When is a Porsche 911 not a 911? When it's a Singer 911. This Los Angeles-based firm will build you anything from mild to wild so long as it comes with its carbon fibre body panels and classic 911 looks from the 1970s.
Singer has been developing its take on the ultimate Porsche 911 for more than two years, but it's only now that it has finally launched its own version of the classic.
Every Singer 911 comes with all exterior panels formed from carbon fibre to make its cars substantially lighter than most modern 911s. Underneath, the chassis is taken from an original 964-generation 911, so the Singer retains its chassis number and identity as a genuine Porsche.
After that, the body shell is completely stripped and then strengthened with Singer's own roll cage and suspension upgrades. Other non-classic touches include repositioning the wiper blades to the centre of the screen for a better sweep. There are also Xenon headlights with clear lenses, so this classic 911 can actually see in the dark.
Inspired by the 911R of 1972, the Singer comes with engines offering 300-, 380- and 425bhp. This means the featherweight Singer offers performance way above that of the original and Singer reckons the full force 425bhp model should see off 0-60mph in less than four seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox is an option for the Singer.
As another nod to the 911 from the 1970s, the Singer comes with a "duck tail" spoiler, but this one rises up at speed as per later 911s. The exterior is completed by 17-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, while inside the Singer mixes classic looks with modern dials and more carbon fibre detailing.
Singer says every car it builds is unique, so prices are correspondingly tailored to customers' needs, but expect to pay upwards of £80,000.
Alisdair Suttie - 11 Mar 2011