We’ve been watching Adam Hawley and the team at Theon Design for years now, and it’s been fascinating to see them carve out their own space in the crowded 964 restomod world. Their latest commission, dubbed GBR006, distills everything the Oxfordshire-based shop has learned since 2016 into what might be their most cohesive build yet.
The 3.8-Liter That Actually Wants to Drive
At the heart of GBR006 sits a comprehensively rebuilt air-cooled flat-six that’s been bored out to 3.8L. The headline figure is the 407hp at 7,600 rpm, delivering 107hp per liter — the highest specific output for any Theon build to date. That’s the kind of number you’d expect from a modern naturally aspirated exotic, not a reimagined air-cooled Porsche. Torque checks in at 293lb.ft, which might seem modest until you remember this thing weighs just 2,535lbs.
Power flows through a five-speed manual transmission and breathes through independent throttle bodies that Theon shaped specifically to optimize torque delivery. The drive-by-wire throttle system offers four distinct engine maps — from a detuned Town mode for crawling through cities to a full-bore Race setting that wakes up all 407 horses instantly. There’s also a switchable exhaust because your neighbors probably don’t need to hear the full flat-six symphony at 7 a.m.
Built for Roads That Actually Exist
Here’s where GBR006 diverges from most restomods. Rather than chase track-ready handling at the expense of practicality, Theon calibrated the suspension specifically for British B-roads — you know, the ones with cut-up surfaces that resemble the moon. The TracTive semi-active dampers offer five stages of adjustment, with springs deliberately relaxed to deliver exceptional control even when the pavement quality is questionable at best.
The carbon-Kevlar bodywork sheds roughly 220lbs compared to the original 964 while maintaining the steel doors. Stopping duties fall to a 993 RS brake setup with red calipers, tucked behind 18-inch Fuchs-style wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. There’s even a front suspension lift system for navigating steep driveways and speed bumps without destroying the splitter.
(Ice) Green Machine
Theon’s obsessive attention to detail extends well beyond the mechanical bits. The cabin features Recaro CS seats with carbon-fiber backs, trimmed in Phantom Black leather with Ice Green contrast stitching. All the vents, door handles, and control knobs have been reverse-engineered from the original plastic Porsche parts and remachined in billet aluminum with a champagne finish. Even the gauge cluster is bespoke, complete with a dramatic needle sweep on startup.
This commission also introduces several firsts for Theon: body-colored mirrors and headlight rings, plus a new Polished Eclipse Chrome brightwork finish replacing the traditional satin chrome. The Ice Green Metallic paint — an original Porsche color — gets subtle ghost stripes and classic PORSCHE script. An Alpine head unit disappears beneath the dash when not in use, feeding six Focal speakers throughout the cabin.
Spec Sheet
Model: Theon Design GBR006
Base: 1993 Porsche 964
Engine: 3.8L air-cooled flat-six
Power: 407 hp
Torque: 293 lb.ft
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Weight: 2,535 lbs
Wheels: 18″ Fuchs-style (235/40ZR-18 front, 275/35ZR-18 rear)
Pricing & Availability
Theon Design commissions start at £420,000 (~$564,000) for coupes, excluding the donor car. Each build is a fully bespoke 18-month collaboration with the customer. GBR006 made its public debut at the October 5th Bicester Scramble. For more information, visit Theon Design’s website.
Recap
Theon Design Porsche 911 GBR006
Theon Design’s latest 964 restomod packs a 407-horsepower air-cooled flat-six into a 2,535-pound carbon body, but the real story is how they tuned the suspension specifically for beaten-up British roads.
