Singer Vehicle Design has cultivated a devoted following, and for compelling reasons. Established in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, a former vocalist for the influential 1990s band Catherine Wheel—the “Singer” moniker cleverly nodding to both his musical past and a tribute to legendary Porsche engineer Norbert Singer—this restoration atelier has ascended to become the undisputed benchmark in the restomod movement. Focusing meticulously on the air-cooled 964 generation of Porsche’s icon, produced between 1989 and 1994, Singer continues to redefine automotive artistry and performance, setting a gold standard in a rapidly expanding field of imitators.
The Genesis of an Automotive Cult
The allure of Singer lies in its deeply personal and individual approach to vehicle creation. “What attracted me to [Singer] was the fact that it was so individual, it was so personal,” remarks Singer aficionado Grant Maunder. “You’re in this world with Singer, where you can have anything, which is brilliant . . . you’re way more involved in the process, you’ve got way more decisions to make, that’s part of the fun . . . you’re involved in that build.” This profound connection, forged between Dickinson and Maunder during the commission of a Classic restoration, inspired the creation of an exclusive international owner’s gathering held in Adelboden, Switzerland, last June.
A Swiss Sojourn of Automotive Excellence
Maunder, proprietor of The Brecon, his bespoke hotel in Adelboden, generously opened its doors to host this exclusive gathering, transforming it into a base camp for two immersive days of driving. While unable to join the full owner’s retreat, we were granted an exclusive preview, experiencing the meticulously curated routes, the star-studded automotive cast, and the exceptional hospitality extended by Maunder and Singer.
Arriving directly from the high-octane spectacle of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the visual feast awaiting me in Switzerland was nothing short of breathtaking. As Maunder unveiled a discreet storage space adjacent to his hotel, revealing a serene collection of Singer-restored 911s, the experience evoked a profound sense of awe, akin to discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The DLS: A Symphony of Performance and Precision
The true transcendence occurs when one takes the helm of a Singer DLS (Dynamics and Lightweighting Study) reimagining. Introduced in 2018, this bespoke service represents a pinnacle of collaborative engineering. As previously noted, the DLS is the fruit of “a client-inspired partnership between Singer, Williams Advanced Engineering, and a handful of other acclaimed automotive specialists such as Bosch, Brembo, Michelin, and Hewland—most of whom developed components specifically for the car . . . Williams Advanced Engineering worked with Hans Mezger to come up with the coupe’s 500 hp, naturally aspirated four-liter flat-six, a considerable amount of which is made from magnesium.” Crucially, the presence of a six-speed manual transmission ensures an unfiltered connection between driver and machine.
Following Maunder along the serpentine roads from Adelboden towards the majestic Susten Pass, reaching an altitude of 7,415 feet, the DLS commission proves its mettle. The gear changes are executed with balletic precision, the steering responds with uncanny intuition, and the grip inspires absolute confidence. The overall handling is a revelation, a testament to Singer’s pursuit of lightweighting without compromising stability. Piloting this machine feels akin to commanding a carbon-fiber avian marvel, effortlessly gliding through the Alpine landscape.
The Classic: Understated Elegance, Exceptional Drive
At a scenic stop before the summit, I had the opportunity to experience Singer’s original offering: the Classic restoration. “It’s an extraordinarily unassuming vehicle,” observes Maunder, an owner himself. “What I love about it is the fact that it’s an amazing leveler, it’s not a shouty, ‘look at me’ sort of vehicle, it’s very understated.”
While the exterior and interior refinement offer a subtle sophistication, the driving dynamics speak volumes about engineering prowess. Though more reserved than the DLS, its handling strikes a masterful balance of power and poise, positioning it as a coveted daily driver and a true bucket-list experience.
The Classic Turbo: A Nostalgic Powerhouse
Descending from the Susten Pass, the next drive introduced a 911 treated to Singer’s Classic Turbo services, a model lauded as Robb Report’s Best Restomod last year. As highlighted previously, this variant is “an homage to Porsche’s first turbocharged 911—the 1970s-era 930. . . . Highlights include a carbon-fiber body, a rebuilt and enhanced Mezger flat-six engine with twin turbochargers and air-water intercooling—and, in the case of the 510 hp commission we drove, a titanium exhaust system.”
The Classic Turbo intervention masterfully bridges the gap between the DLS and Classic models. More sonorous than the latter and possessing greater gravitas than the former, it uniquely marries contemporary automotive sophistication with the authentic spirit of a bygone era.
The Brecon Hotel: A Harmonious Blend of Eras
The Brecon, a historic establishment dating back to 1914, now boasts 18 rooms and four suites, embodying Singer’s philosophy of artfully merging the past with the present. “From a design aesthetic, there’s certainly a sort of similarity . . . a little bit of a back-to-the-future thing,” remarks Maunder, drawing parallels between his hotel and the automotive creations. He describes the hotel’s style as “going back to what we sort of have a perception of old-school hospitality being about . . . we’ve got a very mid-century, 1960s and 1970s vibe going on to a point, and I think people are attracted to that.”
The following morning, after a refreshing dip in the heated pool with panoramic views of the dramatic Alpine terrain, I met with Dickinson near the Engstligen Falls. We delved deeper into Singer’s Classic services, admiring a stunning example that harmonized beautifully with the breathtaking natural backdrop. Riding shotgun as Dickinson expertly navigated the narrow country lanes, it was evident that the car was a mechanical extension of the man himself—understated, purposeful, and defined by an unwavering attention to detail.
A Community Forged by Passion
Back in the elegant, living-room-style lounge of The Brecon, the conversation turned to the upcoming driving experience for Singer’s clientele, many of whom have evolved into close friends. “We thought it was a good idea, but more importantly, our clients did, they’ve been asking us to do it,” Dickinson shared. “We’ve done various things over the years, where we’ve done drives up to Monterey from Los Angeles . . . a few informal things in England and the U.S., and they’ve gone so well. Putting these guys together, amazing clients that come from all sorts of different backgrounds, it’s just fascinating . . . it’s like a bit of a social experiment, and it always works well, and it always ends in joy, and people want to do it again.”
This sense of community and shared experience will continue this autumn as the next Singer adventure unfolds in France. While eternal happiness is not guaranteed, the journey promises an unforgettable narrative, a story that its participants will undoubtedly cherish and retell for years to come.
Business Style Takeaway: Singer’s reimagined Porsches represent the zenith of automotive bespoke craftsmanship, blending heritage with cutting-edge engineering. These vehicles are not merely cars but significant cultural artifacts and potent status symbols, commanding substantial residual value and appeal among discerning collectors who appreciate timeless design elevated to an art form.
According to the portal: robbreport.com