Theon elevates open-top air-cooled
Porsches to new heights with Targa
    
(April 5, 2024) DEDDINGTON, UK — Theon Design has revealed its latest bespoke Porsche 911 (964 generation Carrera 2) commission, codenamed GBR003 — the company’s debut open-top Targa model. As with every Theon Design commission, the all-carbon bodied, six-speed manual, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated GBR003 is an entirely bespoke creation, enhanced from the ground up at Theon’s production facility, nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire’s "motorsport valley."

Finished in a one-off, paint-to-sample Pastel blue, over licorice leather, the Targa is the ultimate realization of a client’s Porsche 911 fantasy, combining OEM+ design and engineering capabilities, hand-crafted luxury touches, with cutting-edge technology and manufacturing processes.

GBR003 is executed with Theon’s customary obsessive attention to detail and laser-focused engineering rigor, resulting in a car that delivers the sensory thrills of open-top motoring without any dynamic compromises.

To ensure the Targa drives with signature Theon fluidity and control, the team has developed a system of bespoke carbon fibre strengthening "tubs," which are bonded to the floor of the chassis, significantly improving torsional rigidity while keeping additional weight to the absolute minimum.

“With our first Targa commission, the whole Theon team has been determined to set new standards for an air-cooled open-top Porsche 911 driving experience. We’ve been totally focused on honoring and distilling the air-cooled recipe, forensically honing every element to create a rewarding, analogue classic 911 that combines the sensory richness of Targa motoring with razor-sharp handling and visceral modern performance,” said Theon co-founder Adam Hawley.


GBR003 takes a Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2 Targa as its base. The donor car has been stripped back to bare metal before being meticulously restored over thousands of hours by Theon’s passionate technicians.

The body for GBR003 is all-carbon, aside from doors which remain steel for side impact protection. As with all Theon builds, each panel has been digitized and modeled in 3D design software to ensure a perfect fit. Thanks to the carbon panels, and the use of carbon for the underfloor strengthening, GBR003 weighs in at just 1228kg (2,702 pounds) with all fluids on board, just 132 pounds more than the equivalent Theon coupe.




A bespoke carbon fibre bracing system ensures exemplary underfloor strengthening. The innovative, lightweight solution transforms structural rigidity without adding any undue additional weight – using the same carbon construction technology deployed in Formula One and other forms of elite-level motorsport.


The carbon strengthening results in transformed levels of structural rigidity, delivering a stable, exceptionally rigid platform. Thanks to this exceptionally torsionally strong base, Theon has been able to replicate the signature handling precision of its celebrated Coupe commissions with an open-top car. The GBR003 drives with sheer modern sophistication and precision and packs a superb range of dynamic capabilities thanks to a switchable, five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system.

The switchable damping system has been carefully calibrated for the Targa model over countless test miles, ensuring it delivers across a wide range of environments. The technology elevates the open top air-cooled driving experience to new heights, with exceptional control whatever the scenario, roof on or roof off.  The GBR003 can seamlessly shift from a long-legged and complaint cruiser when sweeping along an A-road, to super tied-down and focused when the time comes to attack a mountain pass.

Then there’s the GBR003’s air-cooled beating heart, a 4.0-liter flat six masterpiece. Featuring independent throttle bodies and breathing through dramatic open trumpets, the motor produces 403 bhp at 7100 rpm — breaking through the hallowed 100 bhp per liter barrier. It remains entirely tractable, with peak torque of 320 lb/ft at 5500 rpm.



The Targa’s entirely bespoke cabin reflects Theon Design’s commitment to hand-crafted quality, elegantly combining the finest materials for a cosseting yet inherently sporting driving environment. All substrates in the interior are fashioned from carbon to save further weight, then wrapped in sumptuous leather. GBR003 features Theon’s ‘touring’ seat option, optimized for comfortable fast road driving, with sculpted rear buckets that draw inspiration from those in Porsche’s 928. The rear buckets also seamlessly incorporate subwoofers, further enhancing audio quality.

Both front and rear seats are trimmed in the finest licorice colored semi-aniline leather, with OEM Porsche Agate grey Pepita centers– as featured in the Porsche 911 (992) Sport Classic interior.The cockpit embodies Theon’s approach, drawing upon and honoring the full sweep of Porsche’s rich heritage, bringing the various elements together into a beautifully resolved, wholly cohesive package, for an elevated but resolutely ‘Porsche’ driving environment.

The interior is replete with modern creature comforts, including a bespoke audio setup featuring Pioneer’s sector-leading P99RS Bluetooth classic stereo unit, paired with Focal amplifiers and six speakers – again by Focal – which are housed in the doors.

Theon’s attention to detail and bespoke approach are further exemplified by the creative installation of Focal subwoofers, which are seamlessly integrated into the cushions of the rear seats. This preserves space within the compact 964 cabin and delivers real depth of audio performance.

Theon has also revised the Targa roof, which has been re-built to the tightest tolerances to ensure a perfect fit with the strengthened 964 shell. Now finished in a modern mohair material, the Targa top folds up neatly and slots into a bespoke carry bag, which fits snugly in the leather lined "frunk."

Prices for Theon Design commissions start at £390,000 ($491,400) for Coupes, and £415,000 ($522,900) for Targas. Each car is a totally unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build. Price excludes donor car, shipping and local taxes.

About Theon Design

Theon Design, founded by Adam Hawley and Lucinda Argy, specializes in delivering bespoke commissions based on the Porsche 911 (964). Hawley, a car designer who has worked for numerous OEMs globally, and Argy, a marketing and business development specialist, started the business in 2016. Operating from a state-of-the-art facility in Deddington, Oxfordshire — nestled in the heart of the UK’s ‘Motorsport Valley’ — Theon Design's expert in-house team builds bespoke commissions for a global clientele, leveraging cutting edge technologies and premium suppliers.