Theon’s First Targa Commission Gets Extra-Stiff Carbon Body And 993 RS Brakes

–>

For years, going the Targa route was the most affordable way into a used air-cooled Porsche 911. They were bendier than the coupe you really wanted and nowhere near as desirable, but they cost a lot less. Theon’s latest creation, its first ever Targa, is the polar opposite: expensive, stiff and arguably even more desirable than the same company’s previous tin-top builds.

Commission GBR003 – the three letters and the fact that it’s right-hand drive suggest it won’t be depart the country after leaving Theon’s Oxford, UK, base – follows the same basic template as the cars that have gone before it, meaning it’s a restomodded early 1990s 964-generation 911. Like the Singer Classics that it’ll inevitably be compared with, it blends classic 1970s styling cues with modern materials and technologies to deliver a car that looks as chic as an old 911, but drives more like a new one.

Related: Porsche 964 Restomod By Theon Design Looks Majestic In Oak Green

But that iconic silver roll hoop really amps up the want-one factor for us, particularly since we know that Theon has worked overtime to nix all those classic Targa niggles. True, there’s a 60 kg (132 lbs) weight penalty versus the equivalent Theon coupe to consider, but the curb weight still only stands at 1,228 kg (2,710 lbs), which makes it lighter than a Toyota GR86. And Theon has fixed the body’s rigidity problems by applying a carbon fiber brace to the floor that’s created by adding two pre-preg carbon and Nomex honeycomb ‘tubs’ to the existing metal floorpan.

The body panels are also carbon (it’s an option on Theon’s coupes), and in this case finished in a paint-to-sample pastel blue with contrasting ‘Porsche’ lettering along the bottom of the also-carbon doors. Naturally, the pop-out Targa roof panel, which is prone to wind noise and water leaks on older cars, has been given a makeover, too, though it’s finished in mohair rather than replaced by an entirely new composite panel. One for the next commission, maybe?

Inside, Theon’s touring-spec seats are finished in the same light gray as the exterior stripes and the 993 RS brake calipers that lurk behind 18-inch Fuchs wheels, and the interior also features a super-stealthy hifi install that includes Focal subwoofers integrated into the rear seat cushions. But we doubt the owner will spend much time listening to it when there’s a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six breathing through open trumpets only a couple of feet behind him. The motor is equipped with a lightweight single mass flywheel and six-speed manual transmission that sends 403 hp (409 PS) to the rear wheels.

Theon doesn’t say how much the unnamed buyer paid for his special Targa, but since the firm’s most basic Targa builds start at £515k ($650k) plus the cost of a donor car and local taxes, we can assume he’s rich enough that GBR003 will be sharing garage space with some other very special and expensive cars.