Meet the Type 859
The car causing a stir is a bespoke creation from UK-based Theon Design. At first glance, it looks like a classic Porsche 911, but it is something much more. Built from the chassis of a 1990s Porsche 911 (known as the 964 generation), the car is a modern
interpretation of a forgotten motorsport hero: the 1984 Porsche 911 SC RS. That historic car was a lightweight, homologation special built in tiny numbers—just 21 were made—to compete in the infamous Group B rally category. Theon's creation, referred to by a commission number, is a tribute to that raw, purposeful machine, blending its aggressive, wide-bodied stance with obsessive modern craftsmanship.
More Than a Restoration
To understand the Type 859, you first have to understand the term 'restomod'. It’s a blend of 'restoration' and 'modification'. Unlike a pure restoration that aims to return a car to its exact factory condition, a restomod keeps the classic soul and style but overhauls everything else with modern technology. This means better engines, superior suspension, reliable brakes, and contemporary comforts like high-end audio systems and air conditioning. The goal is to create a car that has the iconic look of a classic but drives with the performance, safety, and reliability of a brand-new vehicle. Companies like Singer Vehicle Design and Gunther Werks have become famous for applying this philosophy to older Porsches, turning them into bespoke works of art. Theon Design operates in this same elite space, where each car is a unique commission for a specific client.
A Story in Every Detail
What makes the Type 859 special is how it tells the story of its inspiration. The original 911 SC RS was a featherweight rally weapon, and Theon follows that ethos by replacing most of the donor car's steel body panels with lightweight carbon fibre. This brings the weight down dramatically, giving it a power-to-weight ratio better than many modern supercars. The engine, a hand-built 4.0-litre air-cooled flat-six, is a modern powerhouse producing over 400 horsepower, a huge leap from the original SC RS's 250 horsepower. But it’s not just about power. The design choices—the wide wheel arches, the specific style of the rear spoiler, and the stripped-back, driver-focused interior—are all direct nods to the Group B rally car. It's a drivable piece of history, reimagined to be better than the original in every measurable way.
A Growing Trend in Automotive Art
This focus on historical narrative is becoming a hallmark of the top-tier restomod market. It's no longer enough to just make an old car fast. The most sought-after builders are creating machines that celebrate a specific moment in a brand's heritage. Singer's 'Dynamics & Lightweighting Study' (DLS) cars, for example, are a homage to the ultimate evolution of the air-cooled 911, developed with legendary engineering firm Williams. Gunther Werks focuses on remastering the last generation of air-cooled Porsches, the 993, into what they believe is its ultimate form. These companies are less like car tuners and more like automotive storytellers, using metal, carbon fibre, and leather as their medium. This approach elevates the cars from mere vehicles to functional art, each with a deep narrative.
The Price of a Four-Wheeled Narrative
This level of craftsmanship and storytelling comes at a steep price. A commission from Theon Design starts at over £390,000 before the cost of the donor car is even factored in. Singer and Gunther Werks creations can easily command prices well over half a million dollars, with some special editions reaching into the multi-millions. These are not just cars; they are seen as investments and collectibles. Wealthy enthusiasts are increasingly choosing to spend supercar money not on the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini, but on a unique, hand-built machine that offers a connection to motorsport history. They are buying exclusivity, a tailored experience, and a story they can’t get from a mass-produced vehicle. It's a market shift where nostalgia, performance, and art intersect at the highest level.
