Singer’s 911 Carrera Cabriolet: A 420hp Tribute to the 1980s Icon

 Singer Vehicle Design, based in California, has long been recognized as one of the premier studios for restoring and reimagining Porsche 911s, taking them from classic heritage pieces to modern performance icons. The latest project, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined, demonstrates Singer’s commitment to blending the timeless charm of 1980s Porsches with advanced engineering and customization. Each car begins as a 964-generation Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which is completely stripped down to its bare chassis and carefully inspected for any signs of structural fatigue or wear. Singer then applies meticulous reinforcement using additional steel and composite materials to restore rigidity, especially crucial for convertibles where torsional flex is more pronounced. Beyond structural improvements, every car undergoes extensive personalization, with widebody Turbo-inspired styling, optional whale-tail rear spoilers, and carbon fiber bodywork to create a visually stunning silhouette that honors the era while offering modern performance standards. This approach ensures that the car drives with precision, responsiveness, and stability while retaining the aesthetic cues of one of Porsche’s most iconic decades. Singer’s philosophy is to provide a full sensory experience, balancing tactile driving feedback, auditory excitement from the flat-six, and visual impact from the widebody styling, resulting in a Cabriolet that transcends a mere restoration.

Carbon Fiber Widebody: Form Meets Function

One of the most striking elements of the Singer reimagined Cabriolet is its widebody design, crafted entirely from carbon fiber to achieve a lightweight and highly rigid structure. Unlike traditional sheet metal, carbon fiber not only reduces the car’s overall weight but also enhances the structural integrity, which is especially important for a convertible platform that has lost the natural bracing of a fixed roof. The design draws heavily from the 1980s 911 Turbo Cabriolet, featuring flared fenders, aggressive front air dams, and subtle aerodynamic enhancements. Optional features, such as the legendary whale-tail rear spoiler, are available to further elevate visual drama while improving high-speed stability. Singer has also reworked the roof mechanism, creating a modern two-piece electric folding system that integrates seamlessly with the widebody lines. The roof folds neatly, minimizing bulk when retracted, and preserving the car’s sleek silhouette. Attention to detail extends beyond the carbon fiber panels: auxiliary lights fold flush into the bonnet, front and rear aero elements are carefully balanced for visual coherence, and wheel arches are shaped to allow wider tires, enhancing both cornering performance and aggressive stance. This combination of retro-inspired styling with modern materials ensures the car looks timeless while performing far beyond the capabilities of the original 964 Cabriolet, allowing owners to enjoy both heritage appeal and contemporary sports car dynamics.

Engine: The Cosworth-Developed 4.0-Liter Flat-Six

At the heart of the Singer reimagined 911 Cabriolet is an extraordinary 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. This engine is a masterclass in engineering, blending air-cooled cylinders with water-cooled heads, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing to produce a broad, responsive powerband. Unlike many modern Porsches that rely on turbocharging, this engine delivers 420 horsepower with a pure, naturally aspirated character that is instantly engaging to the driver. Redline reaches 8,000 rpm, giving the car a thrilling high-revving personality that harkens back to the golden era of sports cars. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, reinforcing Singer’s focus on driver engagement. Cosworth’s expertise ensures the engine is smooth, reliable, and fully optimized for both torque and high-end performance. The exhaust system, constructed from lightweight titanium, amplifies the engine’s natural soundtrack, providing a deep, satisfying growl with each throttle input. This combination of high-revving output, linear power delivery, and mechanical responsiveness ensures that the Cabriolet is not only fast in a straight line but also extraordinarily rewarding on twisty roads. Singer’s decision to retain a naturally aspirated layout over forced induction emphasizes a holistic driving experience, prioritizing feel, sound, and control over raw peak numbers, resulting in a car that connects the driver intimately to the engine and the road.

Transmission and Drivetrain: Engaging and Precise

Complementing the high-revving engine is a six-speed manual gearbox that channels power to the rear wheels with absolute precision. This traditional transmission choice is critical to Singer’s philosophy, allowing the driver to fully interact with the mechanical character of the car. Each gear change is deliberate, yet fluid, and the close ratios of the gearbox maximize the enjoyment of the flat-six engine’s power curve. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the wider track and performance tires, ensures that the car responds predictably to steering inputs while allowing for controlled oversteer when desired. Singer offers multiple traction control levels to accommodate various driving preferences, from maximum safety on public roads to full engagement on closed tracks. The car’s reinforced chassis and carbon fiber widebody also contribute to predictable handling, reducing flex and maintaining alignment under aggressive cornering. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes provide unmatched stopping power and resistance to fade, making it possible to exploit the car’s performance confidently. Adjustable four-way dampers further refine the balance, allowing the suspension to be dialed for comfort or sportiness. The combination of manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and finely tuned suspension delivers a visceral driving experience, keeping the driver fully connected to both the car and the road surface while preserving the purity of the classic 911 Cabriolet feel.

Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels: Precision Engineering

The suspension system in the Singer reimagined Cabriolet is a sophisticated blend of modern engineering and traditional sports car principles. Four-way adjustable dampers allow owners to fine-tune handling for different conditions, ensuring an optimal balance between ride comfort and dynamic responsiveness. A front nose-lift system protects against curbs and steep driveways, particularly important for lowered sports cars. Wheels are 18-inch center-lock units, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, providing a combination of grip, feedback, and precision cornering. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes dramatically improve stopping power, reduce unsprung weight, and resist fade under track conditions. Traction control features multiple levels, giving drivers flexibility from fully assisted daily driving to minimally constrained track settings. The widebody stance enhances lateral stability, while the reinforced chassis ensures that even with the roof down, torsional flex is negligible, maintaining the car’s precise feel in corners. Every component, from suspension geometry to brake specification, is selected for the harmonious integration of performance, comfort, and engagement. The end result is a Cabriolet that feels agile, connected, and balanced, giving the driver confidence to explore both spirited mountain roads and leisurely cruising along coastal highways.

Interior: Classic Elegance Meets Modern Convenience

Inside the Singer Cabriolet, classic 911 aesthetics are preserved while modern convenience and comfort are subtly integrated. Seats are crafted for support and comfort, upholstered in high-quality materials tailored to the customer’s preference. The cabin includes modern amenities such as Apple CarPlay, onboard navigation, and precise climate control, carefully designed to blend with the 1980s-inspired dashboard layout. Singer also integrates numerous personalized details, including bespoke stitching, trim materials, and color schemes, ensuring that each car is unique. Despite the retro styling cues, the layout prioritizes driver ergonomics, visibility, and accessibility, reinforcing the car’s identity as a performance-focused machine. Ambient controls, instrument placement, and tactile feedback are all designed to give an intuitive and engaging driving experience. The combination of classic design with contemporary features ensures that the car is comfortable for longer drives while maintaining the purity of the classic sports car experience. From the moment one settles into the driver’s seat, the cabin communicates a sense of heritage, craftsmanship, and purposeful engineering, elevating the overall ownership experience beyond mere transportation.

Convertible Dynamics: Top-Down Thrills

Driving a convertible presents challenges that a coupe does not, including torsional flex, noise management, and aerodynamics. Singer addresses these through extensive chassis reinforcement, lightweight carbon fiber panels, and a modern two-piece folding roof that maintains the car’s clean lines when lowered. With the roof down, the Cabriolet provides the quintessential 911 open-air experience without compromising performance. The flat-six engine’s exhaust note, high-revving responsiveness, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics combine to produce an engaging sensory experience unmatched by standard 964 Cabriolets. Even at speed, the car remains composed, thanks to careful suspension tuning and aerodynamic aids such as the optional whale-tail spoiler. Wind management is improved through the roof design and side deflectors, enhancing comfort without detracting from the visceral driving experience. Every aspect of the car’s structure and bodywork is designed to maintain precise handling and driver confidence, ensuring that top-down motoring is not just fun, but also safe and performance-oriented. Singer’s attention to these details allows the Cabriolet to deliver both nostalgia and modern driving satisfaction in perfect harmony.

Exclusivity: Only 75 Cars Will Be Built

One of the most compelling aspects of the Singer 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined is its exclusivity. Singer will build only 75 units, each bespoke and commissioned by individual customers. Production is deliberately slow and meticulous, ensuring no shortcuts are taken, and each car embodies the highest level of craftsmanship. This limited production guarantees that owners possess a truly unique piece of automotive artistry, blending historic inspiration with contemporary performance and luxury. Prices are undisclosed but are expected to reflect the extensive engineering, materials, and personalization involved. Every car is tailored to its owner, from aesthetic choices to mechanical specifications, resulting in vehicles that are as distinct as the individuals commissioning them. Singer’s philosophy is not merely to restore cars but to create rolling works of art that celebrate the legacy of Porsche while embracing modern innovation. Owning one of these cars means having a rare collector’s item that delivers both incredible performance and timeless visual appeal, a car designed to be cherished for generations.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined by Singer is engineered to deliver an exceptional performance experience that transcends typical classic restorations. The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six produces 420 horsepower, allowing the Cabriolet to accelerate swiftly and maintain a thrilling high-revving character up to 8,000 rpm. Coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and carefully balanced suspension, the car delivers predictable yet engaging handling. Drivers benefit from precise steering, responsive throttle inputs, and a mechanical connection to the chassis that is often absent in modern sports cars. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes and adjustable suspension allow owners to customize the car’s behavior for spirited driving or relaxed cruising. Despite its vintage inspiration, the reimagined Cabriolet handles modern road conditions effortlessly, blending classic Porsche excitement with contemporary engineering and comfort. The widebody stance enhances cornering stability, and the exhaust note adds an auditory thrill that enhances the open-air driving experience. Ultimately, the driving experience embodies Singer’s philosophy: honoring heritage while embracing the precision and performance standards of the modern era.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic Reimagined

Singer’s 911 Carrera Cabriolet Reimagined is far more than a restoration; it is a statement of automotive artistry, engineering excellence, and historical homage. From its carbon fiber widebody, optional whale-tail spoiler, and Turbo-inspired aesthetics to its Cosworth-engineered naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, every detail has been thoughtfully considered. With only 75 units being built, each customer receives a unique, bespoke machine that combines nostalgia, craftsmanship, and modern performance. The car perfectly balances the look and feel of a classic 1980s Cabriolet with the driving engagement, reliability, and precision expected of a modern sports car. Singer’s attention to every element—from chassis stiffening to suspension tuning, from interior ergonomics to exhaust acoustics—ensures that each driving experience is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. For collectors and enthusiasts, this 911 Cabriolet represents the pinnacle of Porsche reimagining: a limited, handcrafted, and extraordinarily capable tribute to an era that defined sports car culture. With Singer’s vision, the open-air thrill, tactile engagement, and visual drama of a classic Cabriolet are preserved, reinterpreted, and elevated for a new generation, making this car one of the most desirable and extraordinary Porsche reinterpretations ever created.