The 518-horsepower 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS weighs 3,268 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.159 hp/lb, but Theon Design’s latest creation makes it look overweight, claiming an even better power-to-weight ratio of 0.166 hp/lb. In less technical terms, the restomod weighs just 2,535 lbs and produces 420 hp at 7,600 rpm (and 324 lb-ft of torque), with extensive use of carbon fiber resulting in what the company is calling a “pared-back, timeless interpretation of the ultimate road-optimized, air-cooled Porsche 911.” 0-60 mph takes less than four seconds, which is pretty good for a manual car with an old-school engine, albeit one with a 993 RS-spec six-speed. But even standing still, the car wows with its simple, elegant design.
Theon Design Has an Obsession with Fine Details
Although it may look older, Theon’s latest build is based on a 964-generation Porsche 911 (retaining that car’s active rear spoiler) and over the course of a year and a half, the company stripped it back to a bare shell before fitting the carbon fiber body that helps achieve that GT3 RS-beating power-to-weight figure. In between, all mechanical components, which include the air-cooled 4.0-liter boxer-six engine, were given a period-correct yellow chromate protective coating, while the body was finished in a classic Porsche hue called Medium Ivory, with Copper Brown Metallic Porsche scripts and Grand Prix White striping. This 20-stage paint job took more than 300 hours to complete before being sealed in with a full PPF coating. Seam welding of the rebuilt chassis improves structural strength and heightens torsional rigidity, helping “keep a 992 GT3 RS honest on a twisty road,” according to Theon Design co-founder Adam Hawley.
Other highlights include champagne detailing on the wheels, rear engine cover grille, mirrors, and headlight rings, with the brightwork around the glasshouse appearing in Theon’s Polished Eclipse Chrome finish. Copper Brown reappears on the 993 RS brake calipers, which hide behind lightweight three-piece 17-inch Fuchs-style wheels in champagne. Naturally, Michelin Pilot Sport tires have been fitted.
Theon’s New Restomod Has a Soundtrack to Match Its Style
With the coloring and styling evoking the 1970s, Theon added more old-school excellence by fitting open engine trumpets that not only improve torque delivery, but also “vividly recall” Porsche’s RSR race cars of the era. To make the most of it, the owner has specified the spacing of the pedals precisely, fixing one of the flaws of older 911s (particularly right-hand-drive models, which have pedals misaligned with the steering wheel) and inviting easy heel-and-toe downshifts. The independent throttle bodies are brought to life by a contemporary ignition system, and when the owner doesn’t want to draw too much attention, the exhaust is valved, letting them switch from raucous to restrained at the touch of a button. More modernity comes from a TracTive semi-active setup with five-stage adjustable dampers that are adjusted via a dial on the steering column.
Speaking of the cabin, this boasts Recaro CS seats, with upholstery in nubuck Tobacco and Licorice semi-aniline leathers contrasted by Ivory stripes. Billet aluminum is used for the vents, door handles, and control knobs, which have been reverse-engineered from the plastic Porsche originals, while the rear seats have been deleted in favor of a carbon fiber storage deck with an interior-matched luggage set. Finally, an Audison sound system is equipped, with dual subwoofers in the area where the rear seats once sat. If this sort of excellent attention to detail is up your alley, you’ll need to budget £420,000 (roughly $562,000). That excludes the donor car, shipping, local taxes, and the 18 months you must wait for a build to be completed. Worth it? Yes, but it does make a $250k 992 GT3 RS look cheap.
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