20 Top six modified 911s: TheonTOP A variety of engine optionsare available, our favouritebeing the 4.0-litre, naturallyaspirated flat six seen here
21BELOW New body panels are3D CAD designed for precisionconveniences too, the wipers being auto activated,while the rear-view mirror is auto dimming.The inherent rightness that’s obvious inside iscarried over to the road. Turning the key to startit has the 4.0-litre fire quickly, and it’s not quiet insignalling its intent. There’s a switchable, completelybespoke quad exhaust, it generating the right timbreat idle and a cruise, and building to a rousing roarwhen you start revelling in the upper limits of theengine’s speed. For a flat-six with a specificationthat reads like that of a race engine, it’s surprisinglyhappy to hustle with the vagaries of modern traffic– it’s driveable and tractable at low revs, there’s norecalcitrance or flat spots, the response is immediateand linear, and the performance is never anythingless than ample.The lack of mass helps here: Hawley claimsthey’ve dropped the best part of 400kg off the DINweight of a 964 Carrera, which is a huge number.That puts it at just under a tonne, which makesfor a relatively easy power-to-weight calculation.Not that you need to be doing mental arithmeticto understand that the Theon is quick, the engine’skeenness to rev, its immediacy of response and thecorresponding increase in pace that comes with itbeing in the alarming, but hugely fun, category.With this car’s eventual home being Germany,Hawley says that the owner asked for a longerratio to be put in fifth, that enough to give this cara theoretical 186mph (or a nice, round Germanic300km/h) top speed, and there’s no reason to doubtit. The engine might dominate, as you’d expect, butit’s not so front of house as to completely obliteratethe rest of the driving experience. Indeed, far fromit, the chassis shining just as brightly, the suspensionmanaging a balance of fine, taut control, and withenough compliance to keep it comfortable, even onour less-than-perfect roads.It’ll be even better in Germany, where the tarmac’sa bit better looked after. Respectful that it’s still notbeen delivered to its owner and the fact we’re onpublic roads, there’s little opportunity to push it toohard, but the balance and control at road speedsunderlines a nicely sorted chassis which, allied to theabundant contact patch on offer from the 335 sectionrear and 255 front Michelins, means it’s not short ofgrip or traction. There’s delicacy there, the steeringlight and loaded in detail, the brakes strong andoffering plenty of feel through the pedal. The clutchis heavy in comparison and it lacks a rest, the ownerlikely to simply put their foot on the painted sectionto the left of it. Even though I’m assured there’spaint protection film on it, I couldn’t bring myselfto do so. The gearshift the clutch allows is light andpositive, but if it were me, I’d want a shorter throwfor even more rapid-fire shifts to facilitate exploringthe engine’s keenness for its redline and the addictiverush and sound that comes with it.Standing looking at it while Cusick points hiscamera at it once more, I’m struck again that it’s beenbuilt by a firm that’s only been in existence for twoyears. That’s genuinely incredible – the execution ofthe finish, as well as the drive, is right up with andindeed bettering some of its established competition.There’s real substance to it, and the quality is obviousthroughout. This is a 911 that while fundamentallyidentical in overall concept to many others, is builtwith differing principles and techniques. The result istangibly, refreshingly and appealingly distinct which,if you’re creating your own, bespoke car, is somethingthat’s certain to appeal, particularly at this rarefiedend of the marketplace.Total 911 verdictThere’s no shortage of specialists outthere who’ll build you the 911 you want,but Theon’s approach differs slightly fromthe norm to create something that whilefamiliar, is also different. Convincingly so too,the focus on design elevates this car intoa sphere that’s beyond many conventionalrivals, which is a sizeable element of itsappeal. That Theon has managed to buildthis car, through a prototype car to thisproduction customer car in just two years, isgenuinely difficult to comprehend.LIKES• Incredible attention to detail andfaithful, considerate appreciation ofthe base car but tastefully and cleverlyupdated and improved.DISLIKES• That attention to detail isn’t cheap.We’re not great fans of the exteriormirrors, though appreciate these couldbe changed. A lighter clutch and ashorter shift (with a leather knob) wouldimprove the drive further too.
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