Theon Design Porsche Targa 911 Review - Resto Mod 407bhp lightweight carbon British Singer 964

[@simond5208]

Find another reviewer that would point out a Rover Tomcat while testing a £450k 964 resto mod. If Carlsberg did car reviews........!

[@paulrenowden8617]

FIND ANOTHER!

[@GryphLane]

Matt Furious Driving would but then he owns one

[@philwebb6464]

Mr Furious would be proud.

[@X10Rich80]

Its my Tomcat :) 1998 VVC Engine, owned it 21 years.

[@robertbishopp4614]

You ask if we are over restomods - my belief is that they represent the future for keen drivers in a world where new cars are saddled with far too many nanny state features designed for drivers who see a car as a white good like a fridge, drivers who lack basic competence. How did we manage back in the 80’s without lane change assistance, self parking trickery and ventilated seats? The restomod sector needs to grow with enthusiast support and if volumes increase then prices should fall. You’re absolutely right in suggesting cars like these could be family heirlooms, treasured by their owners long after most of today’s overweight hybrids have become uneconomic to keep on the road.

[@herme99]

The best thing about cars like this are that they are small, light, short geared, and you don’t need to be doing 100mph for the thrills

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

This. Precisely this. In a world where cars are growing in power, but also in size and weight, that they less suited to our roads and car parks (that aren't changing size). The future for restomods remains bright, and new cars ought to begin shrinking and simplifying.

[@DSW964]

I had a 911 and did 100mph every time I took it out. With just 250 odd hp it was still quick enough to reach that speed and slow down to legal speed without any drama or concern. Now with 400hp that transition only becomes faster.

[@nomdeplume2724]

@@DSW964 Wise words. Less is sometimes more.❤

[@garethneal82]

The Targa is the only 911 I want. It’s the general users choice imo. Who can really use any of the others. So, going moderately fast, looking good, this is the best choice.

[@justintime33]

You 100% are a true porsche enthusiast based simply off those facts you've just preached.

[@jamest5149]

Just remember AC isn’t just about dealing with warm weather… in the cold and damp, it helps demist and keep the windows clear. Its an option to overlook that can really effect your enjoyment of the car.

[@robmccall5017]

a car without AC in 2024; no Way.

[@NickForest999]

@@robmccall5017Bit surprised AC not included as Classic Retrofit based in Sussex make an AC unit for classic 911’s specifically and I understand Singer are now including these as standard.

[@TwinPotMan]

"I'm not here to worship Clarkson's farm" - brilliant, thank you!😀

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Sounded harsh, but there's lots of fantastic farm shops all over the UK. Why worship his?

[@AdamJRichardson]

Classy build. I'm not a Porsche guy really, but I'd take something like this any day over any of the current crop of super cars where you can only enjoy a tiny portion of their capability anywhere but a track

[@petesplaneta9340]

I’ve never wanted a 911 more than I do now having watched this. This is way out of my price range. This resto mod is so beautiful and interesting. The sound is awesome. And I’d love to have one for a long weekend. Maybe I’ll get a Porsche one day. Thanks for another passionate video Jonny.

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Get a 997.1, still the right size & weight

[@yardarm5]

. totally agree (94 Del Sol Honda 😂 )

[@kevinbodman1011]

You definitely will.

[@Ma660t5andw1ch]

Do your research. Make friends in your local 911 club. Make friends with your local mechanic. Learns how to do regular maintenanace like oil, brakes, etc. Save your $. Find the best maintained, lowest mileage 911 you can afford - include maintenance in your calculations. Many of us want to pass along our cars to dedicated enthusiasts we are familiar with when we want to go after a new(er) car or when the repair bill gets too high. I sold my ‘55 356 to a guy I barely knew because he was always at the club meets, talking to everyone. I sold a black 944 turbo through a mechanic who knew someone looking for one. Don’t let your dreams die. It’s the fastest way to hell.

[@JeffWilson-pv9cn]

I think Theon has elevated the restomod game above what Singer has done by 1) capturing the true ethos of the 911 2) making each of them bespoke to the owner and 3) frankly the interior, paint work and other details are just better. Can't get enough! great video

[@robmccall5017]

Plus the Pricetag!

[@jblack5323]

Troll comment. Jeez the KZbin comment section really makes me sick.

[@leem1200]

Absolutely agree. Singer has gone too far now and removed the whole essence of the car. I don’t know why they even say based on the 964 as there’s nothing left of it! With Theon, they have retained the fact that it’s essentially a classic car.

[@alidaniels2487]

This is a very good point. By now Singer are no longer reimagining Porsches as they were at the beginning, there's increasingly less and less of the donor cars left on completion. Theon at least stay more faithful to the original appearance and driving characteristics from what I've read. It's worth having a look for Chris Harris's review of the Tuthill Porsche with it's designer. The engine revs to 11k!!

[@danielharwood6905]

The original targa roof did fit in the front!!! I grew up with one!

[@jvommen]

Me too! And a large bag of sand in the front too!

[@cameronfairweather8559]

Ditto. It was a lovely folding mech. Altho made out of magnesium… it was impossible to repair if you.. accidentally reversed over it in a dark garage.. 😡

[@richardthurlow1596]

Mine fits in the frunk of a 3.2 Carrera

[@andystafford7073]

The 964 Targa roof definitely fits in the front boot. Touring Europe in the summer definitely requires A/C, roof on or off.

[@m3kilo796]

@@andystafford7073 Not a good idea to use your air con when windows or roof is down. Motor has to work harder thus shortening it's life. A bit like leaving your fridge/freezer door open.

[@julienbegasse6536]

So great to see my BEL001 in the background. I own a few nice cars (we should chat Johnny) but I have to say the Theon is VERY special. These cars make the new cars (Porsche included) sedate in comparison, at least at reasonable road speed. They are so joyful.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for the comment, and congrats on owning a Theon. Please do email us!

[@JeffWilson-pv9cn]

mine is the Midnight Blue - I sat in yours when it was nearly complete. great car.

[@Low760]

How did you become rich enough to afford this sort of stuff? I want to be in the position.

[@asdreww]

@@JeffWilson-pv9cn What sort of spec did you go with on the Midnight Blue car?

[@mrfishbulb7187]

Mine is the same as the one on his office desk. 😊

[@ChrisBWelch]

What a fantastic car, another addition to my lottery win garage! Love the passion and care poured into saving a classic.

[@jaycee7070]

I love a 964. I love a targa. I love a yellow vehicle. I have just had to add a slot to my fantasy garage

[@JJ-zg1hh]

I just need to add the four hundred and thirty grand...😢

[@nomis3045]

I had a 964 C4 targa a little while back. A really great car to drive. Targa roof off, radio off, revs near the red line. A really great car drivers car. Love what you are doing with these beasts.

[@mikebull1972]

Now, that was special. Also, a big shout out to your videographer for this one! 👏👏👏

[@kobuserasmus2934]

Quite possibly the most delightful 911 in existence, what a glorious thing ! Thanks for sharing this beautiful machine.

[@urbanstrencan]

This restomod is on the next level; the engineering and craftsmanship of Theon Design Porsches 911 are just amazing. ;) Just look at the engine bay; the engine is just an art piece. :) Johnny, thanks for taking us inside this niche manufacturer and showing us their amazing work. Great video! .)

[@hamids4550]

what a thing of beauty. if I had the money, definitely worth the build

[@mccash264]

If it’s 6000 hours and a small team, no wonder they only produce five per year . Stunning product though.

[@MikeCarden]

What a great review Jonny, and big props to yer man from Theon Design for really getting into the spirit of an LBS video. Your obvious joy and enthusiasm while driving the car leaps off the screen and I (and I assume WE) love it.

[@c.c.5472]

A classic beauty brought back to life even better than new, whats not to love! Thanks for the tour Jonny. Cheers

[@wildskies7183]

I'm not a restomod or a particular Porsche fan but you can't argue with the looks of classic 911s, even if for nostalgia reasons (an early '80s child here). Great production and music on your latest videos too - keep up with the nice work!

[@mikenisbet6070]

Great job Johnny excellent review as always. Exactly you don't need 400k to enjoy the Porsche 911 experience. Even my 996 tip cab from 1999 is a hoot to drive and re-engages you with driving in this era of bevs. Fantastic that Theon exists and good for them being successful. BUT can't help but feel the 964 was of its time and the last over engineered Porsche before Wiedeking came along and saved the company.

[@darkbassi5911]

Love it. Reminds me of the 911 that was in Commando, always loved that car, even when Arnie turned it over when it was on its side, it was damaged but still looked cool.

[@mrfishbulb7187]

I Lied 😂

[@darkbassi5911]

@mrfishbulb7187 legend

[@NigeUK007]

Thing of Beauty. I wish him all the best with his business. Great video!

[@jimmypublicupload]

Superb. My old 964 was Theon Number 2 for Asia. Very very cool car. Oh…and if we were playing a drinking game for the number of times you said autumnal in this clip, you would be over the limit !🤣🤣 Loving the late brake show as always ! Awesome and look forward to seeing the sleeper allegro being finished !😍

[@andyreynolds6194]

Christ, take my money… (if I had that much). Instantly into my ‘if I ever won the lottery’ list alongside one of those Ford Escorts from that place in Wales.

[@adrianlawrence6674]

And a 6R4 from that place in Wales too 🙏

[@dirtyoffroader2093]

Huge Targa fan.. absolutely loved this vlog 🫡

[@jamesmacd]

Absolutely stunning... nicely done. Great vid Jonny!

[@briteize136]

What craftsmanship like this does for and adds to the Porsche brand, experience and preservation of the original spirit and heritage should not be underestimated.

[@mikeburke603]

That sounds absolutely gorgeous!!

[@kings3803]

That first shot of the car in the intro looks amazing what a great looking car.

[@russellmalone3532]

Absolutely lovely. Only wish it was affordable. Colour coded trainers again Jonny. Nice touch

[@hughphillips1427]

What amazing 911’s so much more appealing than the latest 911’s. If I had the capital to buy a bespoke targa from these people, I would in a heartbeat. Another great video Mr Smith, thank you!

[@LukeHolman-k3k]

I don’t think any petrol head can get bored of these resto cars. Like you I love the subtle differences or improvements, maybe something that others don’t notice. I wish I could own or even drive something like this! 400 bhp is just about useable and I can’t think of anything better to drive on some scenic bendy roads, if that’s in Scotland or Italy wherever. My idea of heaven gave me a buzz doing the NC 500 in my car let alone something like this

[@AVM-Music]

The growl on the overrun is lovely

[@Surestick88]

Is there anything better than an overrun growl with little pops and everything? It's like icing on a cake, not the main show but can elevate something good to perfection. It tends to be a carburetted thing as most fuel injection systems cut fuel for the overrun.

[@AVM-Music]

@ unless you screw around with the exhaust as I found out when I deleted the back box on my Volvo T5 Flame and pop central, but nothing….i repeat: NOTHING like this

[@ryon1976]

Im all for resto mods to keep whatever cars alive and fornall to hopefully see. Great video.

[@paulallen6915]

That is beautiful. I like Jonny, he’s a proper car guy, the way he saw the Rover and made comment 👍🏻 keep doing what you do mate.

[@nickrendell4300]

An amazing small company building bespoke Porsche’s, it’s all about attention to details. The sound of those cars is what it’s all about. Great video.

[@tdmtam]

Love the Targa’s. For me it’s the roll over hoop and the curved rear windscreen that maintains the silhouette but makes it look lighter. And that engine noise sounds like a bear gargling on a swarm of wasps. Beautiful.

[@ardles]

Another cracking episode - I had not heard of Theon before, Jonny. This is sublime especially in Targa format. What a gorgeous car. If my numbers came up, I’d join the queue for one in white, with green and orange cloth tartan with tan leather bolsters. It would be my only Porsche…

[@KevinJohnson-gs6xn]

What a lovely thing! Amazing care and attention in the build. Like the colour coordinated trainers too. Also encouraging that you got insurance sorted

[@flamont30]

Jonny I loved the matching black n yellow hightops, almost looked like this restored was commissioned by yourself... suits you

[@kempez]

I own a manual 997 C2 and that drives beautifully, especially compared to a lot of cars nowadays. But that must be an absolute weapon on the road. Lovely attention to detail. Makes me want to do a little bit of restomod to my own 911.. nice as usual Jonny!

[@jimbobjameshecks]

Stunning cheers mr smith for another year of amazing content !! 🚗

[@philwebb6464]

I love this. I love that people are making them and that people want them made.

[@johnroche9081]

It’s a passion for those that build it and for the those that own it. It’s as beautiful as a Singer and much more desirable than a Gunther ( I think they go too far). It’s a fraction of the price of a Singer which is absolutely beyond 99% of us all. It’s a huge amount of money but there are more people that can spec a 296 and loose a ton of money. This car won’t. It’s a stunning demonstration of art and passion ………

[@moneypits]

Great work. Today I’ve watched an RWB 964 transformation by Dino DC (also yellow) and now this one. Two 964s going in different directions but both spectacular in their intention.

[@LennartMakinen]

Lovely builds! I really adore the way it revs.

[@rxcosmo76]

Nice work Johnny. I really like the green one in the background. Colour and wheel combo epic.

[@Walkerkuka]

Gorgeous. Brilliant to see this level of quality.

[@iainweller452]

I love this, a bespoke 911 sounds good to me, great episode Jonny 💛

[@emmajg28]

Such a gorgeous car, loved all the little details especially the engine bay Those sounds were just perfect. Also recognised those roads, great for nipping around. If I win the lottery I know where I'll be going 💛

[@Tethered_to_the_Polestar]

I saw a Theon pair of cars at Goodwood a while back. Understated and effortlessly cool. I’d have one if a lotto win came in.

[@B16YUG]

Great review and hat a Tremendous car!

[@MartinPratt-q2s]

This is a stunning custom Porsche. That black one is… 🤤🤤🤤🤤 that green one 👌🏼😍

[@jameslowry4299]

Bright yellow Targa, deep dish Fuchs, ITB's, plaid seats.....yep, it's sure nice.

[@tomcardale5596]

Nice to see the attention to detail like the proper badge they've put on it.

[@stewartmacfarlane8977]

Epic. Nice to see my local roads being used. Pretty sure I passed you filming when you were pulled up in the lay-by outside Deddington.

[@dankrafted]

im all for anything that keeps old looking cars on the roads and driving about, obviously the cost is mental, but modern cars just do very little for me looks wise and although im not a 911 fan, you cannot deny how cool they are when they look and sound like this

[@pauldupre2269]

Ooh, this yellow Targa is Bloody Lovely 💛

[@stuart7651]

Brilliant!! cars changed for the better but not over done and out of all recognition.

[@joeyhenry3946]

The yellow one is beautiful .👍🇬🇧

[@KarelKraakei-g5j]

This intro was so good, it really was 11/10 👌🏼 excited to watch the rest

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you. Glad we hooked you in.

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

9:52 is that engine smoke or tyres scrubbing the arch ?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It's oil on the exhaust - some spilt when we topped it up before the drive review, and we didn't know it had gone onto the headers.

[@ianwilson6571]

I think that is possibly the best looking car I have ever seen 😎

[@ruwoodbury]

I have a 964 C2 coupe that I've recently got back on the road after a few years of work. It had a fresh re-paint and a rebuilt motor when I bought it. But after discovering one cylinder with a broken piston ring and taking it apart to re-ring it (and possibly replace the cylinder) my mechanic found a more serious problem. The previous owner had his mechanic re-use the original cylinders and pistons which were worn out. I had to rebuild a "rebuilt" motor. Argh! The repaint is solid. I chose LN Engineering Nickies cylinders with 3.8 liter capacity, Motec, etc to build a mild hotrod. Completely went through the suspension with ERP parts and coil overs and took some weight out of the car. Redid the interior as well. Also, electric/hydraulic steering and a Wavetrac limited slip. Ended up with 290 hp, 280 lbs ft of torque and around 2,830 lbs wet. You might say a home-built resto-mod. After driving it in the twisties for the past couple months I've concluded you don't need 400 hp to have a blast in an old Porsche. I'm in my car about a fifth the cost of the TD targa (admittedly, my car is probably 2/5ths as good). That said, Theon Design does a marvelous job of resto-modding 964s. I'm not a targa guy, but I'd have this one (in LHD).

[@SWR112]

Ok I think I’ve just found my classic 😁👍 If I ever win the Euro lottery. That is just glorious and you get people buying that Ferrari SUV for £450k that you can pass another daily or this absolute joy to own and drive that says I’ve moved on from mass produced to bespoke. Credit to the customer who must have given the go ahead for Jonny to drive it. Honestly I watch a lot of car utubers with all the new stuff right back to Tyrrell’s classic workshop and Harry’s, Shmee, Seen through glass etc and I’ve not wanted a Car so much in years and years.

[@derekbilton-heenan854]

Beautiful looking car. Great video again!

[@mikegilbert4032]

I’ve never needed a lottery win more than I do now! What a beautifully built thing.

[@BOLLOX64]

Mmmm! If my Lottery numbers came in, I think this would be my summer car. Sublime!

[@Nils_Martin]

Absolutely effin' wicked..!! I love Targas as well as well, and this one.. WOW..!!!

[@timothykay10]

Really love Johny because he is somehow real just which he would stay away from rich mans toys.

[@stephen300o6]

He covers junk in sheds too.

[@georgewade278]

Well that's me now wanting a Theon Porsche over a Singer. Absolutely brilliant video Jonny and what a brilliant company Theon looks like.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Singer have their name well and truly established out there, so it has been interesting to sample a UK contender. Plus, Theon make far less cars than Singer these days...

[@georgewade278]

@TheLateBrakeShow even though they have an established name do you personally believe they warrant their prices being at least double that of Theon they? When you look at the exclusivity of a Theon over a Singer and think about prices, surely a Theon is an absolute bargain I reckon.

[@liammedler]

​@@TheLateBrakeShowto be fair Singers are now made in England (about half an hour away from Theon and 10 mins from Tuthill). We are very blessed in the Cherwell valley - myself especially as I work at Singer

[@MarkGFRex]

I'm suffering from Porsche fatigue these days. As great as they are, they seem to be everywhere so I don't get as excited as I used to. Anyway it's still a good video to watch on a Sunday night.

[@AndrewSmith-qx2pp]

Panamanamara and cayenne pepper aside, I really appreciate seeing the old school porsches... Old Skool Cool and Timeless in design😊

[@jblack5323]

Yeah. Overdone

[@simonwilliams1740]

Only new porsches have saturated the market, you rarely see anything pre 996

[@jeffcondell]

Sounds absolutely Glorious!

[@stevecarter5084]

Great car,subtle,neat engineering which almost belies the amount of change from standard. Good to have a specification that gives comfort as well as performance. Unfortunately not in my price range but in there challenging more well known restomod Porsche vehicles. Great review Jonny🎉

[@Slingshotgixxer]

Every once in awhile you see a car thats almost painful to look at , in its beauty, this is one , what a gorgeous thing , thank you , sort of lol

[@ryank7601]

That's a beautiful machine. 964 resto mods will never get old. Not going to say one lucky owner whoever picks that up, as they've obviously grafted their arse off to get such a car... so I take my hat off to you 😅

[@_que]

Amazing way to your the CF ti strengthen the Targa chassis, now that in invitation applied. Totally agree in taking tired chassis and given them new life. Plus CF will not rust away with moisture. Wish the prices would come down for the individual parts.

[@MarkLeamy-c5y]

Good to meet you in person on Saturday Jonny in Leamington hope I didn’t freak you out too much 😂

[@niklaswejedal463]

I got one Matchbox-Porsche exactly like that green one, from when I was about 6 or 7 years old!😁👌 - The air-cooled 911 is one of those cars that looks amazing without looking agressive (as in I-am-very-angry-and-want-to-eat-you) in any way - it more looks like a friendly, happy pet inviting you for some playtime fun. The Theon look to be very comparable with Singer, enhanced rather than re-worked - I like it!

[@kerrykoskinen4038]

I hate yellow, but yet i think that yellow targa with brushed metal trimmings is the most perfect car!

[@philipware4951]

Fantastic I love the car My fav from my childhood too Well done

[@jodydewald19]

The car looks like perfection. How satisfying would it be to turn out a product like that for customers willing to spend that kind of money? I surely don't have the mechanical ability or engineering background that they do, but still... who wouldn't want to work in that shop where you could almost literally eat off the floor? Thanks for showcasing this business, Johnny!

[@asdreww]

Absolutely love it and the carbon tub floorplan reinforcement is very interesting - I wonder if you could DIY something similar on any number of wobbly cars form the 90s and earlier. Not something I'd go with even if I had the money, but I appreciate it massively.

[@Ankur3108]

Looks so beautiful. Originally beautiful

[@matthewjames4268]

Been hunting for a 930/964 targa for yrs. Will have one soon.

[@paraplegictwat6708]

Driving round on Harry's garage test route 😂😂

[@tobyrosoman7438]

That is a wonderful creation, and personally, I think its uniqueness helps massively. If I had the funds, I'd definitely think I'd order a Targa, and in a bright colour (from Porsches' vast repertoire). Basically, it's a YES from me. 😁

[@Rubbereyes]

I would take this Targa over anything else out there for every reason mentioned. It’s got everything you need for a rewarding travel experience at half the price of something you would be afraid of leaving at the pump to go pay for your petrol. As a Canadian, I would love to drive this from one coast of Canada to the other.

[@robmccall5017]

Pls get informed about the Cars You review! The original Targa F,G and 964 had a foldable Targa Roof with soft Material between a foldble Frame. It was fitting perfectly in the Front in the Trunk! Cheers from Munich from a G-Targa Owner.

[@milesgreen9705]

The removable roof on originals, is metal and scissors to half size Then you put it in the front. Had access to one in the 90's!!

[@zonoscopePictures]

Came here to say this - my ‘81 targa top folds up and fits in the trunk. I have read that the targa tops from the 60s models could fit in the trunk without being folded up (there was no power brake booster, so there was more room !)

[@milesgreen9705]

@@zonoscopePictures Definitely folded have the ends of my fingers missing, to prove it!! Not really... Mine wass 89 I think with the whale tail. Never too waterproof, but nice inside and not much to worry about. Superb machine.

[@malcolmallison1252]

Truly Amazing great work 🙏🙏🦋🦋

[@colinaitken9046]

Well done, what a diamond you've created

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Excellent 911s 😎😉 The Benchmark

[@ChrisSaddlerSam]

I loved the Singer 911, since the beginning... (I think I've discovered them when they were on their 2nd or 3rd car) And of course I like Theon, too!!! But now... u know... U have to pay a visit at the Tuthill's, too!!! ;)

[@captainashcam]

“Subtle aggression” - such a great saying

[@amgguy4319]

It's fantastic. Will be far more reliable than anything similarly priced from Ferrari, Mclaren, Lamborghini... Can easily be a daily.

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

One day, I was dreaming in a rather large, ridiculous way, and I thought to myself, "Self, wouldn't it be cool to have a Porsche 911 restomod collection?" I started a list, just to see how many companies have one available. Many folks here have their favorites, and names like Singer and Tuthill instantly come to mind. By the end of my list, I had almost brands! I couldn't calculate the cost exactly, but if you figure the average at $500,000 usd, your wallet would be $25,000,000 lighter by purchasing just one of each. Holy cow... then the problem of which 911 to drive each day!

[@danielburke7012]

I had that Same 911 matchbox when I was a kid I'm 49 now

[@johnnysmith863]

I'll never be 'over' restomods, but I do wish there were more companies producing budget versions on less obvious base cars (though I do looove the 964). My MG Midget restomod was built to my spec and cost just over £20k (+ donor) - obviously not a patch on this gorgeous Theon but fun none-the-less!

[@TheProco2020]

What’s the engine and box you have?