The Singer Porsche Vehicle Design started in 2009 in Los Angeles. It was founded by Rob Dickinson, a former musician with a deep love for Porsche. He didn’t just want to restore old 911s. He wanted them to be reimagined by Singer.
Singer builds cars based on the 964-generation Porsche 911. Every project starts with a donor car and becomes a completely new creation. The company blends classic Porsche styling with modern tech and precision.
These builds are not officially backed by Porsche AG. But they are built with respect for the brand’s legacy. Each car is a tribute to the timeless design and performance of the 911.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Production Years: 2009 to present
- Founder: Rob Dickinson (former rock musician)
- Base Platform: Porsche 911 (964, 1989–1994)
- Engine: Varies by build, including 3.8L or 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six, or a twin-turbocharged flat-six for the Turbo Study. The DLS engine was developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Top Speed: Varies greatly by spec, with some models exceeding 300 km/h.
- Chassis: Carbon fiber body, custom suspension with key partners like Williams Advanced Engineering (for DLS) and Richard Tuthill of Tuthill Porsche (for ACS).
- Special Editions: DLS, Turbo Study, ACS (All-terrain Competition Study)
- Legacy: One of the most sought-after 911 restorations in the world
History of Singer Porsche
The company started small. Just one car, reimagined by Singer, shown at Pebble Beach in 2009. But that car made a big impact.
By the early 2010s, Singer was on every collector’s radar. The builds were detailed, expensive, and like nothing else on the market.
Then came a turning point. In 2018, Singer revealed the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS). It was built in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. This took the reimagined 911 to a new level of performance.
In recent years, Singer has added the Turbo Study and ACS models. These explore different sides of the 911 story, including off-road rally styling.
Design and Performance
These cars look like classic 911s. But reimagined by Singer, everything has been enhanced.
Exterior
- Carbon fiber body
- Classic 911 lines with updated fit and finish
- Fuchs-style wheels
- Optional exposed carbon
- LED lighting and modern trim
Interior
- Hand-stitched leather
- Lightweight bucket seats
- Retro gauges with modern hardware
- Minimal design with a luxury feel
- Every detail can be customized
Engine and Drivetrain
Singer offers a variety of engine options depending on the client’s request. These include naturally aspirated flat-six engines (typically 3.8L or 4.0L), which can be developed with engine specialists like Cosworth and Ed Pink Racing Engines.
The Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) features a bespoke 4.0L naturally aspirated engine developed with Williams Advanced Engineering. The Turbo Study and All-terrain Competition Study (ACS) use a twin-turbocharged flat-six. Power output varies from around 400 hp to over 700 hp, depending on the engine and tune. All cars feature a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Suspension and Handling
Each car features a custom suspension setup with adjustable dampers. The DLS, for example, benefited from the advanced engineering expertise of Williams Advanced Engineering.
The ACS was co-developed with Richard Tuthill of Tuthill Porsche, a specialist in rally cars. Carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option. Most cars are rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available on the Turbo Study and ACS models.
Special Projects and Variants
The Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) is Singer’s most advanced and technologically intensive project to date. This specific build was a collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering and a roster of motorsport-inspired partners.
It features a bespoke, air-cooled 4.0L flat-six engine that revs to 9,000 rpm and produces over 500 hp. The DLS also includes extensive carbon fiber construction, a highly optimized suspension, and F1-level aerodynamics.
The ACS (All-terrain Competition Study) is Singer’s interpretation of a rally 911, and was a specific client commission developed in partnership with off-road specialist Richard Tuthill of Tuthill Porsche.
Here’s what the ACS includes:
- Twin-turbocharged engine
- Heavily reinforced chassis
- Long-travel suspension
- All-wheel drive
- Motorsport-spec roll cage
The ACS is inspired by legendary rally Porsches from the 1980s.
Motorsport and Cultural Impact
Singer doesn’t compete in races. But their cars are inspired by motorsport engineering.
The DLS draws on Formula 1 tech. The ACS feels like it could run the Dakar Rally. Even the Turbo Study reflects the golden age of Porsche’s racing past.
Singer cars are also cultural icons. They’ve been featured on:
- Top Gear
- Chris Harris Drives
- Jay Leno’s Garage
- Petrolicious
- Carfection
- And many more
Collectors around the world consider them dream cars. Waitlists are long. Prices are high. Demand is steady.
Fun Facts
- Singer is named after Norbert Singer, a legendary Porsche engineer. It’s also a nod to Rob Dickinson’s music career.
- The DLS engine revs to 9,000 rpm.
- Each Singer 911 takes around 4,000 hours to build.
- Every build is different. There are no standard models.
- The first Singer build is known as the Mountain View Car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Singer part of Porsche?
No, Singer is an independent company. They use 964-generation Porsche 911s as the base for their builds, but they are not affiliated with Porsche AG.
2. How much does a Singer 911 cost?
Most Singer 911 builds cost over $600,000. Some go well past $1 million, especially for the DLS.
3. Can I buy one?
Yes, but you’ll need to join the waiting list. Builds are by request only, and each one is fully customized.
4. What is the DLS?
The Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) is Singer’s most advanced project. It includes race-grade suspension, carbon construction, and over 500 horsepower.
5. Are Singer 911s legal to drive on the road?
Yes, Singer 911s are street legal in most places, though some features may vary based on local laws.
Final Thoughts
Singer has done what few companies can. They took a classic car and made it feel new, without losing its soul.
Every build is beautiful, fast, and built to last. It’s not just about performance. It’s about passion, detail, and timeless design.
For fans of the Porsche 911, there’s nothing quite like a Singer.
Photo credit: Matti Blume (CC BY-SA or GFDL), via Wikimedia Commons, Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Prova MO, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons