Porsche 911 Restorations by Singer
Singer, a luxury specialist based in California, specializes in the restoration of air-cooled Porsche 911s in collaboration with their owners. In response to client requests, Singer has expanded its Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) to include turbocharging, resulting in the Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer – DLS Turbo. This restoration and modification service pays tribute to the victorious 934/5 endurance racers of the 1970s and connects the racing DNA of the past with the present.
Originally starting as a naturally aspirated car, the Porsche 911 underwent careful development over the years to enhance its performance on both the road and the track. In the mid-1970s, the turbocharged 911 emerged and underwent a similar evolution. This eventually led to the racing variant known as the Type 934/5 in 1977, which dominated the SCCA Trans American series, winning 6 out of 8 races and the championship.
Rob Dickinson, Executive Chairman and Founder of Singer Group, Inc., recalls his inspiration for the DLS Turbo: “When I was 12 years old, my father’s friend showed us his Super 8 film of the 1977 Watkins Glen 6 Hours. Witnessing the transformation of the familiar Porsche 911 into a car with bold design elements, such as striking hips, large intakes, and a massive rear wing, I was shocked and realized that this was the racing version of the 911. Since Singer’s inception, I’ve always wanted to revisit that moment, collaborate with our clients, and celebrate the 934/5.”
The restoration process begins when the owner of a Type 964 Porsche 911 sends their car to Singer for a personalized restoration. These sports cars, originally manufactured by Porsche between 1989 and 1994, have been cherished for three decades. Singer carefully disassembles the owner’s car, removes the interior, exterior bodywork, and mechanical components to reveal the steel monocoque (chassis). The chassis is thoroughly assessed, cleaned, strengthened, and prepared for the subsequent stages of the restoration.
For weight reduction and increased stiffness, modified carbon fiber bodywork is utilized during the body restoration. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis influences the shape of the carbon fiber bodywork to optimize aerodynamic performance. Features like a central front intake, hood vent, rear fender intakes, and NACA ducts aid in cooling the brakes and turbocharger.
Owners can choose between track-focused or road-focused restoration. The track-focused version features a high-downforce rear wing with an adjustable upper element and a track-oriented front fascia with a larger splitter. On the other hand, the road-focused version includes an aero-optimized rear ducktail spoiler and a road-oriented front fascia that reduces drag. Owners also have the option to modify their Type 964 to accommodate both aero configurations by easily switching the front fascia and rear decklid assembly.
The restoration starts with the owner’s Type 964 Porsche 911 engine, which serves as the foundation. The engine is disassembled down to the engine block and then restored using high-performance components and modifications to optimize its power. The unique 3.8L, 4-valve per cylinder flat-six engine incorporates twin turbochargers, electric wastegates, air-to-water intercooling, and a horizontally mounted, electrically powered fan. This evolved engine developed for DLS restorations enables power outputs exceeding 700 HP at more than 9000 rpm.
Singer tailors the driving experience of each restoration based on the owner’s preferences. A 6-speed manual transmission transfers power to the rear wheels, and track-oriented suspension, bespoke dampers with remote adjustment, and powerful carbon ceramic discs with lightweight monobloc calipers are considered. Lightweight 19″ (front) and 20″ (rear) forged magnesium centerlock wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Cup 2R tires. The exterior and interior presentation of the car can be personalized through bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes.
Rob Dickinson emphasizes the results of turbocharging the advanced DLS engine: “The outcome of turbocharging our advanced 4-valve, high-revving DLS engine has been truly remarkable. Combined with our knowledge of lightweighting and vehicle dynamics, it provides the perfect platform to pay homage to the Type 934/5 and its pivotal role in the 911’s evolution as a racing car.”
Mazen Fawaz, Chief Executive Officer of Singer Group, Inc., acknowledges the company’s growth and commitment to excellence: “Our Dynamics & Lightweighting Study marked a new era for Singer and significantly advanced our operations in California and the United Kingdom. We have collaborated with renowned names in the automotive industry, such as Bosch and Michelin, as we continuously strive for higher standards. We will continue to serve our creative and passionate clientele with innovative ideas like the DLS Turbo.”
The prices for Singer’s restoration services vary depending on each owner’s specific requests. A limited number of restorations will be commissioned. If you’re interested in seeing the possible results of the restoration and modification services in person, you can attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK from July 13-16, 2023, or Car Week in the Monterey Peninsula, Northern California, in August 2023.
Singer, founded in California in 2009, follows a philosophy known as “A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” The company is renowned for its collaboration with owners of air-cooled Porsche 911s to create bespoke restorations. Singer’s philosophy encompasses a highly personalized approach, impeccable execution, a focus on iconic design and homage to legendary sportscars, the integration of modern engineering and material science, and a deep connection with California’s automotive culture. Singer’s automotive services cater to the restoration of normally aspirated and turbocharged sports cars for both road and track use.
The Classic Study allowed owners to pursue their vision of optimized, air-cooled 911 coupes and Targas, while the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study explored the ultra-high-performance capabilities of naturally aspirated, air-cooled 911s with technology derived from Formula 1. The Turbo Study expanded Singer’s services into the realm of turbocharging, focusing on high-performance, luxury grand touring.