The Porsche restomod scene is thriving, with companies like Theon Design, Singer Vehicle Design, Gunther Werks, and Paul Stephens Autoart redefining air-cooled 911s. Rather than chasing extreme horsepower or dramatic styling, these firms focus on enhancing the car’s original character—delivering high-fidelity, analogue driving experiences. This shift is particularly evident in Theon Design’s latest project, Chile 001, which takes the restomod concept to new heights with a blend of retro charm and modern performance.
Theon Design operates from the UK’s renowned “motorsport valley,” near Silverstone, where it produces six meticulously reimagined 911s each year. Each build starts with a Porsche 964 (1989-1994) and requires a minimum investment of $690,000, plus a donor car and applicable taxes. According to co-founder Adam Hawley, the goal is to preserve and elevate these air-cooled icons, making them even more desirable in a world increasingly shifting toward electric vehicles.
Chile 001, commissioned by a Chilean blueberry farmer with a love for purple, is a rolling masterpiece. Painted in Viola Metallic, the same deep hue as the limited 964 Anniversary model, the car transforms under sunlight, revealing its rich, almost liquid-like colour. It rides 10 mm lower than a 964 Carrera RS on deep-dish Fikse wheels—modern recreations of the iconic Fuchs design—giving it a purposeful stance that oozes aggression without excessive aero elements.
The real magic, however, lies beneath the skin. Unlike previous Theon Design builds, Chile 001 boasts a full carbon-fibre body, shedding 220 pounds compared to the steel equivalent. The result is a svelte curb weight of 2,566 pounds—360 pounds lighter than a stock 964 Carrera. With a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six delivering 400 hp to the rear wheels, acceleration is ferocious, with a sub-four-second sprint to 60 mph.
Every detail has been considered for optimal performance and balance. The engine bay is a work of art, featuring individual Jenvey throttle bodies, polished trumpets, and a bespoke exhaust with switchable baffles. The power steering and air conditioning hardware have been relocated to the front trunk to improve weight distribution, which now sits at a well-balanced 42/58 ratio. The only steel panel left is the door, ensuring compliance with crash protection regulations.
Inside, the theme continues with deep, aged purple leather covering the Recaro seats, pleated door cards, and dashboard, evoking the bespoke creations of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department in the 1980s. A magnetic smartphone mount and premium Focal audio system provide modern convenience while maintaining a period-correct aesthetic. Yet, the car’s owner confesses he’s unlikely to use the stereo—the real music comes from the mechanical symphony behind him.
Theon Design has ensured that Chile 001 delivers an exhilarating drive as well. Unlike earlier models, which featured passive KW coilovers, this car boasts TracTive adaptive dampers, capable of adjusting in just 0.06 seconds. This, combined with its custom suspension geometry and lightweight construction, results in a car that feels sharper and more composed than any factory-built 964. The Hewland six-speed manual gearbox, derived from the 993 Turbo, shifts with precision, while carbon-ceramic brakes from Surface Transforms provide immense stopping power.
Despite its high-performance credentials, Chile 001 remains surprisingly usable. Its compact dimensions and well-judged ride make it an everyday sports car—one that retains the charm and spirit of the air-cooled 911 while significantly elevating its capabilities. As Adam Hawley succinctly puts it, “Porsches are designed to be driven.” Theon Design has not only respected this philosophy but has taken it to another level.
Surface Transforms plc (LON:SCE) is a manufacturer of next-generation carbon-ceramic brake discs for automotive and aircraft applications and has been certified to IS9001-2000 since 2008 and was certified to TS16949 automotive quality accreditation and AS9100C aerospace quality accreditation in 2015.
