Ten years ago, Theon Design set up a workshop in Oxfordshire to rework the classic air-cooled Porsche 911. Since then, the company has built a run of bespoke cars, each one starting from a 964-generation 911. Its latest creation, the theon design coupe, shows how far that work has come.
Adam Hawley and Lucinda Argy founded the business. Together they brought experience in luxury automotive design to each build. Every car follows a precise customer specification, and the work ranges from custom machining and parts making to interior finishes.
Like Theon, bespoke builders often start from a single base machine and reshape it around one client’s taste. Bandit9’s exclusive Ducati custom in racing red shows the same approach applied to a motorcycle.
The GBR002 began life as a 1992 964 C2. The forthcoming Theon R is an ultra-light, high-power variant. Both cars show how wide the company’s skill set has become.
A 419-hp coupe for the anniversary
To mark the milestone, Theon has launched its first online configurator. The tool covers the three core models: the Coupe, the Targa and the R. Buyers can choose from a wide range of exterior and interior colours and options, and it is easy to spend an hour clicking through them.
Theon has also unveiled its latest Coupe as a showcase of the approach. The 4.0-litre car produces 419bhp and wears Oak Green Neo Metallic paint with champagne trim. Theon says a car at this level of specification takes around 18 months from commission to delivery.
The Coupe starts with a 964 donor car, but its bodywork is F1-grade carbon fibre. Theon puts the finished weight at 1,150 kg. The company says the carbon bodywork and a lighter wiring loom save about 661 lb (300 kg) compared with the original bodywork.
Built to feel right, not just look right
Hawley says the project began with questions about the owner. The team wanted to know how the client wanted the car to feel, not just how it should look. Those answers shaped the engine, transmission, brakes, spring rates, damper calibration and steering response.
The 4.0-litre air-cooled flat-six has been completely rebuilt and remapped. Theon points out that the Coupe “has a better power to weight ratio than a 992 GT3 RS.” The car also runs semi-active suspension and a five-speed manual gearbox, and its brakes and calipers come from the Porsche 993 RS.
Theon has no connection to Porsche AG. Hawley credits the porsche 964, built between 1989 and 1993, with “legendary integrity of design and engineering.” He says the goal is to refine those qualities while respecting the original design. The Coupe is destined for the UK.
Interior of the theon design coupe
The cabin pairs Beechwood semi-aniline and nubuck leather trim with Recaro CS seats. Theon kept the original cockpit and dashboard architecture but updated it with aluminium window switches, a discrete new climate control system and all-new electricals that save weight. Hi Consumption also notes there are no screens in the cabin.
Hawley measures progress differently. He says the team judges an upgrade by how naturally it belongs to the car. The aim is a result that stays true to the original 911 while taking on the character of its owner.
For collectors weighing a one-off Theon against established classics, an ultra-rare matte Ferrari Enzo heading to RM Sotheby’s offers a useful benchmark for rarity and value.
Pricing and US access
Theon Design Coupe commissions start at £435,000, excluding the donor car, shipping and local taxes. Hi Consumption converts that figure to about $575,000. Buyers can find more information at TheonDesign.com.
For North American buyers, Theon has partnered with Humble House on a concierge service. US buyers can work through Humble House’s concierge service. Ten years in, the shop’s message is consistent: the best 964 is the one built around its owner.
H/T wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Theon Design Coupe cost?
Theon Design Coupe commissions start at £435,000, excluding the donor car, shipping and local taxes. Hi Consumption converts that figure to about $575,000.
How much power does the Theon Design Coupe produce?
The latest Theon Design Coupe has a 4.0-litre air-cooled flat-six that produces 419bhp. The engine has been completely rebuilt and remapped.
How long does it take to build a Theon Design Coupe?
Theon says a car at this level of specification takes around 18 months from commission to delivery. The Coupe starts with a 964-generation 911 donor car.
How much does the Theon Design Coupe weigh?
Theon puts the finished weight of the Coupe at 1,150 kg. The company says its carbon bodywork and lighter wiring loom save about 300 kg compared with the original bodywork.
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