Porsche 911 restomod specialist Singer heads to Oz

The Californian company that has gained international recognition for its restoration of air-cooled Porsche 911 models now has official representation in Australia and New Zealand.

Melbourne-based Zagame Automotive Group has added Singer Vehicle Design to a line-up that includes Pagani, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce.

But while those brands all build their own luxury and high-performance vehicles, Singer focuses on restoring and ‘reimagining’ 1989-1994 Porsche 911 models, based on the 964 chassis.

These cars are hyper-expensive. You can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of the donor car.

There is already a Singer restoration of a Porsche 911 on the road in New Zealand, which is pictured with this story. The first Australian restoration will arrive before the end of 2021.

As you can see from what’s called the ‘North Island Commission’, Singer not only brings these 911s back to brand-new, it also blends that with current tech and materials.

The Kiwi 911 comes with carbon-fibre bodywork in olive with black stripes and lettering. The interior is trimmed in chocolate brown. Touring seats with four-way adjustment, and perforated leather inserts have been selected.

The heart of this 911 is a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated, air-cooled flat-six, paired with a manual transmission.

Established by former car designer and rock musician Rob Dickinson in 2009, Singer can restore rear- and all-wheel drive and left- and right-hand drive 911s.

Areas it can then update and modify – or reimagine – include: chassis and body; engine, exhaust and drivetrain; electrical, lighting and glass; suspension, brakes and wheels; colours and interior.

Singer’s ‘special wishes’ department can add bespoke details and engineering, ranging from trim finishes through to ski racks, spotlights, or alternative wheel design.

“It’s so exciting to be reaching out to new audiences,” Dickinson said. “We’re humbled to be in touch with enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand who wish to commission our services in pursuit of their personal vision for the ultimate air-cooled 911.”

Zagame will furnish advice on customer requirements and provide service and maintenance support for Singer vehicles.

“We’re very excited to be at the forefront of supporting Singer’s clients in Australia and New Zealand and together we look forward to seeing more of these beautiful cars on the road here,” said Zagame Automotive Group managing director Bobby Zagame.