- The body features lightweight carbon fiber panels
- Theon’s 911 restomod has a better power-to-weight ratio than a 991 GT3.
This bright yellow beauty is the latest Porsche 964 Targa to be restored and modified by Theon Design. Built for an existing customer of the brand, Theon‘s new 911 Targa is designed as the perfect tourer.
The car, known as GBR005, started life as a regular Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Targa before being completely stripped down to its bare metal. Theon’s team then spent over 6,000 hours breathing new life into it, even going to the trouble of strengthening the underfloor with a custom carbon fiber bracing system. All of the panels are also made from lightweight fiber, except for the doors, which are made from steel.
Read: Theon’s First Targa Commission Gets Extra-Stiff Carbon Body And 993 RS Brakes
Power comes courtesy of a heavily modified 3.8-liter air-cooled flat-six. This engine has been CNC machined and features bespoke cast aluminum heads, a revised intake system, and new exhaust valves, allowing it to deliver 407 hp at 7,700 rpm and 285 lb-ft (386 Nm) of torque at 6,650 rpm. Theon Design has added a switchable, ceramic-coated exhaust to ensure the flat-six sings like it should.
Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual transmission complete with a lightweight, single-mass flywheel.
GBR005 shouldn’t just feel like a modern car in a straight line but also in the corners. It’s been equipped with a five-stage electronic suspension from TracTive with slightly softer springs than Theon’s 911 Coupe models. There’s also a new, modern wiring loom that saves 40 kg (88 lbs) and an all-new electro-hydraulic power steering pump. Impressively, the car weighs just 1,190 kg (2,623 lbs) with all fluids, giving it 341 hp per tonne, more than a 991 GT3.
The gorgeous paint adorning the sultry carbon fiber panels is the classic Porsche Signal Yellow which has been contrasted with grey metallic Porsche scripts and ghosted stripes. A set of 17-inch Fuchs wheels add to the car’s style. Bespoke materials in the cabin include dark grey Alcantara, licorice-colored semi-aniline leather, and tartan.
“Our latest Targa commission, GBR005, takes the open-top, air-cooled Porsche driving experience to a new level,” Theon co-founder Adam Hawley said. “Thanks to our innovative bonded carbon tub system, there are none of the dynamic drawbacks that you typically get with a convertible. We’ve been able to achieve the rigidity and handling precision of a coupe, with the added sensory rush of an open top car.”
