Let's dive into the world of Singer Vehicle Design, the brand many consider the pinnacle of perfection in the art of transforming the iconic Porsche 911. Ready? Let's begin!
The Beginnings of Singer
Singer Vehicle Design was founded in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, a man with a deep passion for automobiles and an interesting history. Before venturing into the automotive world, Rob was the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Catherine Wheel. However, his love for the Porsche 911 was always present.
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Rob grew up admiring Porsches and, after leaving music, decided to follow his true passion: cars. He moved to Los Angeles, where he began working on restoring and modifying Porsches. His goal was simple yet ambitious: to take the iconic Porsche 911 and elevate it to a new level of perfection, combining classic charm with modern enhancements.
The primary reason Rob created Singer was his desire to honor and enhance the original design of the Porsche 911. He wanted to create cars that retained the essence and spirit of the classics, but with modern technology and materials that would offer a superior driving experience.
Singer's principles are summarized in three words: "Restore, Rebuild, Reimagine." They restore classic Porsche 911s with extraordinary attention to detail, rebuild them with the best materials and techniques available, and reimagine every detail to achieve the perfect balance between the classic and the contemporary.
Every car that leaves Singer's workshop is unique and customized according to the client's wishes, but they all share the same obsessive attention to detail and the same passion for perfection. Singer has earned a worldwide reputation for its quality and artisanal approach, making its cars extremely valued and desired by Porsche enthusiasts across the globe.
How Singer Works
Singer Vehicle Design specializes in transforming classic Porsche 911s into modern masterpieces with a more professional and industrialized service. They primarily work with late 80s and early 90s 911 models, specifically the 964 generation. These cars are chosen for their perfect balance between the classic and the modern, providing a solid foundation for the enhancements that Singer makes.
The transformation process at Singer begins with the selection and purchase of a Porsche 964. The car is sent to Singer's workshop, where it is completely dismantled down to the last nut and bolt. This approach allows Singer's artisans to inspect and restore every component, ensuring everything is in perfect condition or improved with high-quality parts.
The 911's body is rebuilt using carbon fiber, a lightweight and strong material that improves the vehicle's performance and aesthetics. Singer's cars maintain the iconic aesthetic of the Porsche 911, but with subtle enhancements. This includes adjustments to the fenders, bumpers, and hood to improve aerodynamics and the overall appearance. The headlights and taillights are modernized, often using LED technology, while retaining the classic design. The front lights may include glass details and special finishes.
Singer incorporates discreet spoilers and wings that improve aerodynamics without compromising the classic 911 design. These elements are often perfectly integrated into the body. The wheels are customized, often designed to mimic the style of the original Fuchs wheels, but made with modern, high-quality materials. They also install adjustable suspension systems and high-performance brakes, ensuring the car is not only fast but also safe and fun to drive.
The Porsche 964’s engine is a main focus of the modifications. Singer collaborates with engine experts like Ed Pink Racing Engines to rebuild and enhance the original engine. The goal is to maintain the classic character of the air-cooled engine but with modernized power and reliability. Singer engines can reach up to 4.0 liters of displacement and produce around 390 horsepower, offering an exciting and dynamic driving experience.
The interior of a Singer is a work of art in itself. Every detail is carefully considered, using high-quality materials like leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber. The interior design retains the classic charm of the 911, but with all the modern comforts a driver could desire. From custom seats to high-quality sound systems, each car is a perfect blend of luxury and functionality.
One of Singer’s most notable features is customization. Each client has the opportunity to be involved in the design of their car, choosing specific colors, materials, and details that reflect their tastes and preferences. This ensures that every Porsche modified by Singer is unique and personalized to the maximum. From the Singer emblem to the stitching in the interior, every detail is carefully considered and handcrafted, ensuring the car not only looks spectacular but also offers a premium tactile experience.
Reach of Singer
Singer Vehicle Design has become an extremely popular and respected brand in the automotive world. Their meticulous approach and dedication to perfection have captured the attention of both classic and modern car enthusiasts. The cars modified by Singer are widely recognized and acclaimed for their exceptional quality and attention to detail, which has led the brand to be considered one of the best in its field.
The type of clients that Singer attracts is quite exclusive. Their cars are targeted at high-level collectors and enthusiasts who seek the best in terms of performance, luxury, and customization. Singer’s clients are typically people with a deep love for Porsche and an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. These clients are not just looking for a car that performs well, but an automotive work of art that reflects their personality and style.
The exclusivity of Singer is one of its main attractions. Due to the amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail required for each car, production is limited, completing between 10 and 15 cars per year. This makes each vehicle extremely valuable and desirable. The wait times to obtain a Singer can be long, ranging from 12 to 24 months from the time an order is placed until the finished car is received. Prices can reach several hundred thousand dollars, often starting around $500,000 and easily exceeding a million dollars, which further emphasizes its exclusivity.
Singer cars are considered collectible items and often appreciate in value over time. This exclusivity and unparalleled quality have helped build a loyal and passionate community of owners and admirers. Events and exhibitions where Singer cars are showcased attract a lot of attention, and the vehicles are always a highlight at any automotive show.
Comparison with RWB
Many compare Singer Vehicle Design with RAUH-Welt Begriff since both transform classic Porsches. But… which is better?
While Singer seeks perfection in every detail, blending classic design with modern technology and luxury craftsmanship, RWB focuses on individual expression and creating cars that make a bold visual statement. Singer’s cars are known for their refined elegance and enhanced performance, whereas RWB’s are celebrated for their rugged, aggressive style geared towards the track and their ability to capture attention anywhere.
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Singer and RWB represent two extremes in the world of Porsche modification: one perfectionist and refined, the other bold and expressive. Both have created loyal followings and left an indelible mark on automotive culture, each in their own way.
The belief that Singer is superior lies in its ability to transform Porsche 911s into works of art that combine the best of tradition and innovation. However, the true answer to which is better depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for in a modified Porsche. Do you prefer the purity and artisanal luxury of Singer, or the visual impact and radical individuality of RWB?