For gearheads and car enthusiasts, there’s almost nothing more enthralling than the science of car tuning. Be it upgrading vintage models into modern classics or transforming a modern example into a sicker build, performance-wise or aesthetically, or even both. Notably, the car tuning culture is almost as old as the invention of cars. And for its significance in the innovation and proliferation of cars, America has been a major hub for the convergence of some of the most talented car tuners the world has ever seen. One of them is Singer Vehicle Design.
Founded in 2009 by British musician Robert Dickinson, Singer was named in honor of iconic Porsche engineer Norbert Singer as well as in acknowledgment of Dickinson’s musical background. However, unlike most tuners with a diverse range of specialization, Singer focuses on “reimagining” the Porsche 964, a type of 911 model sold between 1989 and 1994. While the resultant builds are often beyond amazing, we however consider these Singers reimagined Porsche 911s as the most outstanding examples of all.
10 Luxemburg
Based on a 1990 Porsche 911 Targa, this is the ‘Luxemburg’, named after its owner’s township in Minnesota. Seating pretty under the hood is a 385 horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine, providing the Targa car with immense power. Notably, Luxemburg features probably the most unique interior package on this list.
Called the “Tyler Tartan,” it includes a seven-color leather weave pattern, four shades of blue, two oranges, and one cream. Luxemburg’s exterior was then finished exquisitely in Deep Orange, while its removable carbon-fiber roof was covered in Navy canvas.
9 Minnesota
Also commissioned by Luxemburg’s owner, this is the ‘Minnesota,’ a Singer-restored 911 which originally was a final year 964 model. It received power upgrades in the form of Singer’s 3.8 Cosworth engine, which has been tuned to churn out an amazing 350 horsepower and mated with a six-speed transmission.
The hardtop also features a roll-bar at the back, while its full makeover includes a Tobacco Brown interior with full leather panels and sports seats crafted in suede mix weave with brass grommets. Furthermore, the exterior received a neatly adorned Gunmetal Gray paint.
8 Pfaff Commission
This Singer-built 911 is called the Pfaff Commission. It features a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six built by the Ed Pink Racing Engines. Compared to the stock unit that produces 250 horsepower, this new mill offers an amazing output of 385 horsepower, and it’s mated to a six-speed transmission.
On the inside, the Pfaff Commission was thoroughly customized and handcrafted with features that include a wooden shifter knob. Also, the reimagined 911 features new body panels, brakes, suspension, and the likes.
7 Mountain View Car
Finished by Singer in 2016, this particular build started life as a 1991 Porsche 911, and it’s called the Mountain View Car. It also got the Ed Pink treatment in the form of an air-cooled 4.0-liter flat-six engine with an output of 390 horsepower.
Notably, with a great focus on weight reduction, the car however had to do without a few niceties while incorporating carbon fiber body panels for a total curb weight that is less than 3,000 pounds. The most alluring feature on his build has to be its Downtown Blue paint accented with Singer Racing Orange highlights.
6 Rare Targa
Singer Targa roofs are as rare as hen's teeth, but this uncommon unit recently made an appearance at an auction house, and it’s one of the best we’ve seen. It’s based on a right-hand-drive 1991 Porsche 911 powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six engine mated to a G50 five-speed transmission.
Furthermore, Singer updated the interior with four-way-adjustable Recaro seats and several handcrafted accessories. The amazing build is then rounded off with a deep blue paint and orange “Porsche” side decals, matched to orange Fuchs-style wheels.
5 ACS
When presented with a Porsche 964, there’s almost nothing Singer isn’t capable of. Here, the tuner built this 964 Porsche into an amazing off-roader called the All-Terrain Competition Study (ACS). Notably, the ACS was built in collaboration with British 911 rally specialist Richard Tuthill. It gets power from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six with an output of 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
Asides from the insane powertrain, ACS also features a significantly higher ride height that helps it accommodate its bigger BF Goodrich K02s tires, among others.
4 Southampton Commission
Known as the Southampton Commission, this is a recent Singer reimagined Porsche 911 powered by Singer’s 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this Porsche uses a rear-wheel-drive layout, and it also rides on Fuchs-style wheels. The interior has woven suede upholstery, while other features are finished in orange color.
The steering wheel is covered in black suede and adorned with light blue stitching. Nonetheless, the exterior finish is the most captivating due to its Singer’s Perfect Blue finish.
3 Octagon Commission
Like the Singer builds before it, the Octagon Commission is simply breathtaking. Lifting the hood reveals a Singer’s modified 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six engine with a reliable six-speed manual transmission handling the power distribution. Details of the power output aren’t readily available, but a similar setup generated about 500 horsepower and revs to 9,000 rpm.
The exterior being the most visible of this awesomeness received a Sherlock Blue finish accented with light ghosted stripes and champagne lettering. Also, the center-mounted fuel filler on the hood is a delightful addition.
2 Mulholland
This is the “Mulholland” and the Singer got its name from the famous Mulholland Drive in California. A star wherever it goes, Mulholland, a reimagined 1991 Porsche 911 was built by Singer’s “Special Wishes” department, and it adorns a Blueblood Light finish with special graphics of the Mulholland Drive’s map. The interior is air-conditioned and finished in black.
However, for power, the Mulholland as usual relies on an air-cooled 4.0-liter flat-six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
1 DLS
Singer partnered with technology and engineering services firm, Williams Advanced Engineering, to produce this amazing reimagined classic Porsche called the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS). The partnership saw the DLS get fitted with a 4.0-liter flat-six with an output of 500 horsepower at 9,000 rpm. It also adopted a six-speed manual transaxle fabricated by Hewland.
As usual, Singer outdid itself with the DLS build through a Parallax White bodywork crafted entirely from carbon fiber, and an interior drenched in carbon fiber and leather with “Norfolk Yellow” accents.