THEON DESIGN REIMAGINES THE PORSCHE 911 (964)

A fully bespoke, ground-up restoration and enhancement of the iconic 911, CHI001 blends lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork with semi-active suspension and a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six producing 400 horsepower.

Conceived around an OEM+ philosophy, meticulous craftsmanship and state-of-the-art engineering, CHI001 stands as a pure expression of design excellence—one that amplifies the timeless essence of the air-cooled 911 without compromising its soul.

Lightweight, high-performance bodywork

Like every commission built by Theon Design—the British company founded by Adam Hawley and Lucinda Argy—CHI001 starts with a donor 911, specifically one of the most sought-after iterations: the 964. The car is completely disassembled and painstakingly rebuilt, incorporating design cues drawn from past and present Porsche models.

Weight reduction was a core objective. A bespoke wiring loom and a lightweight air-conditioning system contribute to a final kerb weight of just 1,164 kg.

Carbon fibre throughout, with a nod to the past

Most of CHI001’s bodywork is crafted in carbon fibre, employed extensively across the car for optimal performance. Steel doors are retained to enhance side-impact protection, while lightweight black Kevlar is used for the inner fender liners.

Visually, CHI001 pays homage to Porsche heritage with its bespoke Viola Metallic paintwork—a shade first introduced on the 1993 911 (964) Anniversary edition. This historic hue is echoed by the custom 17-inch Fuchs-style wheels, colour-matched to the body.

Driving involvement is further elevated by Theon’s electro-hydraulic power steering, a switchable exhaust system, and semi-active TracTive suspension, offering independent damping control and assured stability across varied driving conditions.

The heart of CHI001

Under the rear decklid lies a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, delivering 400 hp and 474 Nm of torque. The engine features individual throttle bodies and a carbon-fibre intake plenum, and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox sourced from the Porsche 993, sending power to the rear wheels via a Wavetrac limited-slip differential.

Although the donor car began life as a 964 Carrera 4, the drivetrain has been re-engineered into a rear-wheel-drive configuration, utilising a lightweight six-speed transmission derived from the later G50 architecture and a single-mass flywheel for sharper response.

A bespoke interior in aged leather

Every interior detail has been crafted to the client’s precise specifications, creating a cockpit that seamlessly blends classic 911 cues with modern technology.

The dominant material is aged leather, chosen for its character and patina. Recaro Club Sport seats provide outstanding support and are trimmed in a bespoke configuration featuring Porsche Royal Purple leather inserts. Leather-trimmed carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the cabin, including the centre console, reinforcing the balance between luxury, craftsmanship and performance.

How much does a Theon Design 964 cost?

Commissioning a 964 with Theon Design starts at £380,000, with a build time of approximately 18 months. This price excludes the donor vehicle, shipping and local taxes—so careful calculations are advised before making that call.

A V10 That Screams Past Reason

The Etna will be based on first-generation Gallardos equipped with all-wheel drive and the sequential gearbox. From there, subtlety is abandoned. The legendary V10 is dismantled and rebuilt with upgraded internals, a titanium exhaust, and a new intake system, pushing output to around 600 horsepower. Even more intoxicating is the rev ceiling: north of 10,000 rpm.

Suspension duties are entrusted to JRZ, with hardware derived from GT3 racing—an explicit promise that this is not merely a visual exercise, but a deeply re-engineered machine.

Carbon, Character, and Controlled Excess

Stylistically, the Etna sits closer to contemporary restomods like Eccentrica or Futurista than to purist interpretations à la Alfaholics. The original Gallardo silhouette is reshaped with an ultra-modern carbon-fiber body, echoing cues from the Lamborghini Huracán, the Lamborghini Countach, and, naturally, the Gallardo itself—yet the final result asserts a distinct identity.

Carbon fiber is everywhere, shaving an estimated 200 kilograms from the original weight. The numbers that follow are mouthwatering: roughly 600 horsepower pushing just over 1,200 kilograms. The only lingering concern? Whether the original sequential gearbox can truly keep pace—or whether Tedson will push its evolution even further.

Interior details remain under wraps for now, but the official debut is set for early 2026.

Will the Etna be a fleeting provocation, or will it carve out a lasting place in the rapidly evolving restomod landscape? One thing is certain: Tedson Motors has ignited a volcano beneath one of Lamborghini’s most beloved modern classics.