Theon Design Unveils Bespoke Porsche 911 GBR001 in Iconic Slate Grey
Theon Design has unveiled a masterpiece in their Oxfordshire atelier, a bespoke Porsche 911 (964) that transcends mere automotive craftsmanship. It emerges as a gleaming tribute to elegance, wrapped in the iconic Slate Grey hue reminiscent of Steven McQueen's legendary 911 from the cinematic treasure trove 'Le Mans'.
This carbon-bodied marvel, christened GBR001, represents the zenith of the air-cooled 911 evolution. Its silhouette is adorned with 'visual' carbon bodywork, glistening chrome accents, and wheels that shimmer like molten gold. With a suspension system that dances with the road's every whisper and a bellowing 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that roars with the force of nature, GBR001 is not a car; it is a symphony of power and beauty.
Step inside, and you enter a realm where opulence meets nostalgia. Theon Design's meticulous interior updates elevate the cabin to unparalleled sophistication while retaining the essence of a classic Porsche cockpit.
GBR001 is a reverie forged in metal and carbon fibre—a dream realised to the highest echelons of perfection. Every inch and curve is a testament to the fusion of contemporary engineering and timeless aesthetics. It is a true testament to Theon Design's philosophy—where modernity melds seamlessly with heritage.
The heart of GBR001 is a 1990 C4 Porsche 911 (964), meticulously stripped down to its bare essence before the resurrection began. Carbon fibres drape its form, lending structural rigidity while shedding excess weight. At 1,163 kilograms, GBR001 stands as a featherweight titan in automotive artistry.
Theon Design's devotion to detail knows no bounds. A lighter and more robust Mil-Spec wiring loom weaves through the reinvigorated body shell. Modern comforts, like dual air-conditioning compressors and an electric-power steering pump, have been discreetly placed to optimise balance.
But it's beneath the hood where GBR001's true soul resides. The air-cooled 3.8-litre engine is a marvel—a symphony of power churning out 390 horsepower at 7,350 rpm. With over 100 horsepower per litre, it's a beast with an elegant demeanour, equally at ease in everyday driving as on the open road.
When unleashed, GBR001's voice is booming, emanating from trumpet-style air intakes. An ignition system that boosts engine power by five per cent and independent throttle bodies crafted by British specialists Jenvey ensure this symphony resonates with perfect harmony.
A single mass flywheel ensures rapid responses, while a precisely calibrated THEON engine management system ensures civility in everyday driving. GBR001's roar, channelled through a switchable ceramic-coated exhaust, is harnessed by a new Hewland six-speed gearbox, which offers Porsche-like shifts, further accentuated by an RS gear shifter.
The 964 'Big Red' brake setup, a nod to Porsche Motorsport, ensures a responsive pedal feel and unwavering stopping power. A Wavetrac® Torsen limited-slip differential completes the ensemble, guaranteeing the signature Porsche traction and control.
But the true transformation lies in GBR001's dynamic prowess. With the addition of a five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system, the 964 platform evolves into a dance partner of unparalleled grace and agility.
Theon Design's meticulous eye for aesthetics has refined every exterior curve. A carbon-clad body, draped in the evocative 'Steve McQueen' Slate Grey, gleams with warm chrome accents, a nod to motorsport heritage and modern craftsmanship.
Inside, a modernised, next-generation interior awaits, exuding handcrafted opulence. Woven leather Recaro seats cradle occupants, adorned with body-coloured trim and harness holes. 'Phantom' leather cloaks every surface, including sills and the transmission tunnel—a first for a Theon Design Commission.
The Aluminum Interior Pack replicates '90s Porsche plastic components in exquisite cast metal, elevating the tactile experience to new heights. Gauges glisten with chrome bezels, while a sports steering wheel, trimmed and painted to match the interior, commands attention.
GBR001 offers modern comforts, with a new HVAC unit for varying climates and a seamless DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity integration. A powerful Focal amp and a six-speaker system ensure that even the dulcet tones of the flat-six engine may momentarily yield the spotlight.
Unveiling GBR001, Theon Design Co-Founder Adam Hawley aptly describes it as a symphony—an orchestration of air-cooled 911 charm intertwined with modern dynamics; all encased in timeless design and unwavering devotion to detail.
This is not just a car; it's an unparalleled experience—an immersion in the essence of Porsche, meticulously crafted by a team of passionate artisans. It's the manifestation of a dream—a dream realised through 18 months of collaboration with the customer. Prices for such bespoke marvels start at £380,000, a small fee for a journey into automotive nirvana.
