- Rob Dickinson: Singer’s Founder and Creative Director
The restoration process
The process begins when the owner of a Porsche 911 Cabriolet (Type 964) sends their car to Singer with the request to carry out a personalised restoration. Originally manufactured by Porsche more than thirty years ago, these sports cars have been on the road ever since, covering thousands of miles in the hands of many drivers.
The first step of the restoration involves the owner’s car being carefully disassembled. The interior is removed, as is the exterior bodywork and all mechanical components, until the steel monocoque (chassis) is revealed. The chassis is painstakingly assessed, cleaned, and prepared so that it is in optimal condition for the next stages of restoration. During this phase, chassis strengthening is applied to enhance the rigidity of the original Type 964 monocoque.
The restoration process
The process begins when the owner of a Porsche 911 Cabriolet (Type 964) sends their car to Singer with the request to carry out a personalised restoration. Originally manufactured by Porsche more than thirty years ago, these sports cars have been on the road ever since, covering thousands of miles in the hands of many drivers.
The first step of the restoration involves the owner’s car being carefully disassembled. The interior is removed, as is the exterior bodywork and all mechanical components, until the steel monocoque (chassis) is revealed. The chassis is painstakingly assessed, cleaned, and prepared so that it is in optimal condition for the next stages of restoration. During this phase, chassis strengthening is applied to enhance the rigidity of the original Type 964 monocoque.
The engine in a 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined by Singer draws on long experience with the 911 and learnings from the DLS program, where the company’s first four-valve cylinder head was born. This expertise allows Singer to continue exploring the performance potential of the Type 964’s iconic flat-six, on behalf of its clients, through a continuous process of careful optimisation and the development of a revised four-valve cylinder head. Singer have jointly developed the execution of this engine with Cosworth, who have deployed their unparalleled experience, specifically in the areas of variable valve timing, combustion chamber design and intake and exhaust path.
The engine is the same as that used in the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer and represents multiple firsts. It is the first engine restored for a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to feature variable valve timing, optimising drivability at low speeds, and power at high revs. It is also the first naturally aspirated engine restored by Singer to use water-cooled cylinder heads combined with air-cooled cylinders, and an electrically powered fan, utilising learnings from the DLS Turbo program.
Together these features help the 4.0L flat-six to develop 420HP and broaden the torque delivery across a wider range of engine speeds, while enabling owners in a growing range of countries to restore their cars through Singer’s services.
The engine will rev to over 8000 rpm and, to encourage drivers to explore that range, an optimised, six-speed, manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. A raised gear shifter may be specified with an exposed shift mechanism, underlining the engineering craftsmanship. A newly developed titanium exhaust system provides free breathing for the flat-six and its famous soundtrack.
Chassis
The original Type 964 monocoque remains at the heart of the car. Over the last fifteen years, on behalf of owners, Singer has invested in extensive simulation and structural analysis of this chassis. The result is a chassis strengthening system, using composite and steel reinforcement, that is applied to the monocoque at the beginning of the restoration process. Augmented with this strengthening, the chassis is an optimised foundation for each subsequent stage of the restoration, with increased torsional rigidity benefitting handling, braking and overall refinement.
Ground control
In common with the 911 Carrera cars in period, the dynamic performance of the engine is enhanced with a sophisticated approach to suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres.
Suspension developed for Singer’s turbocharged services provides the foundation for compliant, sporting handling. New, four-way adjustable dampers with electronic damping control can be adjusted from the driver’s seat and incorporate a nose lift system.
Carbon ceramic brakes developed through the DLS services may be specified, sitting behind 18” centre-lock wheels, providing deep reserves of stopping power.
Tyre technology has developed dramatically since the end of the twentieth century and the use of the latest Michelin Pilot Sport tyres allows the restored car to transmit its power effectively to the road. The driver may select from five drive modes (Road, Sport, Track, Off and Weather) to adjust the levels of intervention from the traction control and electronic stability control, depending on the road conditions and their own capabilities.
Driver-focused interior
Singer’s restoration and modification services enable owners to personalise the interior presentation of their car according to their personal preferences, through bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes. Lightweight sports or track seats may be requested, providing the perfect driving position in combination with the raised gear shifter mechanism.
In front of the driver, the familiar 911 instrument layout is reimagined, with hand-built gauges bringing high-watchmaking standards into the cabin. Singer’s mastery of traditional leatherworking techniques allows owners to request stitched and burnished leather seams throughout the cabin for the first time. Technology is incorporated with restraint, allowing for discrete navigation and phone connectivity.
Price and availability
Each restoration is unique. Every owner shares their personal preferences and requirements for bespoke engineering as part of the process of working with Singer to personalise their own 911. Prices for Singer's restoration services are dependent on the specification requested by each car’s owner. The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined by Singer will be limited to just 75 commissions.
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