Theon Pushes Air-Cooled Porsches to New Heights.

The latest customised Porsche 911 (964) from Theon Design's Oxfordshire factory is finished in famous Slate Grey, the same color as Steven McQueen's legendary 911 in the film 'Le Mans.' This is Theon Design's first order for a UK customer.

The magnificent carbon-bodied GBR001 is the apex of the improved air-cooled 911. It has "visual" carbon bodywork parts, warm chrome brightwork and wheels, semi-active suspension, and a loud 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine.

The newest modifications to the interior by Theon Design can be found in the GBR001 as well, greatly improving quality while meticulously keeping the traditional Porsche cockpit's appearance and feel.

GBR001 is the stuff of Porsche 911 fantasies; it's been meticulously repaired and upgraded to the max. Like all of Theon Design's custom work, this piece is the result of a blend of OEM+ design and engineering expertise, cutting-edge technology, and production to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Designed with a single-minded focus on providing the best possible air-cooled Porsche 911 driving experience, it is the pinnacle of Porsche craftsmanship.

Theon Design - GBR001

Theon Design - GBR001

“Our entire team are Porsche obsessives, each of us shares a passion for taking these iconic, brilliant machines and making them truly unique. At the same time, our efforts are utterly aligned with the Porsche philosophy and brand ethos, with consideration and attention given to every component and surface,” explains Theon Co-Founder Adam Hawley. “We go to great lengths to ensure that the air-cooled Porsche feel is preserved; a distilled and elevated experience that makes it more intoxicating. With the perfect blend of aesthetic, performance, and dynamic enhancements, they are air-cooled 911s, but not as you know them.”

The foundation of the GBR001 is a Porsche 911 (964) C4 from the year 1990. The vehicle that was used in the restoration was stripped down to its metal frame. Each panel is digitized and modeled in 3D design software to ensure a precise fit, and the entire body is made of carbon (except for the doors, which are still steel for side impact protection). GBR001's carbon body panels improve rigidity and reduce weight, bringing the total dry weight down to just 1,163 kg.

Theon Design - GBR001

Theon Design - GBR001

The meticulous craftsmanship that has come to define Theon Design is on full display throughout the vehicle, from the Mil-Spec wiring loom that has been painstakingly woven through the reinforced body shell to the state-of-the-art, dual air conditioner compressors and brand-new electric power steering pump that have been moved to the front of the vehicle and nestled low to the ground.

The air-cooled 3.8-liter flat-six engine that produces 390 horsepower at 7,350 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm has also been treated with the utmost respect. GBR001 has the greatest specific output of any THEON commission to date, at over 100 bhp per liter, while still being fully controllable and practical for daily usage.

Once released onto the open road, GBR001 howls through trumpet-style open air intakes; its engine power has been increased by 5% thanks to a brand new ignition system. Located in the heart of Britain's renowned "Motorsport Valley," Theon Design is able to easily collaborate with prominent suppliers like Jenvey on innovative projects like the motor's separate throttle bodies.

The THEON engine management system and the vehicle's single mass flywheel work together to keep the flat-six quiet and responsive under normal driving conditions. The new Hewland six-speed transmission routes power to the rear wheels, while the ceramic-coated exhaust system lets the GBR001 shout. The brand-new gearbox provides authentic Porsche shifts, made even quicker and more precise with the RS gear selector.

Theon Design - GBR001

Keeping with the Porsche Racing motif, GBR001 has a 964 "Big Red" brake system, which provides excellent pedal feel and reaction in addition to reliable, fade-free stopping power. The package is rounded out by a Wavetrac® Torsen limited-slip differential, which collaborates with the meticulously manual 'box to provide the kind of traction and control that can only be found in a Porsche.

The driving and dynamics of the GBR001, a primary focus of Theon Design, have seen the most significant improvements. The 964 architecture was revised with updated features. Thanks to a variable five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) dampening system, the vehicle's dynamic range has been greatly expanded.

Theon Design's meticulously optimized setup has been fine-tuned over thousands of miles of testing to deliver perfect performance in a broad variety of driving conditions. GBR001 is at home cruising at high speeds over a lengthy stretch of freeway or navigating a typical British B-road.

Theon Design - GBR001

To guarantee that the project has a balanced, flawlessly resolved Porsche 911 appearance that is both attractive and functional, Hawley and the team have obsessively gone over and over every external design element. The all-carbon body of GBR001 is painted a timeless 'Steve McQueen' Slate Grey, while the interior and wheels are polished to a warm chrome shine. Carbon door sills and bumper lowers give a "visual" nod to the vehicle's race heritage and contemporary workmanship.

As you enter THEON, you'll find a completely redesigned, cutting-edge interior. The interior's handmade craftsmanship and seemingly unending attention to detail are striking at first glance. GBR001 is equipped with comfortable woven leather Recaro seats finished with body-color trim and harness holes, making it ideal for high-speed road trips. A first for a Theon Design project, "Phantom" leather covers the whole inside, from the sills to the transmission tunnel.

In addition, GBR001 has Theon's newest Aluminum Interior Pack, which replaces the car's plastic switches, handles, vents, and other interior components with high-quality metal versions of the originals. A warm satin finish is applied to all points of contact to coordinate with the exterior highlights and prevent any glare. The instruments, which are prominently displayed, include elegant chrome bezels, and the steering wheel, which is a current 911 sports model, has been trimmed and painted to match the rest of the interior.

Theon Design - GBR001

Modern conveniences may be found throughout GBR001. To ensure that guests are always at ease, regardless of the weather in Britain or Europe, brand new HVAC and control equipment has been installed. A traditional stereo head unit with DAB radio and Bluetooth connection looks great in the 964's cabin. If the passengers get tired of the magnificent flat-six, they can always turn on the high-powered Focal amplifier and six-speaker system that have been expertly fitted throughout.

“It is thrilling to unveil our first British commission, GBR001, to the world,” continues Adam Hawley, Theon Design Co-Founder.“Like all previous builds, it has been purposefully crafted to integrate enthralling air-cooled 911 charm with modern and focused dynamics; all encompassed by timeless design and our usual obsessive attention to detail.

“It is our signature blend of cutting-edge automotive technology, modern manufacturing techniques, and traditional British craftsmanship – melded together to deliver a level of quality and execution beyond what an OEM is capable of. It is a 911 experience like no other, delivered by a dedicated and passionate team.”

The starting price for a custom design by Theon Design is £380,000. Construction time for each vehicle, which is 18 months on average, includes extensive input from the buyer. Donor vehicles, transportation costs, and state or local taxes are not included in the listed price.

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