A meticulous blend of heritage, engineering excellence, and cutting-edge innovation elevates the air-cooled Porsche Targa to unparalleled heights.
Theon Design, a name synonymous with bespoke automotive artistry, has unveiled its latest marvel, the GBR005 Targa, redefining the boundaries of open-top, air-cooled Porsche engineering. This meticulously crafted commission, derived from a Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 Targa, showcases over 6,000 hours of restoration, innovation, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Painted in the iconic Signal Yellow, the GBR005 seamlessly integrates vintage aesthetics with modern engineering. Here’s an in-depth look at this extraordinary creation:
Engineering Mastery: A Performance Powerhouse
The GBR005 Targa is powered by Theon Design’s most advanced engine yet: a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, delivering an exhilarating 407bhp at 7700 rpm. This air-cooled masterpiece boasts:
- Specific Output: Exceeding 100bhp per litre, a benchmark in performance engineering.
- Peak Torque: 285 lb/ft at 6650 rpm, ensuring a thrilling drive across all rev ranges.
- Lightweight Construction: A carbon fibre body keeps the kerb weight at just 1190kg, 300kg lighter than the donor car.
The revised engine design, including motorsport-grade aluminum heads and CNC-machined ports, optimizes airflow, cooling, and response. A lightweight single-mass flywheel further enhances throttle sensitivity, while the 993 RS-spec six-speed manual gearbox ensures smooth, precise shifts.
Innovative Carbon Fibre Chassis
To eliminate the usual dynamic compromises of convertible vehicles, Theon Design has incorporated a bespoke carbon fibre chassis strengthening system. This advanced solution consists of bonded carbon fibre “tubs” designed with aerospace-grade Nomex honeycomb, providing torsional rigidity comparable to a coupe.
Theon Design’s co-founder, Adam Hawley, describes the innovation:
“With our Theon Targa commissions, we’re determined to set all-new standards for what an open top, air-cooled, Porsche 911 driving experience can look, feel and sound like. We’ve been focused on honouring distilling the signature air-cooled Porsche Targa recipe, elevating the benefits and systematically ironing out any of the foibles.
We’ve forensically worked through the entire car as we always do at Theon, optimising every element – components you can see and those that are buried deep beneath the skin. We’re delighted with the result: this is an analogue, classic 911 that combines the sensory richness of Targa motoring – including more of that fabulous flat-six howl – with razor sharp, uncorrupted handling and modern GT3 levels of performance. It’s quite the cocktail.”
Adaptive Suspension: Perfect Balance Across Terrains
The five-stage adaptive TracTive damping system equips the Targa with versatile driving dynamics. Designed for seamless transitions, the suspension adapts effortlessly between a compliant cruiser and a high-performance sports car. Paired with softer springs for a luxurious ride, the system maintains superb control, whether on winding roads or cruising the motorway.
Unmatched Design and Aesthetics
The GBR005 is a feast for the senses, featuring:
- Exterior: A vibrant Signal Yellow finish accented by Porsche Stein Grey Metallic stripes, perfectly complemented by 17-inch Fuchs wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
- Interior: Handcrafted luxury defines the cabin, with semi-aniline leather in liquorice black, yellow-striped tartan, and dark grey Alcantara elements. Modern comforts include dual air-conditioning compressors and a discreet Focal six-speaker system, controllable via smartphone.
Even hidden elements, such as the aerospace-grade wiring loom, reflect Theon’s obsessive commitment to quality. The modern mohair Targa roof, built to exacting tolerances, folds into a bespoke leather-trimmed bag stored in the frunk.
The Ultimate Air-Cooled Porsche Experience
Designed for a client’s collection, the GBR005 builds on Theon’s philosophy of OEM-grade engineering combined with bespoke luxury. Prices for Targa commissions begin at £430,000, excluding the donor car, taxes, and shipping. Each car is a collaborative journey with the customer, requiring 18 months to realize their Porsche 911 fantasy.
Hawley concludes: “Our latest Targa commission, GBR005, takes the open-top, air-cooled Porsche driving experience to a new level. Thanks to our innovative bonded carbon tub system, there are none of the dynamic drawbacks that you typically get with a convertible. We’ve been able to achieve the rigidity and handling precision of a coupe, with the added sensory rush of an open top car. “With the roof removed, you can savour more of the fire-breathing 3.8-litre flat-six, which is now more potent, more thrilling, than ever before – delivering our highest specific output to date. With a Theon targa it’s driving in technicolour, a sensory delight that’s satisfying and rewarding whatever the scenario.”
