Theon Design Porsche Builds Lighter 964 Restomod That Outguns Its Own Flagship
Liam Campbell
3 minutes read
Theon Design Porsche builds have spent a decade proving that air-cooled 911s can be reworked into something sharper. Now the British shop celebrates its anniversary with a 964-based coupe that undercuts its own flagship on weight. It also opens a direct line to American buyers.
Why This Theon Design Porsche Matters
Theon starts with a 964-generation car from Porsche, then fits F1-grade carbon-fiber body panels and interior trim. The target curb weight sits near 2,645 pounds, against many real-world 964s that now tip closer to 3,300 pounds. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six making 419 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque.
The anniversary car, an Oak Green Neo Metallic coupe, took 18 months to develop and assemble. Every specification came from the owner who commissioned it. Its lightweight philosophy echoes the Brabus 800 based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S, though Theon takes a far more purist route. Drive runs through a five-speed G50 manual, with a close-ratio six-speed available for shorter gearing.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 4.0L naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six |
| 🐎Power Output | 419 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 322 lb-ft (437 Nm) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 4.0s (Theon claim) |
| 🚀Top Speed | Not disclosed |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 5-Speed G50 Manual / RWD (6-speed optional) |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | £435,000 (~$579,000) |
Braking hardware comes from the 993-generation 911 RS, paired with Tractive semi-active dampers. Theon claims the finished car offers a better power-to-weight ratio than a contemporary 911 GT3 RS. That bold claim deserves scrutiny, but the spec sheet is serious.
Pricing Ambition Meets Rival Reality
Pricing starts at £435,000, or roughly $579,000, and most commissions climb past $600,000 once paint and mechanical options arrive. Theon admits the figure is steep. “Yes, that’s a lot of money, but this is far more special than a similarly priced Lamborghini,” the company says. Still, rivals such as Gunther Werks’ GXR Evo and the Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien GT chase the same bespoke buyers.
On paper, the 4.0-second sprint to 60 mph is impressive, but the real selling point is exclusivity. Every Theon Design Porsche commission must justify its price through craftsmanship rather than raw numbers. Buyers also shoulder shipping, duties and local compliance work on top of the build.
Opening the Door to America
Until now, commissioning a Theon build meant working directly with the UK shop, which favored deep air-cooled enthusiasts. A new online configurator lets anyone spec a Coupe, Targa or R model from a computer. Through Humble House, a North American concierge now provides a local point of contact for the entire process.
Theon’s more hardcore Theon R, which the company says will top 500 horsepower, is currently in build. Ultimately, Theon is turning a niche UK craft into a transatlantic business. Follow Auto News Magazine as we track whether American buyers sign on.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
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