Driving a $500,000 Singer-Customized Porsche 911 Ruins Every Other Car

The Drive's Will Sabel Courtney goes for a drive in one of the world's most talked-about and lusted-after vehicles -- a Porsche 911 customized by Singer. Is it as perfect as everyone says it is?
Shot by Andrew Siceloff, edited by Andrew Siceloff and Erica Lourd, and produced by Cait Knoll.
More at TheDrive.com:
www.thedrive.com/video/5143/driving-a-500-000-singer-customized-porsche-911-ruins-every-other-car

[@liamboyle6230]

Perfect road, perfect car, love the colour

[@felmin809]

Liam Boyle color*

[@liamboyle6230]

Daniel Bencosme Lol no, colour in the real English language

[@vopvoopone]

Liam Boyle Oh the real English language? Oh well, I guess the fake English language is better.

[@Smithy250]

John Petito There's proper English British English (colour, armour, etc.) and American English which is improper

[@riftsin]

If i had only one car to drive the rest of my life, a singer 911 would be the car.

[@VirusTornado]

I would wholeheartedly agree, but the 911 R is a thing, hard to pick one.

[@VirusTornado]

JFB 101 What are you on about? The Singer is literally the same, if not worse in that aspect. You can't get a 911 R? Okay, get a 997.2 GT3/GT3RS. Those are slightly cheaper and are just as good in my opinion.

[@VirusTornado]

JFB 101 That's completely off topic mate since we're talking about a 500k Singer. Not too difficult to work out surely?

[@porsche0nut]

They don't need to give anything to anyone. A company doesn't go into business to "give people cars". They don't owe you anything, and they certainly don't owe people "the chance to own one". The creators of these companies and their products do not exist to serve you or anybody else. They exist because they are able to create value for those who appreciate it and can afford to pay for it - and those buyers are likely able to afford these luxuries because they have worked to produce value for others who have in turn paid them for their product/services and so on. Can't afford the car you want? Stop crying about your own unfortunate position and go create your own success. Nobody is stopping you.

[@MrJonathanlopez100]

The Porsche singer just shows that you don't need 1k hp car to have fun.

[@wrxzboost]

you just need half a million dollars...

[@ericshutter5305]

Moron, you could buy 5 1000HP cars for this stupidly expensive shit car.

[@mro9466]

A Rare Trump LMAO

[@quentonmillstid850]

but at what cost? WHAT COST?!

[@2JZLS]

LS1 Miata sounds like a gay hairdresser's car but its the savagest machine for under $5000

[@unionjack515]

Hey, maybe a couple more shots of the motorized spoiler? 😂

[@sterlingsilver320]

Those who get it...get it. Those who don't get it...never will.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

bingo my friend

[@slabside67]

I get it....Boy would I like to go get it.

[@constantin4958]

Sterling Wilson I bet they keep their value...might be a great once in a lifetime investment

[@alpeena]

it will be interesting to see values in say 15 yrs?

[@jimloucks3111]

You can tell this car has been given a soul, that to certain ppl is priceless.

[@Andrew-on5do]

Those seats are awesome.

[@arkk1]

Richard Swagger I agree, goes perfect with everyone else and I bet they feel the road nicely too

[@georgehrubec8542]

Gorgeous car. Great attention to details. Well done.

[@alsatch_]

What do any of you lot think about the RUF SCR in this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqC1pqyOYsqfm8k

[@juliancotter4229]

i dont neeed it i dont need it i dont need it

[@larsvandriel2875]

I NEED IT I NEED IT I NEED IT

[@juliancotter4229]

Lars van Driel I KNOW I NEED IT TOO

[@EvilDeadFan11]

Julian Cotter I can't afford it I can't afford it I can't afford it lol

[@juliancotter4229]

Danny Giroux neither, not in this lifetime aha *cries*

[@smminco]

my wife says we cant sell our house and buy this instead. selfish bitch.

[@linkedup7346]

Jewel Like quality is right. The interior alone looks worth 100k. The whale tail that opens under acceleration is so awesome. The shifter being nice and short and robust must be so fun to take through the gears. Even the strip of interior above the engine bay when the hood is opened is such a classy touch. Plus what a great attitude, "Nothing is ever perfect, at Singer we are always pushing the bar of perfection up a rung." (you couldn't say it better yourself...) LOL

[@MultiTerpen]

This is one of my favourite cars ever made! The one Jay Leno drove with the blue color and the brown interior! LOVE IT!

[@RandallvanPoelvoorde]

In my many years of loving cars, this is #1.

[@krisvitak]

Wow!! One of the most beautiful cara I've ever seen, just perfect, and that color, oh Jesus where can i find half million dollars.

[@momobhc]

A love letter to the 911

[@jd-py5nm]

amazing looking and sounding car great color choice and video. i swear i fall more in love with porsche every day i am alive

[@BarstoolProf]

As close to perfection as I'd like to get. Simply brilliant.

[@dserrand]

Don't know if I'll ever be able to own one, but it's been a goal ever since the first time I saw them years ago! Thanks for the great video

[@kennb33]

The Chris Harris review gave me so much more want for the Singer...

[@andrewb.5996]

Wonderful video boyz!

[@flybriur]

Is the cost excessive? Of course. And I get why some people say they would rather have a new super car. But you have to understand why a car like a Singer and the new supercars can't be compared to one another. You can look at figures, but this basically has to do with feel and sensory input, and that can't be substituted. Yes, they are insanely expensive, but you're basically dealing with the economic principle known as the law of diminishing returns. For each improvement Singer makes to the car, it starts to get more and more expensive to make even the most marginal improvements. It's the same concept in terms of how much horsepower it takes to get a car to go just a few more miles per hour faster, when you're already at speeds of 230+ mph. So as I said, many people feel paying $500k for a Singer isn't worth it, and I understand their point of view. They feel that paying the exorbitant amounts just to get those marginal improvements here and there over a Porsche that maybe costs $100k+ is just not worth it. I get it. But there are passionate enthusiasts and fanatics out there that are willing to pay whatever the cost in order to get to the level and feel of and old school Porsche that Singer makes, and they could give a damn about the law of diminishing returns -- they want the best in that type of Porsche, and they don't care that the level of improvement is smaller than the additional cost they are willing to spend -- they want what they want, and will get it at basically any price. I think there has to be at least some level of respect for that kind of fanaticism, even if you do feel it's crazy as hell.

[@flybriur]

***** Sorry man, but it seems you don't get it, and don't understand my post. there is no substitution. For a tenth of the cost you are getting newer tech, yes, but many people feel that newer cars don't give you as much "feel" as older cars do -- that's also why Singer makes their cars in old school stick only. Singer improves on the old school feel of those older Porsches. So while a Cayman can provide a very rewarding experience, it's not the same experience as an old school Porsche by any stretch of the imagination. Ask any car person who really knows Porsches, and they'll tell you the same. You may think it's crazy to spend half a mil on a better old school Porsche, and as I said in my previous post, I totally get that point of view, but there is also is "sense" to it as well. Again, I don't think I'd be a person to spend that kind of money on a Porsche, but I get why some would do it. If you can't put yourself in a Porsche fanatic's shoes, that's fine, but basically you just don't get it (and that's ok).

[@DeathBringer769]

+Bryan M It may go just as fast, or faster, but to the old school purists who want NO electronic power steering etc, it's not as rewarding when you drive something that isn't as connected to the road (i.e. it having power steering.) Yes, the price is insane, but you don't even look at these if you're worried about cost, lol. It's about price being no object and wanting the most pure, connected to the road, driving experience possible. Electronic power steering/brakes/etc neuter that experience slightly and disconnect you from the road more. That's what the purists are paying top dollar for: that old classic Porsche experience. So don't say the experience is the same or "just as rewarding" as a matter of fact. Maybe to you, it is. But to some who care about that direct connection to the road, the experience is NOT the same, it's NOT just as rewarding. These things are subjective, after all, so it really differs from person to person if you actually care. Just because you don't doesn't mean there's nothing there for other people ;)

[@bdevlint1501]

To each their own, the folks that say it isn't worth it haven't likely driven an air-cooled Porsche, nor do they realize that modern and much heavier cars NEED the extra power to keep up with something like a Singer in the first place. The Porsche is one of the most amazing automobiles ever produced to be sure.

[@DutchOrbit]

flybriur I agree with you 100% but I think owning one is an excessive decision. I would be perfectly fine with driving 50 miles in this car for a lifetime. I don’t need to own it. I would like to enjoy it once or twice and I’d be happy from there. As far as ownership goes the obvious answer is a low mileage, 5 speed, under 2500lbs, and a throttle connected to a cable and not a wire. The singer is just the ultimate representation of an honest driving experience. By no means should the average man need to spend 10 years salary on something as exorbitant as this.

[@stevewhite2245]

Good post. If you can afford it.... there is nothing wrong in seeking perfection in fact it should be commended. The people who can afford these masterpieces are more than likely perfectionists who wont accept second best. Well good luck to them.... everyone should strive for perfection whenever you can.

[@griffinbooher292]

Great job Sabes! Killer car!

[@soepalmer]

I really love the sound and the color on this one. I saw one in person at my friend's uncle garage. The built is just perfection to detail.... sadly the car can't go too far with Jakarta's traffic....

[@subway5907]

Sorry, i didnt quite catch it... can u get every old Porsche restored by them? or only this type of 911? im talking like a 964 Turbo or something

[@allensaunders449]

now i know why these are so special i didn't before fantastic

[@alexanderswander8176]

They need to make more of these

[@geoffreyhughes9979]

Wonderful video....wonderful car.

[@keithfreeman470]

saw this car on the freeway in ventura a month ago.....didnt know they went for this much money

[@4321eyeseeyou]

I got my Singer a few months ago, GORGEOUS!! The Details are Fantastic! Just wish I could drive though, at 1:18 scale, I just can't fit into it.

[@4321eyeseeyou]

1/18 scale that is!

[@clu4u]

Dieting won’t help?

[@OvAeons]

i would like to see a singer 928 ;o

[@pjoffrion]

what about a $100k singer 944 turbo?

[@charlesearle8414]

That would be unimaginable...I want one

[@OvAeons]

pjoffrion 944 would be killer too, why not both :p

[@jeep2003]

Im sure they could make an amazing 914-6 also

[@Eth3realwarrior]

jeep2003 I miss my 914, it caught fire due to fuel line leak.

[@beddei]

guys at 0:51 you nailed it! great car, great scenery, great composition :p

[@GHOST-hf4fi]

That is what perfection looks like...

[@gregmcnab1910]

That's a beautiful video

[@rocketn8]

Even the engine bay is upholstered. Stunning.

[@Jamesah1975]

Such a thing of beauty!!

[@hotsupper1516]

3:45 ***********chills*************

[@bha00549]

Pops flames! nice :) Fantastic looking car.

[@ps4gamecaptureari493]

Did flames come out of the exhaust at 2:08?

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

Wow, i am stunned. Just stunning! good job singer WOW!

[@Edison73100]

Beautiful scenery.

[@jamescarrot2813]

I fell in love ever since I saw James may drive this when I was 12.

[@madogblue]

Does it still have the vague, rubbery shift lever?

[@SuperSuperAllons93]

That car is pure art.

[@ams8047]

Omg...i really want this work of art.

[@x2xhellx3x]

Where is this filmed? It's gorgeous scenery.

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

I do truly appreciate such an accuracy in enhancing the pure original 911 concept albeit as a 911 owner from late 60es to late 80es, let me say it's a clueless car. Let's put aside the golden rule that one can spend his own money the way he likes better(that's universally accepted) I can tell you about several items that in those 911s were honestly not so satisfying for a true amateur of this awesome car, and I aIso agree that some aftermarket upgrades had a factual positive effect on the handling and on the performance overall.By the way you had to drop down a lot of money for them,but still in the region of what was worth for what you got. I express a way different opinion if we go for a full rebuild of the car (as a Singer in actuality is). I dare say the final result isn't a 911 anymore eventhough you'll be driving a great car: since such an extensive work has been done all through, to me the final result is a Singer, not a 911 at any rate. A valuable thoroughbred,but not a 911.

[@HiFiInsider]

I'm guessing that if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.

[@NighteeeeeY]

Well its right there. 500k ;) Singer is know to have prices 300k upwards. But it looks totally worth it! Man id love to see a black 964 Turbo/WTL from Singer.

[@timmietz]

This is the second time that I see this particular car and I really need to know who owns this car! I am from JACKSONVILLE and I had no idea that there was one of these here. Is this from Dano Davis's collection?

[@scottieray]

Earlier videos Rob Dickinson talks about how much money/work goes into the intake runners. I get why people with this kind of money would desire these.

[@Tnlich1]

I imagine it was like my 1st time i drove 1 of my most fave classic cars un-modded . 71 Chevelle Heavy Chevy. I wanted 1. Just feeling the difference of newer cars to the way they were and feeling the raw horsepower and non filtering like they have today was amazing. So i had 2 more 71's in my life now i dont drive as much at all. It was fun.

[@Perdy258]

need this in my life

[@paulm2857]

I might be over priced but it's an epic car !!!!!!

[@chrissorreda4982]

When you understand everything they did, it's reasonable. If you look at it as a retro-modded old 911 then yeah it is over priced.

[@tvanb]

Spitting flames at 2:05 !

[@Dexter-nw2fe]

So where was this filmed

[@ruggedfacecapone3615]

What you talkin' bout Willis?! I NEED THAT!

[@Teeb2023]

Stunning example of this car, bar the huge mustard coloured "PORSCHE" decals on the back. :)

[@metisse7239]

what model of Porsche 911 is this?

[@skidave74]

Best. Sound. Ever.

[@tomj5747]

wow, simply wow

[@Raggony678]

Where is this video filmed???

[@Tdaz250]

What year is this based off of ?

[@ZDY66666]

theres a 1983 911 around my area sold at 58k km. and now being sold again after the second owner drove it for another 50 thousand km. Should i buy it? its priced at 9 thousand, and after second owner still priced at 9 thousand despite how much miles he put on it.

[@leedan000]

I saw this car and Tim at the road rally! Singers are freaking beautiful

[@leedan000]

Sirion Are you really trying to correct me? It's a Porsche retrofitted by Singer. I think calling them Singers is valid

[@flacjacket]

Given that pretty much every single part of it is new I think it's fair to call them singers. IIRC the only thing kept from the original car is the body in white, all the fenders, doors, bumpers, hood trunk lights and other trim is custom made by singer, as well as the complete interior. The whole body is carbon fibre too I believe. There is a reason they cost a half a million dollars.

[@mdcohen]

The thing keeping the company from calling it a Singer is Porsche's IP lawyers. For everyone else totally valid.

[@leedan000]

Michael Cohen I didn't know that! That's actually pretty interesting, is it because they have to keep the original VIN from a donor car to avoid emissions and safety laws?

[@mdcohen]

I think its just Porsche as a company protecting their brand name. I think Singer officially calls them Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer or something like that. Rob Dickinson explained it somewhere.

[@kamaukinyanjui8739]

How big is the tank on this cars?

[@sbklvr]

You had me at Ohlins TTX.

[@MrDNKYMN]

Lots and lots of DEER in that area, be careful driving fast there, especially by Arnold's house!

[@1080sucks]

Evocative just standing still.

[@octaveleroux5400]

at 2:10 is it flaming exhaust that makes that yellow-orange color ont the road?

[@xIWRESTLEABEARONCEx]

l

[@philz9835]

Octave Leroux porsche has always been famous for that beautiful backfire.

[@peteflynn3923]

I think if you're a really wealthy car guy this is a lot better choice than some late-model supercar or high-end sportscar. These are simply amazing.

[@francisrivera8712]

Its gorgeous

[@TheMainMan318]

A Singer, an Eagle Low Drag GT, and Icon Land Cruiser - would be the 3 in my dream garage

[@Srbandara]

who wants to dislike This??? the perfect car bar none

[@resnonverba137]

Fuel filler positioned in a daft place. Other than that, wonderful car.

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

Thank you! agree! I would rather lift the bonnet to add gas then use or look at that thing.

[@josephhertzberg2734]

Anyone know what the color is?

[@Skydrag.V60]

If I could choose one car to drive for the rest of my life right now, it'd be the Singer

[@usnavyboy95]

I've seen this video before. Just can't remember where.

[@mrhotguy001]

chriss harris or matt farrah ?

[@mfhairstream6812]

So cool.

[@manygaga1]

beautiful, just beautiful but I really don't know if I would go for that or a modern supercar for the same price...

[@TheBhaskar83pal]

Mannnn....... do I really want one !!

[@Morelia300]

does that spoiler move? can't tell

[@DeathBringer769]

It moves. It has some modern touches like that.

[@chickenmilkshakes8807]

the spoiler moves on all 964s. so they probably left that…

[@enricoperri5843]

Yeah, I'm Italian the country of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia cars But the Singer's Porsches are beautiful, I must say. Congrats guys;)

[@andycombo]

Pro-touring Porsche. Heaven.

[@iansoderlund3539]

What happens when it goes to the shop? Do you go to Porsche?

[@joelirag3718]

I'm a Porsche guy period, but to think this restomod is worth more than a 69 Dodge Daytona or a Boss 429 Hemi boggles the mind.

[@maluminse1]

Year??

[@Sportscarbible]

Drive 4ever!

[@darkskyline95]

what a machine

[@rigelgutierrez9866]

Word on the street is that Williams F1 is developing a 500 bhp 4L air cooled engine that is about $250k. And that’s just the engine. Now I don’t know how the hell can you fit an engine with that displacement on a car that tiny. But then again, I am not an F1 engineer as you already guessed.

[@jimloucks3111]

Bucket list: just to drive a singer 1 time!

[@jimloucks3111]

A lot of ppl take a car that is mass produced that they love and create a build based on what they think would be perfect. Singer just made the best recipe, that is functional art. This is why ppl pay millions for a Enzo.

[@rundatrack]

Great car. Insane price tag for something like that. But whatever makes you happy.

[@OF01975]

Serious motor :O

[@veryswede1576]

THANK THE LORD FOR COMPANIES LIKE SINGER.. yes yes yes!!!

[@jbbattle9946]

2:06...are those flames from the exhaust? 😳

[@andrewmayer2443]

I am lusting over this car.

[@makhines431]

classic interior

[@tuitaco]

when that engine gets leaned on it really sings.

[@alessandrovalzania2316]

That's the reason for the name, plus the founder was a singer.

[@ilBarbonauta]

Awesome car! Singer4president

[@117johnpar]

There is the thickest aura of hipster perpetually surrounding this car.

[@Spartan168]

yet no hipster would be able to afford it, so im not sure what you mean.

[@ricardocandeias9554]

how much does a car like this costs?

[@bjexter4627]

let me correct you there I do NEED one thank you

[@andrea_927]

Car makers should take this as a warning: people are falling back in love with cars like this, restored from the past, built just for driving excitement, with a normally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox. I understand they don't reach out for the masses, but with such a price tag they're not meant to. Cars have been evolving through the passion of their drivers, and whoever decided they should be autonomous and excessively full of tech is clearly just missing the point of driving a car instead of taking the train: you don't always need to move somewhere else, maybe sometimes you just want to be driving.