Singer’s latest open-top 911 blends classic turbo-era style with modern engineering, offering both retro charm and contemporary performance in one meticulously reworked package.
Open-Top Revival
California-based restomod specialist Singer Vehicle Design has expanded its portfolio with a new commission program centered on the Porsche 964-generation 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The project brings Singer’s now-familiar reinterpretation of air-cooled 911s into open-top form, combining period styling cues with significant mechanical upgrades. Production is limited to just 75 commissions worldwide, each tailored to the customer’s tastes rather than built as identical factory units.
Wide-Body Retro Styling
The donor car’s silhouette takes inspiration from wide-body 1980s Turbo-look 911s, but every exterior panel is remade in lightweight carbon fiber. Customers can opt for contrasting personalities, illustrated by showcase builds: one leaning toward touring elegance, the other emphasizing track-inspired aggression. Pop-up auxiliary lights integrated into the hood echo classic endurance racers, while buyers can choose either a fixed whale-tail wing or a subtler speed-activated spoiler. New 18-inch center-lock wheels complete the period-meets-modern look, preserving classic proportions while improving performance.
Cabin: Old-School Feel, Modern Comfort
Inside, the upgrades avoid nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Singer replaces nearly every visible surface with bespoke materials, including hand-stitched leather finishes, burnished seam detailing, and period-inspired gauges assembled by hand. Lightweight track seats or more comfort-oriented sport seats are both available, depending on intended use. While the cabin visually reflects late-1980s Porsche design, modern conveniences such as navigation, upgraded climate control, and smartphone integration ensure daily usability isn’t sacrificed.
420-HP
At the core sits a heavily reworked naturally aspirated flat-six developed with engineering input from Cosworth. Displacing 4.0 liters, the engine produces 420 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, revving beyond 8,000 rpm.
Air-Cooled Evolution
The engine retains air-cooled cylinders while using water-cooled heads and modern variable valve timing to balance heritage with performance and durability. Power goes exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, available with an exposed shift linkage for those who enjoy mechanical visibility. A titanium exhaust system reduces weight while enhancing the engine’s characterful soundtrack.
Reinforcing the Classic Platform
One historic criticism of open-top 911s has been structural flex. To address this, engineers from Red Bull Advanced Technologies collaborated with Singer to digitally model and strengthen the original steel monocoque. Composite and steel reinforcements are added where stiffness is most needed, dramatically improving torsional rigidity and aligning driving behavior more closely with modern Cabriolets.
Modern Suspension and Control Systems
Handling improvements extend beyond chassis reinforcement. The car receives four-way adjustable dampers with electronic control, a front nose-lift system for everyday usability, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes for serious performance driving.
Drive Modes
Five selectable drive modes, Road, Sport, Track, Weather, and Off, allow drivers to adjust traction and stability settings depending on conditions. Performance rubber from Michelin helps translate those upgrades into real grip on the road.
A Roof Designed for Elegance
A new lightweight electric folding roof uses a “Z-pattern” mechanism to avoid the bulky rear profile that often compromises convertibles. Whether raised or stowed, the Cabriolet maintains clean lines, preserving the iconic 911 shape rather than distorting it for packaging reasons.
Exclusivity Without a Sticker Price
Singer has not disclosed pricing, and the final cost depends heavily on individual specification. However, given previous Singer commissions often trade in seven-figure territory, these Cabriolets are expected to command similar figures.
What’s clear is that the project isn’t just about removing the roof, it’s about reengineering a classic open-top 911 to meet modern expectations without losing its air-cooled character.
