Theon Design reveals 400hp, carbon-bodied Porsche 911 restomod

Based on the 964-generation 911, the latest project from Theon Design pushes the air-cooled Porsche to the limits of road-going performance.

Theon Design ITA001

Theon Design has revealed its latest bespoke Porsche 911, destined for an Italian customer who owns a matching 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS. 

Dubbed ITA001 (as the first Theon Design restomod sold in Italy), the car is said to realise the customer’s fantasy for what an air-cooled 911 could achieve. 

Virtually every part of the 964-generation Porsche has been upgraded, from the carbon fibre bodywork to the semi-active suspension – not forgetting the 4.0-litre flat-six engine.

Pushing the 911 to its limit

Theon Design ITA001

To create ITA001, a donor 911 Carrera 4 coupe was stripped back to bare metal then completely restored. Each body panel was 3D-scanned before being rendered in lightweight carbon fibre. 

The obsessive level of attention to detail includes a lighter, aerospace-grade wiring loom and a new electric power steering pump, which is relocated to the front of the car for better weight distribution.

The extensive use of carbon fibre means ITA001 weighs in at just 1,152kg. Its air-cooled engine produces a considerable 400hp, along with a muscular 315lb ft of torque. Independent throttle bodies, developed with motorsport specialist Jenvey, offer “razor-sharp” engine response.

Motorsport-derived components

Theon Design ITA001

Theon Design has installed the six-speed manual gearbox from a 993-generation 911 Carrera RS, along with a limited-slip rear differential.

A 993 RS has also donated its brake setup, while Theon Design has added TracTive adaptive dampers. These can switch between five different modes – calibrated via extensive on-road testing.

A set of 18-inch Fuchs-style alloy wheels are a pleasing retro touch, with satin carbon fibre used for the exterior trim.

Classic looks, modern tech

Theon Design ITA001

Porsche Schwartz Black paint, first used in the 1970s, has been applied to the 911’s bodywork. This is complemented by grey ‘ghost’ stripes and a ‘PORSCHE’ script along the sills. 

The carbon fibre continues inside, along with a pair of Recaro seats trimmed in brown leather. ITA001 is relatively practical, too, with custom-made rear seats inspired by the Porsche 928.

Other creature comforts include a six-speaker Focal sound system, controlled via Bluetooth. A magnetic wireless charging mount for smartphones is hidden on the dashboard.

‘Air-cooled Porsche perfection’

Theon Design ITA001

“We’re delighted to reveal ITA001 to the world,” said Adam Hawley, co-founder of Theon Design. “It retains the air-cooled 911’s charm, but blends it with modern, focused performance and dynamic ability. It’s a classic 911 with an addictive dose of modern GT3 thrown in.

“We’ve applied Theon Design’s signature blend of cutting-edge automotive technology, OEM-grade design and manufacturing techniques, along with British hand-crafted quality – all fused together by a team obsessed with achieving air-cooled Porsche perfection.”

ITA001 will now set sail for a life with its lucky Italian owner. Each Theon Design car takes around 18 months to build and prices start from around £380,000, excluding taxes and a donor 911.

ALSO READ:

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John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

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