Things move fast on planet restomod. 15 years ago the restored Porsches that left Singer Vehicle Design’s HQ were undoubtedly exotic, but they were definitely recognisable as 964-era 911s. Before long larger flat-sixes became available, and then the Classic commissions soon became old news: there was the Carrera Coupe, the DLS, then the extraordinary car you see here: the DLS Turbo.
It’s a familiar story across the board, in Singer’s defence. MST has very quickly evolved from lovely Escort-shaped creations to carbon-bodied road racers; Frontline made its restomod name with MX-5-engined MGBs, and now offers V8 engined ones; Alfaholics sweet little classics are nowhere near as well known as the GTA-R. And so on. There’s always a desire for more, making monsters of what were once quite humble classic cars.
But monster probably undersells what Singer achieved with the DLS Turbo. With an expressed aim to evoke the sensational 934/5 race car, a 700hp-plus, twin-turbo flat-six was created, providing more than enough power to do the outrageous aesthetic justice. Just 99 were produced, all spoken for faster than you could say Dynamics and Lightweight Study.
The lucky few had the choice between touring-focused bodywork or the full track homage. The buyer of this one couldn’t (or wouldn’t) choose, though, and so it comes with both. There can’t be many cars that would suit an orange exterior with orange inside, but then most cars aren’t a DLS Turbo from Singer. With the wings, spoilers and wheels of this matched to the Solid Tangerine, you wouldn’t want to turn it down one little bit. There are plenty of other classic Porsche-shaped things that don’t shout about their potential quite so explicitly; if you’re going to make a statement, may as well really make a statement…
The Firefly Commission is notable even with just 98 other Turbos in the world; it’s one of very few (think around 10) that’s right-hand drive, delivered to its UK owner last year and with them since. It also featured prominently at Festival of Speed this summer, driven up the hill by Marino Franchitti no less.
A proper collectable, then, as well as a driving experience without compare. And attention grabbing like nothing else on the planet. Which will mean an asking price of several million, of course, but at least no waiting list. You’d not need another turbocharged Porsche anytime soon, either…
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