It’s always a sad sight when I come across a picture of an old, rusted vintage automobile that had been sitting in someone’s shed for decades. It’s an unfriendly reminder that there are even more wrecked, lost and rusted vehicles contributing to the model’s looming extinction. I saw a picture of an Aston Martin DB5 the other day that had been sitting for so long a tree was literally growing into it. All I could think was “man, I wish I had found that car before it was destroyed. I would have given it a good home,” and chances are you have experienced the same feeling.
When I thought about how many cars like that we are losing to the years, it got me wondering how many were still around, and where could we find them. In my search I came across many companies that actually restore classic cars with modern drivetrains. The first of which was Singer Vehicle Design who do an absolutely breathtaking remodel of the early 911.
Although the car is named the Singer 911, this is no backyard kit car. Singer purchased a number of pre-1994 air-cooled Porsche 911 coupes, so every single Singer 911 retains its original VIN and all are registered legally as 911 coupes. Singer outfits their 911 models with subtle cosmetic changes including a tasteful array of chrome and carbon fiber that make it an awesome clash of old an new.
On the outside, the fenders are slightly wider than stock allowing for 17x9inch wheels in the front and 17×11 in the rear, Carbon fiber is used to construct the fenders along with the hood, roof, bumpers, and rear engine deck lid. Interior extras include leather upholstered roll bar/cage options, harness bar, carbon bucket seats, and a fuel cell among other accessories for the weekend racer.
Power for the Singer 911 comes from one of three engine options, ranging from 3.6 to 3.9 liters and 300 to 425 BHP, respectively. Every motor is fully stripped down, blueprinted, and reconstructed from the most current materials and advanced technology available.
Singer is one example of a handful of independent builders who are putting their spin on classic exotics. At $200,000 base, the Singer is not a cheap car, but it is a great alternative to a new exotic if you love the classic styling as much as I do. In fact, it may be even more rare than a new car in the same price range, which brings us to the best part of being a Singer 911 owner: you won’t be parking in a row of them at next Saturday’s Cars and Coffee.
-The Ace
