.

One of the most revered specialists is Los Angeles-based Singer Vehicle Design, founded by Rob Dickinson – an ex-car designer and singer-songwriter (former member of British rock band Catherine Wheel) – in 2009. The company’s motto is “everything is important”, a reference to its design philosophy in which no aspect of the car is overlooked.

All Singers are based on 964-series cars. Most of the bodywork is replaced with carbonfibre body panels fabricated to motor sport-grade specifications, while the cabin is completely retrimmed. The chassis is stripped bare and seam-welded, bespoke suspension is fitted and the engine is reworked by engine manufacturers such as Cosworth, Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Williams, in order to produce significantly more power.

Each car takes around 4000 hours to complete, going well beyond the detail and level of finish of a typical high-end ground-up restoration. Despite averaging $650,000 (not including the donor car), demand for Singer’s unique 911 interpretations far outstrips supply. Even if you were to put your money down now, you might get one in two years’ time.

This particular example that I photoed at the Concours of Elegance 2020, registered 23 SL, is based on a 1991 964, and was ‘reimagined’ by Singer in 2016. It’s a homage to the iconic 917 race car, which brought Porsche its first win at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1970 with Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood at the wheel. Finished in Bahia Red, this is the 57th Porsche custom built by Singer, and puts out an incredible 350bhp-plus.

ENGINE

3.8-litre, flat-six, double overhead camshaft, 350bhp-plus, fuel injection

CONFIGURATION

Rear engine, five-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, 964 chassis and carbonfibre panels, custom suspension, disc brakes