► Theon Design’s first Targa commission
► Carbon bodywork, air-cooled flat-six
► Full restoration to exact spec
Theon Design has unveiled its third UK commission – a restored and improved 964-generation 911 Targa.
The base 964 Carrera 2 Targa was stripped back to its bare components and has beeon gone over with a fine-toothed comb by Theon Design, with the brand’s client then adding on their own restoration spec.
What’s resulted is a carbon-bodied Targa finished in pastel blue to the client’s own sample named GBR003. Theon Design has gone full retro here, including deep dish, 18-inch Fuchs wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres beneath the blistered wheelarches, and black and white houndstooth upholstery inside.
Under the carbon bodywork is more carbonfibre; Theon has crafted some new carbonfibre bracing to strengthen the chassis. Despite the additional bracing, the GBR003 weighs 1228kg.
As for the powertrain, the GBR003 uses a 4.0-litre, air-cooled and naturally aspirated flat-six that develops 403bhp and 320lb ft, with all of that shove being sent through a six-speed manual transmission.
Theon says that the GBR003 has the same power-to-weight ratio as a 991-generation GT3, and the engine is allowed to shriek via the team’s own exhaust system, which is ceramic coated, also includes a manual toggle inside that can further open the valves. Brakes from a 993 RS are fitted, too.
Inside, besides the houndstooth upholstery, the cockpit has been kept as period correct as possible. But Theon has included small, more modern details like an audio system from Focal and a place to hold a phone.
‘Everyone who’s driven the Targa during our exhaustive development process has been bowled over by the results; it delivers the rigidity and handling precision of a coupe, but with the added sensory rush of a convertible,’ says Theon co-founder, Adam Hawley.
‘It’s driving in technicolour: you’re totally engaged by the analogue driving experience and more aware of your surroundings too. Of course, you also get to hear much more of the addictive flat-six howl! As a team, we’re exceptionally proud of the results, and the customer is delighted, too.’
Want one yourself? Theon says that, aside from 18 months of your patience and a donor car, it’ll set you back a minimum of £390,000 for a coupe, or £415,000 for a Targa.