Discover how Theon Design transformed a 30‑year‑old Porsche 911 (964) into a 420 hp, lightweight beast. Read the full restoration story now!
The Project Overview
British specialist tuner Theon Design embarked on an ambitious rebuild of a Porsche 911 964, the third generation of the iconic 911 produced between 1989 and 1994. The goal? Preserve the timeless silhouette while injecting modern, track‑ready performance.
Engineering the Powertrain
The heart of the car remains the classic air‑cooled 4.0‑liter flat‑six, but it has been meticulously rebuilt to deliver 420 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and a torque peak of 439 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a fully restored six‑speed manual gearbox, offering an authentic driving experience.
Weight Reduction Triumph
Using ultra‑light carbon‑fiber panels for the chassis and body, and reinforcing key structural points with additional welds, the team shaved the weight down to just 1,150 kg. This results in a power‑to‑weight ratio of 0.366 hp/kg, edging out the brand‑new Porsche 911 GT3 RS (≈0.35 hp/kg) – a feat rarely seen on a classic platform.
Performance on the Track
Thanks to the power gains and weight savings, the restored 911 rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds. In a circuit environment, it punches through corners with the agility of a contemporary supercar while still delivering the nostalgic feel of a 1990s Porsche.
Exterior Styling
The body receives a fresh coat of Medium Ivory with the iconic white “Grand Prix” stripe accent. A protective PPF (paint protection film) layer ensures the finish stays pristine, while the carbon‑fiber components add both strength and a sleek visual cue.
Luxurious Interior
Inside, the cabin blends classic cues with modern materials. Recaro CS seats are wrapped in carbon‑fiber‑reinforced leather, stitched in ivory to match the exterior trim. The original plastic switches are replaced with CNC‑machined aluminium knobs, and a high‑end Focal sound system paired with Audison amplifiers delivers concert‑level audio.
Cost and Timeline
Theon Design reports that each one‑off restoration costs roughly £420,000 (about $530,000) and takes around 18 months from strip‑down to delivery. The extensive labor, bespoke parts, and performance engineering justify the premium price tag.
Industry Insight
Automotive journalist Chí Nguyên, writing for Carscoops, highlighted the project as a benchmark for how classic sports cars can be reimagined without sacrificing their heritage.