“A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” This is the philosophy that guides Singer’s work and epitomizes the quality of their artistry, which is evident once you lay eyes on one of their lauded restorations. Founded by Rob Dickinson in 2008, Singer’s reputation was built on the results of the original “Classic Study,” first shown at Monterey Car Week in 2009. The goal was lofty: to embark on a collaboration with each owner to pursue their vision for the ultimate air-cooled 911. The key question to be answered was, “with no limits, just how great could the air-cooled 911 be?”
Each commission is based on the Type 964 generation of 911. The Type 964 retained the proportions and quintessential rear trailing-arm suspension of the early cars, with advancements such as power steering, improved front suspension, and ABS – a perfect starting point for Singer’s reimagining. Once a client’s original Type 964 has reached Singer’s headquarters, the car is fully disassembled, and the chassis is then prepared for the restoration to follow. Clients then have the opportunity to personalize their car, in close collaboration with Singer’s specifications team. Engine, drivetrain, colors, bright trim, and interiors, down to the color of the stitching, can be precisely tailored. This allows for each restoration to be completely unique, and a reflection of how the client plans to utilize their car. Singer uses the mantra “Everything is Important” to underline their commitment to the smallest details. Testament to the success of this approach is the praise directed towards the cars by journalists, owners, and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Rarely offered for public auction, this Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer, originally ordered by a Netherlands-based collector, is known as the “Amsterdam” commission, and was completed in 2017 by Singer’s world-class team in California. Over the course of its two-year restoration, its original owner undertook an extensive specification process in collaboration with Singer. Its carbon fiber bodywork is finished in a tasteful shade of Fashion Grey Pearl, a metallic twist on the classic Porsche color, complemented by full touring trim, reminiscent of the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7. Each trim piece is anodized to deliver a soft, milky glow from the nickel finish – in order to achieve a muted feel, celebrating a golden era of the air-cooled 911. The Fuchs-style wheels, raised deck lid lettering, and 911 badging on the rear-engine cover continue the theme.
A refined, minimalist theme is continued when moving on to the interior, where four-way adjustable touring seats are upholstered in Olive Green leather. This is subtly accented by a nubuck-and-leather-mixed weave on the seat centers, dash strip, and doors. The Olive Green leather continues onto the hand-stitched roll hoop and is matched to the velour carpet used on the center tunnel, rear seat surround, and sills. Dash tops and headliner are finished in black to complement the set of bespoke black gauges, which are accented with green markings.Coupled with its tasteful exterior styling, the “Amsterdam” commission achieves a cohesive and sophisticated feel.
Along with aesthetic selections, there is no shortage of performance. Opening the engine compartment reveals the 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated, air-cooled flat-six, hand built by Ed Pink Racing Engines. The engine compartment is lined in Olive Green quilted leather, matched to the car’s interior. Also selected is the optional six-speed manual transaxle with a 993-derived all-wheel-drive system. As one of fewer than 40 cars specified with all-wheel drive, and even fewer coupled to a 4.0-liter flat-six, this beautifully judged specification enables power to be deployed in a range of conditions.
The “Amsterdam” commission now shows less than 3,400 km from restoration completion and is accompanied by owner’s manuals and specification documents. Just 450 “Classic Studies” will be restored, with order books now closed – making this piece of automotive art an exciting addition to any air-cooled collection.
