When it comes to modifying the 911, owners are spoiled for choice as there are many aftermarket companies looking to build your ideal specification. Singer, Ruf, RWB, or Emory are some of the most obvious choices, but Theon Design wants action, too. Founded in 2016, the Oxfordshire-based specialist introduced its newest project – BELL001. The name reflects this 964 belongs to the company’s first customer from Belgium.
Restored to the last bolt, the sports car boasts a 3.6-liter flat-six with a Rotrex supercharger mounted on the right side of the engine where the original air conditioning used to be. It uses the same mounting points but these have been reinforced to ensure there is no flex when the engine is pushed hard. Twin charge coolers have been installed on opposite sides from the motor to the supercharger, meaning the engine bay has a neat symmetrical layout.
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The air-cooled engine produces a healthy 400 horsepower and 367 pound-feet (nearly 500 Newton-meters) of torque that is sent to the wheels via the original five-speed manual gearbox, which has been completely rebuilt by Theon Design. Other highlights include a stainless steel exhaust system and semi-active suspension in a car that weighs just 1,265 kilograms (2,788 pounds) with all fluids and a full gas tank.
To keep as much weight in check as possible, the body uses carbon fiber procured from Formula 1 suppliers. The OEM air conditioning we mentioned earlier has given way to a new arrangement that is not only lighter but also more efficient. With all the hardware changes made to the 964, Theon Design says it has achieved a nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
As you may have guessed, such a construction takes a lot of time and a lot of money. Theon Design takes 18 months to complete a car and asks £380,000 for the “cheapest” commission. That works out to about $456,000 at the current exchange rate. Good grief.
